"What Does 'Your Device Is Missing Important Security and Quality Fixes' Mean?"

Installing the latest Windows update is crucial for the overall well-being of your system, but the process can be more complicated than it appears. When attempting to update your Windows, you might encounter an error message stating, "Your device is missing important security and quality fixes."

windows update error

This error might occur when your computer hasn't been updated recently or if you're running a significantly outdated operating system. When Windows attempts to download or install an update on your computer but fails to do so, such an error message is displayed. This typically signifies that your Windows system is lacking crucial updates that could improve the performance of its software. Additionally, it suggests that the most recent Windows update you installed could be faulty or corrupted.

What Causes "Your Device Is Missing Important Security and Quality Fixes"?

Your Windows computer might be missing security and quality updates due to corrupted system files, especially those essential for updating the operating system. However, there can be other contributing factors as well. Here are some possible causes for this error:

    • Bugs in recent updates.
    • Broken or incomplete update installation.
    • Third-party programs that block upgrades.
    • Out-of-date or faulty Servicing Stack Updates.
    • Malware infection.
    • The Telemetry level set to Security only.

Now that we are aware of the possible cause of this error on your computer, we can proceed to discuss the troubleshooting steps.

How to Address "Your Device Is Missing Important Security and Quality Updates"

Don't worry if you're experiencing this error; there are several effective solutions to resolve it. You can try any of the remedies mentioned below to help correct the issue. Let's explore how they work in detail.

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Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting
Fix 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter Windows provides a troubleshooting tool that can...Complete steps
Fix 2. Rename Software Distribution Folders The error typically occurs due to corrupted...Complete steps
Fix 3. Repair Corrupted System Files Corrupt system files can be another cause...Complete steps
Fix 4. Change Telemetry Level Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry collects...Complete steps
Fix 5. Reinstall Windows Updates Despite being designed to resolve issues...Complete steps
Fix 6. Use Windows Update Assistant The Windows Update Assistant downloads and installs...Complete steps

Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter The first fix you can try is running the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter, which can help diagnose and resolve issues related to Windows updates. Here's how: 1. Press the Windows key + I on your keyboard to open Settings. 2. Click on "Update & Security." 3. In the left panel, select "Troubleshoot." 4. Scroll down and find "Windows Update" in the right panel. 5. Click on "Windows Update" and then click "Run the troubleshooter." 6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process. 7. Once finished, restart your computer and check if the issue with Windows updates has been resolved. This utility may identify and fix problems that prevent updates from installing correctly.

Windows offers a troubleshooting tool that can assist in identifying and resolving systemic issues. You can rectify this error by utilizing the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This utility is designed to address common problems with the Windows Update service. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Press the Win + I keys to open Windows Settings.

Step 2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter-1

Step 3. Find and click on Additional troubleshooters.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter-2

Step 4. Under Get up and running, select Windows Update, click on Run the troubleshooter, and wait for it to finish its process.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter-3

Step 5. After that, exit the troubleshooter and attempt to install the updates to check if the problem has been resolved.

Fix 2: Rename Software Distribution Folders

This error typically occurs due to corrupted Windows Update files that are crucial for installing updates in the Software Distribution folder. If these files are corrupted, you won't be able to update Windows. To resolve this issue, you can either rename or delete the file folder. Here are the detailed steps: 1. Press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)" to open an elevated command prompt. 2. In the command prompt, type the following command and press Enter: `net stop wuauserv` This will temporarily stop the Windows Update service. 3. Next, navigate to the Software Distribution folder by typing the following command and pressing Enter: `cd C:\Windows\System32\WindowsUpdate` 4. Now, rename the Software Distribution folder by typing the following command and pressing Enter: `ren SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old` This will rename the folder, effectively replacing it with a new one when the service restarts. 5. Restart the Windows Update service by typing the following command and pressing Enter: `net start wuauserv` 6. Close the command prompt and try running the Windows Update again to see if the error has been resolved. By following these steps, you should be able to fix the issue and proceed with updating your Windows.

Step 1. Type "cmd" in the search bar and click Run as administrator.

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Step 2. In the Command Prompt, type each command individually, and press Enter after each one to execute it.

Important: Wait for each command to finish before typing the next one.

  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop cryptsvc
  • net stop bits
  • net stop msiserver
  • ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
  • ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start cryptSvc
  • net start bits
  • net start msiserver

rename software distribution folders-2Step 3. Restart your computer after running all the commands. Now, you can try installing the updates.

Fix 3: Repair Corrupted System Files

Corrupted system files can also be a culprit behind this issue. Essential system files on your computer might become damaged, hindering the usage of certain Windows functionalities. This typically happens when your system gets infected with malware or viruses. Consequently, you can attempt to repair corrupted Windows files by running the DISM or SFC commands.

Step 1. Type "cmd" in the search bar and click Run as administrator.

Repair corrupted system files-1

Step 2. Copy and paste the commands below, and press Enter after each one.

  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Sfc /scannow

Repair Corrupted System Files-2

Step 3. After that, close the Command Prompt and see if Windows Update can function properly.

Fix 4: Change Telemetry Level

Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry collects data on your computer's performance and the software installed, which is then sent to Microsoft. If the Telemetry setting is disabled or set to "security-only," some Windows updates might not function properly. To potentially resolve this issue, you can modify the telemetry level by following these steps:

Step 1. Type Local Group Policy Editor in the search bar and click Open.

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Step 2. Navigate to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds.

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Step 3. Double-click on Allow Telemetry.

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Step 4. Select Enabled and change the Telemetry level to any option except 0 - Security [Enterprise Only]. After making the selection, click Apply, and then click OK to save the changes.

