18 Solutions For Windows Update Cannot Check For Updates Currently

Windows Update Cannot Check For Updates Currently, Windows Update is a free Microsoft software update service. Using Windows Update to update device drivers Updates for Windows occur every second Tuesday. Microsoft releases critical upgrades on weekends.

Windows Update updates Microsoft software. Patches frequently provide new features and improve protection against viruses and hackers. It also shows the update history, which includes all Windows Update Service updates.

Why is Windows Updates Service necessary?

Windows upgrades are essential. It allows Microsoft to update, bug repair, and secure Windows users. There is a danger of major security issues if the user chooses to skip or halt updates.

Windows Update was planned to be an online program when Windows 98 came out. Then a game and an extension with device driver updates. Windows 95 included a program that downloaded updates.

Windows Updates are mostly security updates. This helps Microsoft operating systems defend against malware, virus assaults, and hacker attacks on your data. Stability is improved.

Windows may include defects or incompatibilities that lead to security gaps that hackers, malware, or viruses may easily exploit. As a result, updating Windows patches vulnerabilities and issues but seldom adds new features.

What is the error message ‘Windows update cannot currently check for updates?

You run Windows Update to see whether any upgrades are required. However, for various reasons, the updater cannot check for updates. This may appear to be a major issue, but it’s usually one that you can easily fix on your own.

The “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates” error usually occurs when the package Distribution folder is corrupted. “Windows Update cannot check for updates because the service is down,” the error message may state.

You can restart your computer.” Windows 8, 7, and aspect users have rumored it. Stay away. Many Windows users, like yourself, are struggling with this issue. Significantly, We’ve discovered the solution. Follow the steps on this page to fix your Windows.

Tip: Windows update failure is rather common. Windows Update may become stuck on updating when trying to upgrade your operating system.

Solutions to the “Windows Update Cannot Check for Updates” issue

Now we’ll teach you how to fix the problem. Because the service is not operating, Windows Update cannot check for updates. You can attempt each of the following solutions one at a time.

Solutions To Fix Windows Update Cannot Check For Updates Currently

1. Temporarily disable anti-virus software or the firewall.
2. Remove the Windows Update History
3. Register Windows Update Service
4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
5. Update RST Driver
6. Reset Windows Update Repository
7. Delete or Rename SoftwareDistribution folder
8. Change Windows Update Settings
9. Update or uninstall Intel Rapid Storage Technology
10. Reboot Your Windows Update
11. Repair Windows Update Service
12. Resetting Windows Update Settings
13. Repair Windows Update Database
14. Perform System Restore
15. Make Changes To The Group Policy
16. Check If The Necessary Services Are Running
17. Reset Windows Update components
18. Create A New Administrator Account

1. Temporarily disable anti-virus software or the firewall.

To resolve the matter, as a result, Windows Update is currently unable to examine for updates, you’ll be able to disable third-party security software systems or the Firewall quickly.

Though an anti-virus software system and a firewall will facilitate defending your laptop and knowledge from virus attacks and different security considerations, they will additionally veto some apps from functioning properly.

The biggest disadvantage of utilizing these third-party apps is that they have been known to cause issues with various programs. It might potentially be a problem with one of the Windows Update components.

When your antivirus software detects a false positive in an application on your computer, this occurs. Some antivirus applications have been known to cause issues like this.

 Here’s how to turn off your antivirus software:

1. Locate the Antivirus Software Icon in the System Tray.
2. Right-click On The Icon And Select Disable Permanently.
3. After that, restart the computer to see whether the error has been resolved.
4. If the problem persists, uninstall it using the Control Panel.

The Windows Automatic Update Keeps Turning Off problem has now been resolved.

2. Remove the Windows Update History

Corrupted Windows Update history files might potentially be to blame for this issue. You can try removing your Windows Update history to see if it would restore Windows Update functionality.

