FIX: Windows Update service missing (not listed) in services.
On some Windows 8, 7 or Vista computers the Windows Update service may be missing from services (services.msc) due to a virus attack. When this happens the following error appears on your screen when you try to check for updates : "Windows update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer'.
This tutorial contains detailed instructions on how to restore Windows Update service in it's original state.
How to solve the Windows Update service missing problem.
Important: In order to fix the Windows Update Service missing problem, first make sure that your computer is clean from viruses or other malicious programs. If you don't know how to do that, then follow the steps in this guide: How To Scan Your Computer for Viruses & Other Malicious Programs
Method 1. Reset Windows Update Components.
1. According your Windows Version: Click the link below and download and save the Windows Update Reset tool to your computer: *
* Note: If you 're using Windows Vista, then also try the BITS Repair Tool for Vista.
2. Run the Windows Update Reset (Troubleshooter) tool and follow the instructions on your screen.
Method 2: Use Microsoft FixIt 50202 to repair Windows Update service. *
* Note: This method is only applicable to Windows 7 Operating system.
1. Download & save MicrosoftFixit50202 tool on your computer.
2. Run the MicrosoftFixit50202 tool.
3. Accept the license agreement and then press Next.
4. Follow the instructions on screen.
Method 3. Restore invalid/missing registry keys from a working system.
Requirement: Another working computer with the same Windows Edition.
On the working computer:
1. Open Registry Editor: To do that:
- Simultaneously press "Windows" + "R" keys to open the RUN window.
- In "RUN" window "Open" box, type: regedit
- Press Enter
2. At the left pane, press the "+" sign and navigate to this subfolder:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\BITS
3. Right-click on BITS subfolder and select Export.
4. Give a name for the exported file (e.g. 'BITS') and save it to the desktop.
5. Then navigate to this subfolder:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\wuauserv
6. Right-click on wuauserv subfolder and select Export.
7. Give a name for the exported file (e.g. 'wuauserv') and save it to the desktop.
8. Close registry editor
9. Copy the exported registry files to a USB flash drive.
On the computer that Windows Update service or BITS Service is missing (not listed).
1. Plug the USB flash drive with the exported reg files to an empty USB port.
2. Double click at the exported BITS registry file (e.g. "BITS.reg) and allow to add its information to registry. *
3. Double click at the exported wuauserv registry file (e.g."wuauserv'.reg ") and allow to add its information to registry. *
* Note: If you have problems during import, then start Windows in Safe Mode and then import the key(s).
4. Restart the computer.
5. Check if Windows Update is working.
Method 4. Download & Import the Required Registration files.
If you don't own another working computer, to get the required registration files, then you can download them from the links below (according your OS) and then to import them to the registry. To accomplish this task:
Step-1. Download the Registration files.
Windows 7
Windows 8
Windows 10
Step-2. Import the Registration Files
1. Open Registry Editor: To do that:
- Simultaneously press "Windows" + "R" keys to open the RUN window.
- In "RUN" window "Open" box, type: regedit
- Press Enter
2. From main menu choose File > Import
3. Select the BITSWin.reg file and click Open. (If the import is successful, then click OK to the dialog box that appears. *
4. By using File > Import again, open the WindowsUpdateWin.reg file.
* Note: If the import is unsuccessful, then boot Windows in Safe mode and then import the registration files.
5. Restart your computer.
Step-3. Start the Windows Update & BITS service.
1. After restart, navigate to Services panel. To do that:
- Simultaneously press "Windows" + "R" keys to open the RUN window.
- In "RUN" window "Open" box, type: services.msc
- Press Enter
2. Right click at BITS service select Properties.
3. Ensure that the Startup type is set to "Automatic (Delayed Start)" and press the Start button to start the service (if it is not started). Click OK.
4. Then right click at Windows Update service and choose Properties.
5. Ensure that the Startup type is set to "Automatic (Delayed Start)" and press the Start button to start the service (if it is not started). Click OK.
6. Try to check for updates again.
That's all folks! Did it work for you?
Please leave a comment in the comment section below or even better: like and share this blog post in the social networks to help spread the word about this solution.

Leo
Jun 01, 2016 @ 22:03:56
Thanks – that fixed my problems!
alexIT
Sep 11, 2016 @ 03:07:28
Thank you so much!!! You are very helpful in solving my problem !!!!
sunil
Oct 17, 2016 @ 14:21:32
From 3rd method, i tried to import BITS from working machine.. I am getting error pop up as Cannot Import c:users\sunil\appdata\roaminf\skyoe\my skype recieved files\BITS.reg: Not all data was successfully written to the registry. Some Keys are open by the system or other processes.