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Solution 5: Reinstall Windows Updates

Although Windows updates are intended to resolve system issues, this isn't always the case. Occasionally, faulty updates can lead to problems such as "Your device is missing important security and quality updates." Here's how to rectify this issue:

Step 1. Type Control Panel in the search bar and click Open.

reinstall windows updates-1

Step 2. Click on Uninstall a program.

Reinstall Windows Updates-2

Step 3. Select View installed updates.

Reinstall Windows Updates-3

Step 4. Locate the most recently installed update, right-click on it, and then click Uninstall.

Reinstall Windows Updates-4

Step 5. Following that, restart your computer to check for Windows updates, and then reinstall any available updates.

Fix 6: Use Windows Update Assistant

The Windows Update Assistant downloads and installs the latest Windows Update files without relying on the built-in Windows services required for the update installation. Consequently, you can also utilize the Windows Update Assistant to install the updates.

Step 1. Download the Windows Update Assistant from Microsoft's official website.

Step 2. Launch the application and click Yes on the confirmation prompt.

Step 3. Click on Update Now. Then wait for the updates to be downloaded.

Windows Update Assistant

Additional Guide: How to Backup Your Computer Step 1: Choose a Backup Method There are several ways to back up your computer, including external hard drives, cloud storage services, and built-in backup features in your operating system. Step 2: Prepare Your Backup Device If you're using an external hard drive, connect it to your computer. For cloud services, ensure you have a stable internet connection and enough storage space. Step 3: Windows Backup For Windows users, navigate to 'Settings' > 'Update & Security' > 'Backup'. Click 'Add a drive' and select your preferred backup location. Step 4: macOS Time Machine Backup On a Mac, go to 'System Preferences' > 'Time Machine'. Connect your external drive and click 'Select Disk' to start the backup process. Step 5: Cloud Backup If using a service like Google Drive or Dropbox, install their application, sign in, and follow the prompts to initiate your first backup. Step 6: Select Files and Folders Choose which files and folders you want to back up. You can opt for a full system backup or just critical data. Step 7: Schedule Backups Set up automatic backups to ensure your data is regularly updated. Most systems allow you to choose the frequency (daily, weekly, etc.). Step 8: Verify Backup After the initial backup, verify its completeness and correctness by checking if all important files are present. Step 9: Test Restore To ensure your backup works, test restoring a file from the backup. This will confirm the backup process was successful. Remember, backing up your data regularly is crucial to protect against data loss due to hardware failure, malware, or accidental deletion.

You should promptly address the error message "Your device is missing important security and quality fixes." Doing so ensures that your Windows remains up-to-date. However, maintaining a secure computer requires more than just keeping Windows updated.

Data on a computer can be easily lost following a computer virus or malware attack, making it essential to backup your valuable data. Furthermore, backing up your Windows system is recommended before any updates, ensuring you can revert to a previous version if issues arise. In such cases, professional backup software, such as Todo Backup, is an ideal choice for safeguarding your computer.

Todo Backup Home is an all-encompassing backup solution for Windows 11/10/8/7. It automatically backs up your operating system, files, disks, partitions, and more. It enables you to set up scheduled, full, incremental, and differential backups, storing them in various locations such as the local drive, NAS, Security Zone, and cloud. Furthermore, it allows you to create an ISO image of your operating system and even install Windows on a new SSD without using a USB. A noteworthy feature is that it provides 250GB of free cloud storage.

You can follow the steps below to create a system backup of your computer: 1. First, ensure that your computer is connected to a stable power source and has enough free storage space for the backup. 2. Click on the "Start" button located in the bottom left corner of your screen. 3. Type "Control Panel" in the search bar and select it from the results. 4. In the Control Panel, choose "System and Security." 5. Within "System and Security," click on "Backup and Restore" or "Create a restore point," depending on your operating system. 6. In the Backup and Restore window, select "Set up backup" or "Backup options." 7. Follow the on-screen instructions to choose the location where you want to save your backup. It's recommended to use an external hard drive or a network location for safety. 8. Select the drives or specific folders you wish to include in the backup. You can choose to back up the entire system or just important files. 9. Review your backup settings and click "Save settings and exit" or "Start backup" to initiate the process. 10. Wait for the backup process to complete. This may take some time, depending on the amount of data being backed up. 11. Once finished, make sure to label and store the backup drive securely, ideally in a different location from your computer. Now you have successfully created a system backup of your computer. This will come in handy in case you need to restore your system due to hardware failure, software issues, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Step 1. On the main page, click "Select backup contents".

create system backup step1

Step 2. Click on the OS category among the four options available.

create system backup step2

Step 3. Todo Backup will automatically select your system partition, you just need to choose where to save the backup.

create system backup step3

Step 4. You can save the backup file to either your Local Drive or NAS.

create system backup step5

Step 5. Once the backup process is complete, you can check the backup status, recover, open, or delete the backup by right-clicking the backup task on the left panel.

create system backup step5

The Bottom Line

That's all about how to fix the "Your device is missing important security and quality fixes" error. If you're encountering this error and finding it troublesome, you can try any of the methods mentioned above. Be sure to carefully follow each step in every method to effectively address the issue.

Backing up your computer is a troubleshooting solution for numerous issues you may encounter with your device. Todo Backup is an excellent tool for creating backups of your computer. Don't hesitate to give it a try.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How do I install a security update manually?

Navigate to Start > Control Panel > Security > Security Center > Windows Update within the Windows Security Center. In the Windows Update window, click on "View Available Updates." The system will automatically scan for any necessary updates and display which ones can be downloaded and installed on your computer.

2. How do I resolve error code 0x80248007?

You might occasionally notice the Windows Installer service running. Right-click on it and select "Restart." After waiting for the service to resume, run the "Check for Updates" feature. This should resolve the 0x80248007 Windows update download error.