How to Fix Windows Update Cannot Currently Check for Updates

The 'Windows update cannot currently check for updates' problem puts the computer at risk if not addressed swiftly. The post helps you fix the failing Windows Update problems and install the latest updates.

Windows updates improve the PC performance and security. But when you try to update Windows, a popup says, "Windows Update cannot check for updates, because the service is not running. You may need to restart your computer." Even after the restart, the problem won't be resolved. This is bothersome if the error keeps coming up and won't let you get the latest Windows updates. EaseUS will tell what makes Windows not install new updates and fixes to solve it.

How to Solve Windows Update Cannot Check for Updates

Let's look at some workarounds for the potential reasons that Windows is unable to check for updates. As the error message says, the first thing you can try is to restart the PC. If the restart doesn't work, try the fixes below.

Fix 1. Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software/Firewall

Antivirus software and firewalls intended to protect your computer may interfere with some software chunks if they feel like they are threatening your PC. So, let us temporarily disable Windows Defender to update the latest Windows.

Step 1. Search for Windows Defender using Start.

Step 2. In the Windows Defender window, click on Tools at the top.

Step 3. Select Options to access the Defender Settings.

Step 4. Open Real-time protection Settings, uncheck the feature, and click Save to disable the Microsoft Defender Antivirus temporarily.

Now, go back to the Windows Update and try to update Windows. Remember to turn on the Real-time protection again. As Windows is vulnerable to external threats, it is crucial to monitor for malware constantly.

Fix 2. Remove Windows Update History

The second way to fix the Windows Update cannot check for updates Windows 7 involves removing the Windows Update history. We will stop the Windows Update service, delete the Software Distribution files, and start again. Find the detailed procedure below:

Step 1. Open the Run dialog box. (Windows + R).

Step 2. Type services.msc in the text area and press OK.

Step 3. You will see the Services windows with all the available Windows services. Find the Windows Update, right-click on it, and click Stop.

Step 4. Go to the File Explorer on your PC. (Windows + E). Navigate to the location below.

• C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

Step 5. Select all the files (Ctrl + A) and delete them.

Step 6. Once you delete all the files in SoftwareDistribution folder, go to the Windows Update service. Start the Windows Update service and restart the PC to see if you can update the Windows OS.

Fix 3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft offers troubleshooters to tackle various issues on Windows computers. For Windows Update, we can run the Update Troubleshooter to fix the Windows update cannot check for updates. 

Step 1. Download and install Windows Update Troubleshooter on your PC.

Step 2. Press the Start button, type Troubleshoot on Windows 7, and click the first option.

Step 3. In the popup window, find System and Security. Click on Fix problems with Windows Update to continue.

Step 4. Click Next to start the troubleshooting process. Please wait for the OS to do its job. 

Step 5. Windows will list and fix the problems related to Windows updates (if any). You can now close the Windows Update Troubleshooter window, restart the PC, and try updating the OS.

Fix 4. Register Windows Update Service

The .dlls files play a significant role in updating Windows 7. The Update service will only be fixed if the files are appropriately registered. We will try registering the Windows Update service to see if it works.

Step 1. Click Windows + R at once to open the Run dialog. Enter services.msc, and press OK.

Step 2. Find Windows Update service from the list of services and double-click on it. Click Stop.

Step 3. Go back to the desktop and click the Start (Windows) button. Type CMD and run as administrator.

Step 4. Execute all the commands given below one after the other. Press Enter to execute.

• regsvr32 wuapi.dll
• regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
• regsvr32 wups.dll
• regsvr32 wups2.dll
• regsvr32 wuwebv.dll
• regsvr32 wucltux.dll  

Step 5. After registering for Windows Update Services again, close the CMD. Again, return to the Services window, select Windows Update, and click Start.

Restart the computer, open the Windows Update window, click on Check for Updates, and try installing the latest updates.

Fix 5. Update RST Driver

Intel's Rapid Storage Technology (RST) drive handles the storage on your PC. If the RST drivers are faulty, missing, or outdated, Windows 7 fails to update. 

If the Windows Update service malfunctions, you must update the outdated RST drives. To update the drivers manually, visit the Intel website, find the RST drivers, and download the latest update. Before downloading the driver updates, check for compatibility with your Windows device.

Reboot the computer, and check if you can update the Windows OS.

Share this post on your social media to help others fix this Windows update error.

Fix 6. Reset Windows Update Repository

The final method is to reset the Windows Update repository. Find the steps to reset the Windows Update repository.

Step 1. Launch the Command Prompt with admin privileges.

Step 2. Enter the commands below and execute each command. Press Enter to execute.

• net stop bits
• net stop wuauserv

Step 3. Open the Windows File Explorer and go to the %WINDIR% folder. Find and rename the "SoftwareDistributon" folder to "SoftwareDistribution.old."

Step 4. Open the CMD again and execute the two commands below.

• net start bits
• net start wuauserv

Step 5. Restart the computer to let the changes take effect. After the restart, update the Windows 7 OS.

How to Create System Image to Keep PC Safe for Update

Windows Update not updating the PC will make the PC vulnerable. The updates include security patches and certain updates to keep the system safe. If you want to protect the data, creating a system image can help. Even if the computer encounters any threats, you can safely boot to a normal state.

EaseUS Todo Backup is a popular Windows backup tool known for complete backup and restoration. It can make a system image and help you back up everything on the computer. It protects the entire system, from files and folders to disks and partitions. Additional features include disk cloning, advanced backup techniques, and more. Create a system image with Todo Backup now, and keep your data safe.

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

Step 2. Among the four available categories, click OS.

Step 3. EaseUS Todo Backup will automatically select your system partition, you only need to select the backup destination.

Step 4. Both Local Drive and NAS are available for you to save the backup file.

Step 5. After finishing the backup process, you can check the backup status, recover, open, or delete the backup by right-clicking the backup task on the left.

Why Windows Update Cannot Currently Check for Updates

Windows 7 displays the message "Windows update cannot currently check for updates" when the OS fails to get the new updates, or some service restricts the process. Here are some potential reasons for Windows failing to update the PC.

• Faulty or outdated Windows Update files.
• Antivirus/Firewall interference.
• Problems with Windows Update components.
• Outdated RST Drivers (Intel).

To Sum Up

If Windows fails to install the latest updates, the PC won't perform optimally. The post helps you fix the "Windows update cannot currently check for updates issue" with 6 solutions. Try out different methods, one after the other, to tackle the problem. If Windows updates are failing, keep returning, and create a system image backup with EaseUS Todo Backup to protect your data against threats.

FAQs on Windows Update Can't Check For Updates

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the "Windows Update cannot currently check for updates issue" issue.

1. How do you fix Windows Update cannot currently check for updates because the service is not running?

Try out the solutions:

• Disable Antivirus software.
• Register Windows Update Services.
• Update RST drivers
• Run Windows Update troubleshooter.

2. Why does my Windows Update keep failing?

A culprit for Windows Update failure is corrupt or damaged Windows update components and services. Restart the services and update the components to the latest versions to fix these.

3. How do I fix a Windows Update that won't Update?

Fix Windows Update won't update with:

• Unplug the external peripherals.
• Remove non-Microsoft antivirus software.
• Free up storage.
• Restart Windows Update services.