——————————
Please make me get rid of these.. Its pinching me from few days for updates…
lakonst2012
Oct 17, 2016 @ 15:18:41
sunil: Probably you have doing something wrong. Skype has to do nothing with the BITS service.
1. In the machine with the problem: delete the BITS key for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\services\wuauserv
2. From the working machine: export the BITS key as mentioned on the article and then
3. import the bits.reg key again at the machine with the problem.
4. Restart.
Bhavesh
Dec 24, 2016 @ 21:28:23
I am getting error pop up as Cannot Import c:users\omsainath\Desktop\BITS.reg: Not all data was successfully written to the registry. Some Keys are open by the system or other processes.
Lakonst2013
Dec 28, 2016 @ 11:17:16
Bhavesh: Try to import the .reg file in Windows Safe Mode and Reboot.
swaraj
Dec 28, 2016 @ 11:20:10
i have same problem as sunil
above comment mentioned
but not understood ur solution
please live solution
Lakonst2013
Dec 29, 2016 @ 11:01:20
swaraj: Boot Windows in safe mode (on the computer with the Windows Update Missing problem) and then import the exported .reg file from the working machine.
Luuk
Apr 24, 2017 @ 03:15:35
I have the same problem with Bhavesh
Mine won't work even I'm in safe mode
I tried all methods but none of them fix it.
Is there another?
Lakonst2013
Apr 24, 2017 @ 09:53:55
Luuk: Download and run the Microsoft Fix it 50202 utility.
Yayan Uye
May 24, 2017 @ 22:29:54
I've donwload Microsoft Fix it 50202 but it appears the error "BITS failed", I've followed the other instructions but it does not work, help me please
Lakonst2013
May 25, 2017 @ 14:08:12
Yayan Uye: I have updated my article. Follow the instructions on method-4 and post back the results. Additionally, ensure that is your system is clean from viruses/malware.
Ibrahim
Oct 06, 2018 @ 23:28:05
God saves you. Your last method fixed my problem what I met that several times. Thank you so much :)
aniket
Oct 07, 2018 @ 16:07:17
sir i tried to import files , wuauserv.reg was successfully imported but bits.reg did not import successfully it says -Not all data was successfully written to the registry. Some Keys are open by the system or other processes. not even in safe mode and their is only one working machine in my house
Lakonst2013
Oct 08, 2018 @ 08:51:28
aniket: Do not worry about the error. This is probably because the "BITS" service is working properly. Just restart your computer and then try to look for updates.
Nepal
Dec 20, 2018 @ 06:03:50
Thank You Much sir.(fixIT)
Blesses from Top of the World.
AceSheep
Feb 17, 2019 @ 16:11:23
Thanks !!!
Shubham Singh Tomar
Mar 15, 2019 @ 22:01:42
THANKSS..!!!!
sachin shrestha
Apr 08, 2019 @ 15:08:20
Thanks
It's great
Steve Allen Berbon
Apr 29, 2019 @ 03:58:35
Does it work on Windows 10 Enterprise
Lakonst2013
May 01, 2019 @ 09:24:30
Steve Allen Berbon: Yes it works!
Steve Allen Berbon
May 03, 2019 @ 12:38:21
On Method #2 when I'm about to install the program it says "The easy fix does not apply to your operating system or application version. Why?
Lakonst2013
May 03, 2019 @ 15:03:29
Steve Allen Berbon: Skip to next method. The 'fix-it' tool is only applicable for Windows 7 OS.
Franco
May 17, 2019 @ 16:23:10
Hi . dont work for me
I have windows server 2008 standard , wuausrv and bits missed I restore the registry keys but the services still does not appear.
There is some way to re-install the services?
Thanks
Lakonst2013
May 18, 2019 @ 08:48:08
@Franco: These instructions are not apply to Windows Server versions.
IGi83
May 19, 2019 @ 09:30:42
Thanks for the fix :)
I directly apply step 4 and the service returns. Nice!
Jani Hakonen
Jun 15, 2019 @ 04:39:50
Thank you so very much. I had to try multiple ways to correct windows update but now it works, thanks to you. Very good article, easy to task. Thank you :)
Rutwic
Aug 02, 2019 @ 18:41:26
Thank u,Thank u,Thank u,Thank u, Thank u, Thank you so much. Very useful site.
Pierre
Aug 15, 2019 @ 12:19:02
Thank you so much the regedit method worked for me <3