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Free Image Format ConversionWindows operating systems automatically update through the Windows Update service. Occasionally, these automatic updates can lead to system errors. To prevent this, you might attempt to stop the updates, only to encounter the error "Unable to stop the Windows Update service". This article will delve into the issue and guide you on how to resolve it. Let's get started!
What causes the Windows Update service to fail to stop?
The Windows Update service is supposed to install updates automatically on your computer. However, this doesn't always work, and errors can occur. Even using the “net stop wuauserv” command, the update service remains running. Here are some common reasons for this issue.
- Lack of administrator privileges: If you aren't running the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Computer issues: The entire update problem could be an issue with your computer.
How to Fix the "Cannot Stop Windows Update Service" Error
The following sections will provide possible solutions to the problem where the Windows Update service won't stop.
Method 1: Restart Your Computer
Restart your computer. This will reset the operating system's services and apply any pending updates. You won't be able to stop the "Windows Update" service if you have pending updates.
Method 2: Stop the Windows Update Service Process
If the OS doesn't allow you to stop the Windows Update service, you can use CMD to stop the service. The Windows Update service, also known as WUAUSERV, is identified by its PID (Process ID). You can use the PID to stop the service and fix the “Can't Stop Windows Update Service” issue.
Step 1: Open the Task Manager on your computer. Press the Start button and search for it.
Step 2. Open Task Manager, and then go to the Services tab in Details view.
<Step 3> Locate the <b>WUAUSERV</b> service, and make a note of the <b>PID</b> number.
Step 4: Open a command prompt as an administrator, and type the following command:
- This command translates to:
- taskkill /f /pid PID
Please enter the command as shown in the image below:
Note: Replace PID with the PID number recorded from Task Manager.
After running it, if the command prompt says that the process with the PID has been stopped, you've successfully stopped the Windows Update service on your computer.
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Method 3: Clear the Update Folder
The Windows Update folder contains all the files related to updates. Whether you're resetting the update components or fixing automatic updates, you can delete the contents of these folders to stop the Windows Update service. Here's how to clean the contents of the Windows Update folders:
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator
Step 2: Type both commands, pressing Enter after each one.
- Stop the wuauserv service:
- net stop wuauserv
- Stop the BITS service:
- net stop bits
Step 3. Open File Explorer on this computer, and navigate to the following location.
- This line of text refers to a directory path in the Windows operating system. Translated into Chinese, it would be:
- C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution This path typically serves as a location for storing Windows update and downloaded files.
Step 4: Open the “SoftwareDistribution” folder and delete all of its contents. You can do this by pressing Ctrl + A to select everything, then right-clicking and choosing “Delete.”
Delete the files in the SoftwareDistribution folder
Step 5: To restart the update services, type net start wuauserv and net start bits, and then run those commands.
After you complete these steps, the Windows Update service will stop successfully.
Method 4: Check for Service Dependencies
If you're still unable to stop the Windows Update service, it might be due to dependencies. Some services have dependencies, meaning you can't stop one service because other running services depend on it. Thus, you need to find the dependent services and stop them as well.
Step 1: Press Windows + R, then type services.msc.
Step 2: Right-click on the wuauserv service.
Step 3: Click on Properties, then click on Dependencies.
5. First stop the related service, and then try to stop the Windows Update service.
Option 5: Perform a repair installation
To do a repair install, you need to create a bootable USB or CD with Windows 10. This way, you won't lose any personal files, and you'll have the latest version of Windows. Learn how to create a Windows 10 live USB and do a repair install.
Create bootable Windows 10 media
Step 1: Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft. Accept the terms and conditions, and then install the software on your computer.
Step 2: On the Windows 10 Setup screen, choose “Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC,” and then click “Next.”
Step 3: If you want to customize, choose your language, edition, and architecture, or select the option to Choose the best for my PC.
Step Four: Next, you'll need to choose the media type. Select USB flash drive and click “Next.” Make sure your USB has at least 8 GB of free space.
Select the USB flash drive.
Step 5. In the next screen, you will see all the storage devices connected to your computer. Select the USB or CD/DVD drive and click on [Next].
Select a USB device
Step 6: The Media Creation Tool will download all the files it needs to perform the in-place upgrade. Wait for this process to finish.
After creating the recovery drive and obtaining the installation files, use the recovery drive to start your computer and fix the “Windows Update service couldn't be stopped” error by following these steps:
Part 2: Performing the Repair Installation
Step 1. Insert the recovery drive into your computer to boot from it. The initial screen will vary depending on which version of Windows you have installed.
Step 2: Choose your language, time, currency, and keyboard, then click "Next."
