How to Restart Windows Update Services on Windows – 2026

How to Restart Windows Update Services on Windows

Windows Update is an essential feature that keeps your computer secure, stable, and compatible with the latest software and drivers. However, updates do not always work smoothly. Sometimes Windows Update may freeze, fail to download files, display error codes, or remain stuck checking for updates indefinitely.

One of the most effective troubleshooting methods is to restart Windows Update related services. These services control downloading, verifying, and installing updates in the background. If one of them stops working properly, the entire update process can fail.

Fortunately, restarting these services is usually simple and can resolve many Windows Update problems on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

In this guide, you’ll learn which services are related to Windows Update, why restarting them helps, and the safest methods to restart them correctly.

Why Restart Windows Update Services?

Windows Update relies on several background services to function properly. If these services become stuck, corrupted, or disabled, updates may stop working entirely.

Restarting the services can help:

• Fix stuck Windows updates
• Resolve update download errors
• Repair failed installations
• Refresh update components
• Restore normal update functionality

Common Windows Update Problems

You may encounter issues such as:

• Windows Update stuck at 0% or 100%
• Error codes during updates
• “Checking for updates” loading forever
• Failed update installations
• Missing update services
• Slow update downloads

Important Windows Update Related Services

Several Windows services are critical for update functionality.

Windows Update Service (wuauserv)

This is the primary update service responsible for detecting and installing updates.

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

BITS handles update downloads in the background efficiently.

Cryptographic Services

This service verifies update signatures and security certificates.

Windows Installer Service

Some updates require the installer service to complete installation.

How to Restart Windows Update Services

There are multiple ways to restart these services safely.

Method 1: Restart Services Using Services Manager

This is the easiest method for most users.

Steps

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type:

services.msc

3. Press Enter

The Services window will open.

Restart These Services One by One

Locate the following services:

• Windows Update
• Background Intelligent Transfer Service
• Cryptographic Services
• Windows Installer

For each service:

1. Right-click the service
2. Select Restart

If Restart is unavailable:

• Choose Stop first
• Then choose Start

Method 2: Restart Services Using Command Prompt

Advanced users may prefer Command Prompt.

Steps

1. Search for Command Prompt
2. Right-click it
3. Select Run as administrator

Stop the Services

Run the following commands:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
net stop msiserver

Restart the Services

Now run:

net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
net start msiserver

Restart your computer afterward.

Method 3: Restart Services Using PowerShell

PowerShell can also manage Windows services.

Steps

1. Open PowerShell as administrator
2. Run:

Restart-Service wuauserv
Restart-Service bits
Restart-Service cryptsvc
Restart-Service msiserver

Reset Windows Update Components

Sometimes restarting services alone is not enough.

Resetting update components can help repair deeper issues.

Rename SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary update files.

Steps

1. Stop update services first
2. Open File Explorer
3. Navigate to:

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

4. Rename the folder to:

SoftwareDistribution.old

5. Restart update services

Windows will recreate the folder automatically.

Rename Catroot2 Folder

Catroot2 stores update signature data.

Steps

Navigate to:

C:\Windows\System32\catroot2

Rename it to:

catroot2.old

Restart services afterward.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in repair tool.

Steps

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System → Troubleshoot
3. Select Other troubleshooters
4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Check Windows Update Service Startup Type

Services must not be disabled.

Recommended Settings

• Windows Update → Manual or Automatic
• BITS → Automatic (Delayed Start)
• Cryptographic Services → Automatic

Run System File Checker

Corrupted system files can break update services.

Steps

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

sfc /scannow

Restart afterward.

Use DISM Tool

Repair deeper Windows image problems.

Steps

Run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Check Internet Connection

Windows Update depends on stable internet access.

Try

• Restarting your router
• Using Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi
• Disabling VPN temporarily

Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Security software may block update services.

Important

Only disable protection temporarily for testing.

Check Disk Space

Insufficient storage can interrupt updates.

Recommended Free Space

• At least 20 GB for major updates

Delete unnecessary files if needed.

Perform a Clean Boot

Background programs may interfere with update services.

Steps

1. Press Windows + R
2. Type:

msconfig

3. Hide Microsoft services
4. Disable non-essential services
5. Restart the PC

When Windows Update Services Keep Stopping

If services stop repeatedly:

Possible Causes

• Malware infection
• Corrupted system files
• Disabled dependencies
• Broken Windows installation

Further repair may be required.

Tips to Prevent Windows Update Issues

To reduce future problems:

• Keep Windows updated regularly
• Avoid shutting down during updates
• Maintain enough free disk space
• Use reliable antivirus software
• Restart the PC occasionally

When to Seek Additional Help

Consider advanced troubleshooting if:

• Update services disappear completely
• Multiple update errors continue appearing
• Windows cannot install any updates
• System corruption keeps returning

Final Thoughts

Restarting Windows Update related services is one of the most effective ways to fix update problems on Windows 10 and Windows 11. Since Windows Update depends on several background services working correctly, even one malfunctioning service can prevent updates from downloading or installing properly.

By restarting services like Windows Update, BITS, Cryptographic Services, and Windows Installer, many update errors can be resolved quickly. If necessary, resetting update components and repairing system files can further restore update functionality.

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