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This article will show you how to Fix ‘Windows Update Service missing’ issue on Windows 11/10. The Windows Update Service helps you get the latest version of Windows 11 or 10 on your computer. This is necessary because it pushes updates that the operating system needs. The Service Manager is in charge of the service. Some users have said, though, that the Windows Update Service is missing from services.msc in Windows 11 and 10. You might see the error code 0x80070424 sometimes. There is a chance that the Windows Update service will not always be on the list when you run services.msc.
This means that the service is not running on your computer. The Windows Update Service lets you find updates for Windows and other programmes, download them, and install them. Users of this computer will not be able to use Windows Update or its automatic updating feature if this service is turned off. Also, programmes will not be able to use the Windows Update Agent (WUA) API. These steps will show you how to Fix ‘Windows Update Service missing’ issue on Windows 11/10. If you want to know more information about this issue so you can visit Microsoft Official Website.
What is the Windows Update Service?
The Windows Update Service is a service that, amongst other things, will automatically download and install any available updates for Microsoft products, including Windows itself. New features, improved security, and bug fixes are all part of the Windows update process. Does the fact that Windows Update Service is missing bother you at all? If this problem is occuring, you won’t be able to locate the “Windows Update” services in the service.msc console.
Error messages that say “There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later” will appear whenever you try to update your version of Windows from within the Settings menu. There are three possible values for the following error code: 0x80070006, 0x80080005, or 0x80070424. Don’t be concerned! If you apply the appropriate strategy, you should be able to resolve this problem. In this post, we will demonstrate some potential solutions for you to consider. If you are unsure as to the specific cause of this error, you can try each of these solutions in turn to assist you in fixing the problem.
Causes of ‘Windows Update Service missing’ issue on Windows 11/10
- Corrupted System Files: System files related to Windows Update may become corrupted, preventing the service from running correctly.
- Malware or Virus Infections: Malicious software can interfere with system services, including Windows Update.
- Software Conflicts: Third-party software or security programs may conflict with the Windows Update service.
- Improper System Shutdown: If the system was improperly shut down or experienced a power failure during an update, it can lead to service-related issues.
- Registry Errors: Incorrect or corrupted registry settings can disrupt the Windows Update service.
- Disabled Windows Update Service: The service may have been disabled intentionally or accidentally.
Fix: ‘Windows Update Service missing’ issue on Windows 11/10
Run DISM and SFC Scan

- To open Settings and navigate to the About section, press the Windows key plus the letter ‘I’ on your keyboard.
- Take note of the architecture, build, and version of the Windows operating system you are using.
- Download the ISO file for a version of Windows that has the same architecture, version, and build as your current installation or a higher version.
- Mounting the ISO file will get you ready for the installation drive.
- Windows key plus ‘R’, then start typing cmd.
- To open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter on your keyboard.
- To limit access to the file install.wim, enter the command dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth /source:D:sourcesinstall.wim /limitaccess.
- Restart your computer.
Perform Malware Scan
- Open Windows Security. Press Windows + “R” and type ms-settings:windowsdefender.
- When you click on Virus & Threat Protection, you can choose how to scan.
- Pick “Full scan” and click “Scan now.”
Repair Registry Entry
- To open the Run box, turn on the PC that works and press Windows + “R.”
- To open the Registry Editor, type regedit.msc.
- Find the service key under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services.
- Right-click on the wuauserv key when you find it.
- Right-click on it and choose “Save As.”
- Save the registry file to an external drive or flash drive.
- Start up your computer and paste the file into it.
- By going to the above location in Registry Editor, you can check to see if your PC has the wuauserv registry key.
- Right-click on the file and choose Delete if it is there.
- After that, double-click on the file you just copied and click “Yes” to add it to the registry.
Perform In-place Upgrade
- Follow the steps above to mount the Windows ISO file and get an installation drive ready.
- Launch Setup.exe to begin the setup process.
- Make changes to how setup gets updates, then click “Not now.”
- To move on, either click Next or do what it says.
- To continue, plug in an external hard drive with at least 10 GB of space.
- Click “Change what to keep” and pick Keep your own apps and files.
- To start the upgrade, click “Install.”
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
- To open Settings, press Windows and the letter ‘I‘ together.
- Locate the Troubleshoot option, then select it.
- Choose from the Other available troubleshooters.
- Locate Windows Update, then select Run from the context menu to launch the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
- It will immediately recognize the problem and correct it on its own.
- Restart your computer.
- To open the Services window, press the Windows key along with the letter ‘R‘ on the next boot, and then type services.msc.
- Locate the Windows Update programme. On the other hand, the file that was restored almost always takes on the name wuauserv instead.
- Just give that one a double click when you find it.
- Select Automatic as the Startup type, then click the Start button.
- Launching the Windows Update Service
- Simply clicking the OK button will restart the Windows Update services.
Conclusion
The Windows Update service is in charge of downloading and installing any available Windows updates from Microsoft’s servers over the internet. From within the Windows Services app, you have the ability to start, stop, and manage this service as required. But what should you do in the event that the Windows Update service mysteriously disappears from your computer? Do not be concerned in the slightest if the Windows Update service has mysteriously vanished without a trace on your computer. This guide offers some potential solutions that, if implemented, ought to speed up the process of restoring the Windows Update service.
Questions and Answers
If your Windows computer’s system files get damaged, the Windows Update Service might not work. Both SFC and DISM can help you fix it. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth is the command you need to type and press Enter.
If this happens, it could mean that your PC doesn’t have the right specs to download or install Windows 11. Find out more about what Windows 11 needs to run. It’s possible that this is because a driver or other piece of software on your PC doesn’t work with the Windows 11 upgrade.
WSUS is a simple tool that system administrators use to keep track of Microsoft Windows updates. It is installed on Microsoft Windows Server. It can be used with Windows Server 2008 R2, 2012, 2012 R2, 2016, 2019, and it will be a part of Server 2022. WSUS works with all supported Microsoft client OSes, such as Windows 8.1, 10, and 11.