Solved Windows Update Cannot Check for Updates

[BriLee]

Hello! This is an issue that I've never come across before. When I try to update my computer (Windows 7 64bit) I get an error message stating "Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer." I already tried this before, but to my disappointment I still receive the message. Can anyone help me solve this issue? Thanks! If anyone needs any further information, please do ask. I'm a bit of a rookie though, haha.

 

[NoelDP]

Hello! This is an issue that I've never come across before. When I try to update my computer (Windows 7 64bit) I get an error message stating "Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer." I already tried this before, but to my disappointment I still receive the message. Can anyone help me solve this issue? Thanks! If anyone needs any further information, please do ask. I'm a bit of a rookie though, haha.

BEFORE doing anything drastic such as resetting WU, try this -

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2797-windows-update-settings-change.html

Open Windows Update
Click on Change Settings
Select 'Never Update...'
Click OK
exit Windows Update
Now open Windows update again
Click on Change Settings
Select 'Update automatically'
Click OK
exit Windows Update
Open Windows Update, and do a manual Check for Updates.

 

[Brink]

Hello BriLee, and welcome to Seven Forums.

If the above doesn't help, then give OPTION TWO in the tutorial below a try to reset Windows Update without losing your update history.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/91738-windows-update-reset.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[BriLee]

Thank you very much... Everything is working just fine now!

 

[Brink]

That's great news. What turned out to be the issue?

 

[BriLee]

Well, I tried the first option, but it didn't seem to work. Then, I followed the directions you gave me and it was working just fine afterwards.

 

[Brink]

Thank you for posting back. I'm glad that we could help.

 

[chasnz]

Thanks for the tip NoelDP. I found this solution worked for me:

Open Windows Update
Click on Change Settings
Select 'Check for updates but let me choose whether to download and install them'
Click OK

 

[NoelDP]

Don't forget to set it back to Automatic
Glad it worked for you.

 

[Raynian]

Omg Noel, your advice worked for my older Vista laptop. Was trying to keep it updated to keep it as a spare laptop lol.

Thanks a bunch ~

 

[NoelDP]

You're welcome!

 

[steve02476]

NoelDP - I loved your solution in #2. I've been tearing my hair out trying to fix the problem (using the MS autofix thing, trying to reinstall WUP, trying to delete various folders and caches etc. with no help. Your suggestion to turn off automatic updating and then turn it back on again worked! I'm sure it wouldn't work for everyone with the problem, but it's so easy to try that anyone with this issue should certainly try it out. Many thanks for your help. -Steve

 

[NoelDP]

You're welcome Steve. Glad it worked for you!