4. In the Troubleshoot section, choose Reset this PC.
Click "Reset this PC"
5. Choose “Keep my files,” then wait for the reset process to begin.
When you start the Reset this PC process, you'll be asked to enter your account password.
If you're sure you want to use the USB flash drive to install the new update, click Reset.
Click “Reset” 
When it's done, you'll be on the latest version of Windows 10.
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Professional Tip: How to Simply Protect Your Windows? Protecting your windows doesn't have to be complicated. Here are some straightforward ways to safeguard them: 1. **Install Curtains or Blinds**: Not only do they provide privacy, but they can also prevent shattered glass from dispersing and reduce external noise. 2. **Apply Safety Film**: Transparent safety film can be adhered to windows, enhancing their resistance to impact. Even if the glass breaks, it will remain intact. 3. **Use Protective Grilles**: For exterior windows, consider installing metal or wrought iron grilles for an additional physical barrier. 4. **Regular Inspection**: Routinely check the condition of your windows, ensuring the frames are sturdy and there are no cracks in the glass. 5. **Install a Burglar Alarm System**: Some alarm systems can be directly linked to your windows, triggering an alarm if they are tampered with. 6. **Plant Deterrents**: Planting spiky plants like cacti or roses near your windows can act as a deterrent. These methods offer varying degrees of protection for your windows. Choose the ones that suit your needs and budget best.
Windows Update issues can sometimes wipe out all your data. Even with the best preventive measures and fixes, your data remains at risk. Thus, to ensure the safety of your data, you need to back it up and be ready to restore it in case of emergencies. Todo Backup Free is a reliable and efficient backup software that lets you create copies of your files.
You can back up files, folders, hard drives, or your entire PC. Seamless recovery lets you restore all your files to your PC with a single click. As one of the best Windows file sync software, it also allows you to synchronize files between computers and hard drives.
The software offers cloud backup options to store copies of your data. You can schedule backups and add a password protection feature for extra security. Try the free version now to back up important data on your computer.
Step 1: Launch the Todo Backup tool on your computer, click “Create Backup” on the main interface, and then hit the big question-mark button to “Select What to Backup.”
Step 2. To back up your Windows operating system, click "OS" to start the backup process.
Step 3. The system should automatically select the Windows operating system, along with all system-related files and partitions. You shouldn't need to choose anything else. Next, click on the area highlighted in the image below to choose where you want to save your system image backup.
Step 4: The backup location can be another local drive on your computer, an external hard drive, a network, the cloud, or a NAS. We generally recommend using an external physical drive or the cloud to store your system image files.
5. If desired, click Options to enable automatic backup scheduling (daily, weekly, monthly, or event-triggered), as well as differential and incremental backups. Click Backup Now to begin the Windows backup process. Completed backups will appear as cards on the left side of the panel.
wrap-up work
Automatic updates install all updates without user knowledge, which can lead to errors. If you're stuck with the "Can't Stop Windows Update Service" error when trying to halt updates, you can learn how to fix it. In case you want to protect your data in an emergency, you can use a
Frequently Asked Questions about Windows Update Cannot Be Stopped
Here are some common questions about the "Windows Update Service cannot be stopped" error.
How do I stop the Windows Update service?
In the “Run” dialog box, type “services.msc” and hit Enter. Under the “Services” tab, locate the “Windows Update” service and stop it forcefully.
2. How to Permanently Disable Windows 10 Update Services? To permanently disable the Windows 10 update services, follow these steps: 1. Open the "Services" Management Tool: - Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog box. - Type `services.msc` and press `Enter`. 2. In the "Services" window, locate the following services: - Windows Update - Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) - Windows Installer 3. Double-click each service to open its Properties window. 4. For each service, perform the following actions: - From the "Startup type" dropdown menu, select "Disabled." - Click "Apply," then click "OK." 5. Finally, restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Please note that blocking Windows updates might expose your system to security risks, as you won't receive important security patches and updates. It's recommended to periodically check for updates to maintain system security. If you have specific reasons for disabling updates, make sure you're aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions.
Open Task Manager, then navigate to the Services tab. Locate the Windows Update service, right-click on it, and select "Stop" to disable the service permanently.
How do I stop the Windows Update service using the Command Prompt?
Locate the Process ID of the Windows Update service, and then open Command Prompt with administrator privileges. Type the command "taskkill /f /pid ****" and replace the asterisks (*) with the Process ID to terminate the service.
4. Why do Windows updates get stuck?
The Windows update is stuck, as the operating system encounters some issues. A frozen blue screen appears, and the updating process is taking an unusually long time.