Windows 11 Update Issue due to BITS Service

Anonymous
2025-01-07T14:53:04+00:00

Since a couple of weeks I get a red exclamation mark with Window Update and the message:

"Your device is missing important security updates".

I tried the Windows Update Troubleshooter multiple times. It always finds an error with BITS which is detected as follows:

Problem with BITS service : The requested service has already been started. System.Management.Automation.RemoteException More help is available by typing NET HELPMSG 2182. System.Management.Automation.RemoteException <br> ---

I have tried everything including running SFC, DISM, stopping, starting the BITS service, the Windows Update service, deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder (cache). I even ran the Windows 11 installer again, but NOTHING fixes the issue.

Help will be mostly appreciated.

Thank you.

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update

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Ramesh Srinivasan 88,880 Reputation points Independent Advisor
2025-01-08T08:01:55+00:00

Hi,

You can upgrade to the latest version (24H2) using the ISO.

  1. Download Windows 11 Media Creation Tool (MCT) from this link:

https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2156295

  1. Run MCT and download the ISO it recommends for your system. Do *not* uncheck "Use the recommended options for this PC".
  2. Right-click on the downloaded ISO and choose "Mount." This assigns the ISO a drive letter.
  3. Run setup.exe from the ISO drive. This starts the in-place upgrade/repair installation.
  4. This starts the setup dialog. In the initial screen, click “Change how Setup downloads updates”
  5. Select “Not right now”, and continue the process.

(Your files, settings and applications will be preserved if you use the ISO recommended for your system by the Media Creation Tool.)

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-03-02T09:41:18+00:00

    I have the same Problem i have windows 11 23H2 22631.4890

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  2. Anonymous
    2025-01-08T08:00:12+00:00

    Hi Ramesh, thanks for the reply.

    This is the output of winver.exe:

    Version 21H2 (OS Build 22000.2538).

    So, it's not 22H2. Any ideas on what to try out now?

    Thanks again!

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  3. Ramesh Srinivasan 88,880 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-01-07T15:25:11+00:00

    Hi, This is Ramesh.

    The note "Problem with BITS service : The requested service has already been started" denotes BITS is working correctly. Please ignore the "problem" wording. It's an informational message only.

    As to why the Windows Update is not finding the latest updates, it's possible you;re using Version 22H2 which has reached the end of servicing in October.

    Please run "winver.exe" and post a screenshot of that dialog.

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  4. Anonymous
    2025-05-01T17:56:30+00:00

    This is exactly what I needed to do for my issue. Clear and easy to follow instructions. Thank you so much!

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