How To Fix Windows Update Service Could Not Be Stopped Problem
Most of the time, when you are experiencing Windows update related issues in your computer one of the steps to fix it is to stop Windows Update service and then start it again. However, there have been reports from Windows users wherein Windows Update service could not be stopped. In here, we will talk what might have caused this problem to occur and its recommended solutions on how to fix Windows Update service could not be stopped problem.
What to do if Windows Update Service could not be stopped
There are several factors that can cause not being able to stopped Windows Update service ranging from lack of Administrative privileges to issues with the computer itself. If you are unable to stop Windows Update service to fix Windows update related issues, try the following solutions below to fix it.
But before performing the recommended troubleshooting solutions for this particular problem, I suggest that you try restarting your computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and removes corrupt temporary data and is quite effective in fixing most software related issues.
Solution 1: Stop Wuauserv Process
Estimate Cost : 0
Time Needed : 5 minutes
If you are unable to stop Windows update service, you can use the Command prompt to fix this. Make sure to use command prompt with Administrative privileges. The command that will be used in the command prompt that will end Windows update process is identified by the process ID (PID, therefore its should then be stopped.To do this:
Press CTRL + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard
This will open the Task Manager Utility.Inside Task Manager window, click Services tab.
This will show you the list of all the services that are currently running in your computer. Scroll down to locate Wuauserv service.
Take note of Wuauserv PID.At the search bar located at the lower left, type “Command Prompt”
You can also just type ‘cmd’ for shortcut. Right click on Command Prompt result and click Run as Administrator from the drop down menu.
doing so will give you admin privileges. Inside Command Prompt window, type the command ” taskkill /f /pid [PID]” and press Enter .
Make sure to change [PID] to the PID number you have just taken down notes from Task Manager.
This will open the Task Manager Utility.
This will show you the list of all the services that are currently running in your computer. 
Take note of Wuauserv PID.
You can also just type ‘cmd’ for shortcut. 
doing so will give you admin privileges. 
Tools
- Task Manager, Command Prompt
Materials
- Windows 10
Check if you are now able to stop Windows Update service.
Solution 2: Delete Contents of Update Folder
If you are having Windows update related issues on your computer, one way to fix it is to stop and start again the process. However, if you are experiencing issues with not being able to stop Windows update service try deleting the contents of update folder to fix it.
To do this:
- At the search bar located at the lower left, type “Command Prompt”
- Right click on Command Prompt result and click Run as Administrator from the drop down menu.
- At Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter after each command.
- Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter
- Type net stop bits and press Enter
- Press Windows + E keys on your keyboard to open File Explorer
- Click This PC
- Click Drive C
- At right pane, click Windows folder
- Scroll down and click Software Distribution folder to open it.
- Inside Software Distribution folder, press CTRL + A keys on your keyboard to highlight everything inside the folder.
- Right click on the highlighted entries and click Delete from the drop down menu.
- Go back to Command Prompt window.
- At Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter after each command.
- Type net start wuauserv and press Enter
- Type net start bits and press Enter
Check if you are now able to stop Windows Update service.
Solution 3: Perform Repair Installation
To perform a repair installation, you need to reboot into clean boot. Do not worry as you will not lose any personal files with this solution. The solutions involves two processes: creating a bootable windows media and then actually performing a repair installation.
To create a bootable Windows media:
- Go to Microsoft Website and download Media Creation Tool software. Open downloaded file and follow the onscreen instructions on how to install software.
- Click the option “Create installation media for another PC”.
- Click Next to proceed.
- Select a language, architecture and edition of your choice. You can also opt to choose “Use the recommended options for this PC”
- Click Next to proceed.
- Select which media to use. Click USB flash drive option then click Next.
- Select the USB flash drive from the lists of storage media connected to the computer.
- Click Next. Media Creation Tool will now download the files that are required for the installation device.
To perform Repair installation:
- Insert the installation device created to boot computer. Note: Initial screen will depend on the operating system installed on your computer.
- Choose a language, format for time and currency, method for keyboard input
- Click Next to proceed.
- Click the option Repair your computer. This will enter Windows Recovery window.
- Click Troubleshoot option.
- Click Reset this PC option
- Click Keep my files option
- You will be asked for your account password, input it then click Continue.
- Click Reset tab
After Repair Installation process is complete, Check if you are now able to stop Windows Update service.
After following the solutions mentioned, you will successfully fix Windows Update service could not be stopped on Windows 10. For more troubleshooting videos, visit our TheDroidGuy Youtube Channel.
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