Please keep in mind that your Windows Update history data are kept in the Windows Software Distribution folder. The instructions below will delete all files in this folder and recreate your Windows datastore. Only use this procedure if all of the other options have failed.

You may erase the Windows Upgrade history and restart the Windows Update service from here. We will show you the detailed instructions right here using the following steps given below:

1. To launch the Run dialogue, press the Windows key and R together on your keyboard, and then type services.MSc into the box. Then, to proceed, click OK or press Enter.
2. Find the Windows Update service in the popup window and right-click it to pick Stop from the context menu to stop the service.

3. Then, proceed with the instructions below to delete the Windows Update history. To open Windows Explorer, press the Windows key and the E key simultaneously.
4. Next, travel to the file path C: WindowsSoftwareDistribution and locate the SoftwareDistribution folder.
5. Select and remove all files in the SoftwareDistribution folder.
6. You will then receive a warning notice and must click the Yes option to proceed.
7. After successfully deleting all files from the Windows Upgrade history, you may return to Step 1 to locate the Windows Update service again. Then, under the context menu, select Start to resume the service.

When you have completed all of the above procedures, you may restart your computer to see whether the issue Windows update cannot check for updates because the service is not running Windows has been resolved.

3. Register Windows Update Service

If any of the.dll files associated with the Windows Update service are not properly registered, you may receive the error Windows Update cannot currently check for updates.

As a result, you can attempt registering Windows Update to resolve the issue. And we’ll walk you through the process of registering the Windows Update service step by step. To register the Windows Update service, follow the steps below but first, please stop the Windows Update service on your computer: 

1. Simultaneously click the Windows logo key and R to open the Run box.
2. Enter services. MSC and press are OK.
3. Locate and right-click Windows Update, then choose Stop.
4. To register the Windows Update service, click the Start button, put cmd into the search box, and click cmd to choose Run as administrator.
5. When asked by User Account Control, select Yes.
6. Enter each of the following commands after typing them:

• regsvr32 wuapi.dll
• regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
• regsvr32 wups.dll
• regsvr32 wups2.dll
• regsvr32 wuwebv.dll
• regsvr32 wucltux.dll

7. When asked, click OK. Restart your computer’s Windows Update service.
8. Simultaneously click the Windows logo key and R to open the Run box on your keyboard.
9. Enter services. MSC and press are OK.
10. Locate and right-click Windows Update, then choose Start.

After you have completed all of the steps, restart your computer and run a check for updates to see whether the problem with Windows not being able to check for updates because the service is not running has been resolved.

4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

In reality, you may try running Windows Update Troubleshooter to resolve the issue Windows cannot check for updates. And then, by following the procedures, you may continue to resolve the issue that Windows Update is now unable to check for updates. If your computer does not have the Windows Update Troubleshooter, you may download and install it.

Then we’ll teach you how to use Windows’s Windows Update Troubleshooter using the following steps:

1. Click the Start button, type troubleshoots into the Windows search box, and then select Troubleshooting to proceed.
2. In the popup box, choose Fix issues with Windows Update under the System and Security area.
3. To continue, click the Next button. The problem will then be detected automatically by Windows Update Troubleshooter. This procedure may take some time, and you must be patient.
4. If your machine has any issues, the Windows Update Troubleshooter will identify and resolve them. After the operation is complete, you may exit Windows Update Troubleshooter and restart your computer to see whether the issue Windows Update cannot presently check for updates has been resolved.

5. Update RST Driver

The Updater, like many other PC components, relies on vital drivers. These are RST (Rapid Storage Technology) drivers. The updater may not work correctly if these drivers are outdated, corrupted, or missing. 

• The first step is to download the RST drivers from Intel’s website. The RST driver download is independent of your Windows system; therefore, knowing your Windows system and bit size is crucial. 
• To manually install or update the RST driver, browse the Intel website and choose the most recent version. Then download it. Then comes installing the drivers. 
• After downloading the file, follow the on-screen instructions to install the drivers on Windows. You can then retry the updater. Remember to restart your computer first.

If you’re unsure about your computer’s Windows version or whether it’s 32-bit or 64-bit, you may utilize one of the several auto-updaters available. Remember that many of these services aren’t free, and you’ll want to deal with a reputable updater. Before starting, make sure you stop Windows Updater via the Services menu.

6. Reset Windows Update Repository

Now we’ll show you the final solution to the problem. Windows Update is temporarily unable to check for updates. You can attempt to reset the Windows update repository using the following steps:

1. Launch the Command Prompt window as an administrator.

2. Enter the following commands in the Command Line window, pressing Enter after each.

• net stop bits
• net stop wuauserv

3. Launch Windows Explorer and browse to the % WINDIR% folder.
4. Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder to SoftwareDistribution.old.
5. Return to the Command Prompt window and enter the instructions.

• net start bits
• net start wuauserv

6. Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

When you’ve completed all of the procedures, check to see if the problem with Windows 7 not checking for updates has been resolved.

7. Delete or Rename SoftwareDistribution folder

A corruptSoftwareDistribution folder might cause “Windows update cannot currently check for updates.” You might wish to rename it so that Windows can build a new SoftwareDistribution folder and redownload Windows Update. See the procedures below for renaming or deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder:

1. Go to Windows Start, enter CMD, right-click Command prompt and select Run as Administrator.
2. Enter net stop wuauserv into the Command Prompt and hit the Enter key.
3. Then, type ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak and press Enter key.
4. Enter net start wuauserv into the Command Prompt and hit the Enter key.
5. Then restart your computer.
6. Now, go to Windows Start and search for Check for Update.

8. Change Windows Update Settings

If you have the Windows Update Settings set to “Install updates automatically,” this might be triggering the error “Windows update cannot currently scan for updates.” Change it to “Check for updates but let me choose to download and install them.” See the instructions below to modify it:

1. Click Windows Start, type Check for Updates in the search field, and click the Enter key.
2. Click the Change Settings button.
3. Replace Install updates automatically with Check for updates but allow me to download and install them.
4. Click OK.
5. Then attempt to check for updates.

9. Update or uninstall Intel Rapid Storage Technology

The message “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates” might be caused by the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver. The problem commonly arises on the x64 edition of Windows. Update or delete any Intel Rapid Storage Technology drivers that are currently installed. Follow the procedures below to remove the driver:

1. Click Windows Start, type Check for Updates in the search field, and click the Enter key.
2. Click the Change Settings button.
3. Replace Install updates automatically with Check for updates but allow me to download and install them.
4. Click OK.
5. Then attempt to check for updates.

10. Reboot Your Windows Update

Like your computer as a whole, the updater may need to be switched off and then back on again. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to clean up any temporary files that may have become damaged so that the updater can function properly. Take the following steps:

1. Begin by hitting “E” and the Windows key simultaneously. This should launch the file explorer.
2. Navigate to your “C:” folder and then to the “Windows” option. Another folder with the title “Software Distribution” may be found in this folder.
3. You must erase all of the existing files in this folder. You may easily accomplish this by simultaneously hitting “A” and “CTRL.” Then, right-click and select “Delete.” The computer will now request your approval to erase all of the files. Simply hit “Yes” and wait for the procedure to complete.
4. Simply restart your Windows Updater in the same method that we did before.

11. Repair Windows Update Service

A batch program is available that will stop the Windows Update service, delete the SoftwareDistribution folder, and restart the update service to make things easier. windowsupdatefix.bat

1. Right-click the windowsupdatefix.bat link and select Save As. Save the file, then navigate to the file’s location, right-click it, and choose Run As Administrator.
2. A black command prompt window will appear; once the window has vanished, try executing the update again.

12. Resetting Windows Update Settings

Turning off and then on Windows Update through the control panel has resolved this issue for many customers since it resets any incorrect Windows Update settings. To do so, hit the Windows key and enter Windows Update and follow the steps given below:

1. In the search results, select Windows update. Click Change Settings in the Windows update box.
2. Select Never check for updates in the Important Updates section and click OK. All windows should be closed.
3. Return to the Windows update settings window. Click OK after selecting Install updates automatically. Check for updates once again.

13. Repair Windows Update Database

To repair the Windows update database, Click Start and type cmd. Choose Run As Administrator from the context menu when you right-click CMD and follow the steps given below

1. Execute the following commands in the black command prompt:

• net stop wuauserv 
• cd /d %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\Logs 
• esentutl /mh ..\DataStore.edb | findstr /i /c:”State:”

2. If the command-line displays State: Clean Shutdown, you do not need to proceed with this method because the database is OK.
3. If this step fails or the command-line does not display State: Clean Shutdown, a temporary folder named “fixed files” is created. To accomplish so, open the black command prompt window and enter the following command:

mkdir c:\fixedfiles

4. Access another Windows machine whose Windows updates are working properly. Hold down the Windows key and then hit R. Enter System32 into the search box.
5. Locate the file esent.dll in the System32 folder and copy it to the fixed files folder of the machine whose Windows update you are restoring.
6. Then, in the target computer’s command prompt’s black window, type the following command:

• copy %windir%\system32\esentutl.Exe c:\fixedfiles\
• c:\fixedfiles\esentutl.exe /r edb
• net start wuauserv

Restart your system and run Windows update to check if the issue is resolved.

14. Perform System Restore

The System Restore feature allows you to revert your Windows installation to a previous functioning state while retaining your documents. Suppose anything big happens on your PC, such as a system crash or faulty device drivers interfering with Windows’ activities. You may use the System Restore function to return to the last Restore Point and restore your system to its previous state.

If you believe you encountered this issue after a specific operation, you can conduct a System Restore. This will not affect your files.

Follow the steps below to determine whether your System Restore capability is activated by default:

1. Open the Start Menu and look for System Restore options.
2. Select the first option, ‘Create a restore point.
3. A System Properties window will open on your computer, revealing all of the Restore point settings. Ensure that the protection on Local Disk C is activated in the Protection Settings section (System Drive).

If it is deactivated, click on the Configure button > tick the box next to Turn On system protection> click on Apply > OK to apply the modifications.

By shifting the slider to the left or right.

4. When you make changes to your Windows, your computer will automatically create restore points.

System Restore will now be enabled on all discs with system protection enabled!

Now that you’ve successfully set up System Restore, the next step is to understand how to restore items if something unavoidable happens to your computer. To begin the restoration procedure, follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to the Control Panel and choose System and Security Settings.
2. On the right-pane, locate and choose the File History option.
3. In the bottom-left window, select the Recovery option.
4. Select the Open System Restore option > the System Restore Wizard will open. Click the Next button!
5. On the next box, select the desired restoration point from the list > Next > Next > Finish.

A warning message will display on your screen, asking whether you’re sure you want to use System Restore in safe mode, as your machine will be restored to the condition it was in before the specified incident.

To proceed, click the ‘Yes’ button. Wait for Windows 10 to restore the specified restore point before rebooting your computer!

15. Make Changes To The Group Policy

According to users, your settings might occasionally conflict with Windows Update, causing Windows Update to fail to scan for updates. It is recommended that you alter your group policy settings to resolve the issue. This is a straightforward process that may be completed by following the steps given below:

1. Enter gpedit. MSc by pressing Windows Key + R. Now hit the Enter key or click OK.
2. Navigate to the following routes in the left pane:

• Computer ConfigurationAdminstrative TemplatesWindowsComponetsWindows Update
• User ConfigurationAdminstrative TemplatesWindows ComponetsWindows Update

3. Make certain that non-administrators have access to them.
4. Close the Group Policy editor when you’ve finished making changes.

You should be able to download updates again if everything is in order.

Pro tip: Several users indicate that merely changing specific services to Not Configured solved the problem. To do so, take the following steps:

1. Launch the Group Policy Editor.
2. In the left pane, navigate to:

• Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesWindows ComponentsWindows Update

3. Check that all policies in the right pane are set to Not configured. If a policy isn’t set to Not configured, double-click it to alter its status. Do this for all available policies.
4. In the left pane, navigate to:

• Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesSystemInternet Communication ManagementInternet Communication settings

5. Locate Turn off access to all Windows Update functions in the right pane and ensure it is set to Not configured.
6. Return to the road you took in Step 2. Double-click Configure Automatic Updates in the right pane.
7. Select Enabled from the options. Set Configure automatic updating to 5 – Allow local administrator to determine option, then click Apply and OK. Several users have indicated that you may also leave this policy Not Configured so that you can skip this step.
8. Finally, ensure that the Remove access to utilize all Windows Update features policy is set to Not configured. If not, make the necessary changes.

After that, the Windows Update issue should be rectified, and everything should be back to normal.

16. Check If The Necessary Services Are Running

Certain services must be enabled for Windows Update to function. If you receive the Windows Update cannot currently check for updates issues, it is recommended that you verify your services and ensure that the essential services are operational. To enable them, follow these steps:

1. Enter services.msc by pressing Windows Key + R. Now hit the Enter key or click OK.
2. When the Services window appears, find and double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service to view its properties.
3. To start the service, click the Start button when the Properties window appears. To save the changes, click Apply and OK.
4. Locate the Windows Update service and ensure that it is operational.

The problem should be rectified once both of these services are operational.

17. Reset Windows Update components

Windows Update components can also generate the message “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates.” Certain files or services can occasionally interfere with Windows Update, resulting in the appearance of this issue.

This may be fixed by running Command Prompt as administrator. You may accomplish this by hitting Windows Key + X and selecting Command Prompt (Admin). As an alternative, you can utilize PowerShell (Admin). And then, when Command Prompt appears, type the following commands:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptic
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Ren C: WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptic
net start bits
net start msiserver

The problem with Windows Update should be addressed when you perform these commands.

18. Create A New Administrator Account

According to users, if you do not have administrator access, the warning Windows Update cannot currently check for updates may display. You should be able to correct this by creating a new administrator account. You can do so by following the instructions below:

1. Navigate to the Accounts area in the Settings app.
2. From the left pane, select Family & Other People. Add someone else to this PC by clicking the Add someone else to this PC option.
3. Select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
4. Select Add a person without a Microsoft account.
5. Enter the chosen username and then press the Next button.

You will now have a new account ready. This account, however, does not have administrator privileges; nevertheless, we may modify that by executing the following:

1. Go to Settings app > Accounts > Family & other people.
2. Locate the account you want to change, select it, and choose the Change account type
3. Set Account type to Administrator and click OK.

After creating a new user account, switch to it and check if the problem is still there.

What if These Methods Don’t Work?

If the problems cannot be solved, you may try to contact Windows customer care to see if they have any solutions for you. Make careful to let them know what you’ve previously attempted to expedite the process.

Suggestion: After you’ve resolved the problem, Because Windows Update is temporarily unable to check for updates, you should build a system image to keep your PC secure. And, if this or another problem arises, you may utilize the previously prepared system image to restore your machine to a normal condition easily.

Conclusion

This article thoroughly examines all probable error causes that may prohibit a proper service execution during a Windows Update. For those unfamiliar with the Windows operating system, most security updates that assist in safeguarding the computer from dangerous viruses and hackers are often deployed in the system via the Windows Update process.

Because Windows Updates address security vulnerabilities, it is the worst and most likely weakness that malware or a hacker may exploit. As a result, this article provides you with an appropriate step-by-step approach to preventing the “service not operating” problem, which may play a critical role in blocking any flaws that malicious individuals may exploit.