Windows Update Service Missing – Error 0x80070424

Rafi Rabbani 0 Reputation points
2025-11-12T02:30:44.9833333+00:00

service msc

windows update error

Hello Microsoft Support,

I’m currently unable to install Windows updates on my device. The Windows Update page shows the error code 0x80070424, and when I check services.msc, the “Windows Update” service (wuauserv) is completely missing from the list. Because of this, I can’t start or restart the Windows Update service manually.

I have already tried the following steps but the issue persists:

  1. Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter
  2. Restarting the system and checking for updates again

Could you please guide me on how to restore the missing Windows Update service or fix this error properly?

Here are the details of my system:

  • Windows version: [Windows 11 Pro 25H2]

Error code: 0x80070424

Issue: Windows Update service not showing in services.msc

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,
Rafi

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
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3 answers

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  1. John DeV 171.1K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2025-11-12T03:05:41.0466667+00:00

    Hi, good day!

    Please try the following steps below if it helps.

    1. Download the Windows update .reg file and save it to your computer

    https://www.tenforums.com/attachments/tutorials/267530d1582122655-restore-default-services-windows-10-a-windows_update.reg

    1. Double-click on the downloaded .reg file to merge it
    2. When prompted, click Yes, and OK.
    3. Restart your computer
    4. Please check if the Windows update service is now restored and running
    5. Press Start then search Services
    6. Find Windows update in the list and double click it
    7. Startup type: Automatic and service status: Running
    8. Please check if the issue persists.

    I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

    Standard Disclaimer: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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    1 person found this answer helpful.
  2. Kapil Arya 38,696 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2025-11-12T04:08:41.94+00:00

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  3. AI answer

    2025-11-12T02:31:04.2266667+00:00

    The error code 0x80070424 typically indicates that a service required for Windows Update is not available. Since the Windows Update service (wuauserv) is missing from the list in services.msc, it may suggest that the service is either corrupted or not registered correctly in your system.

    Here are some steps you can take to try to restore the missing Windows Update service:

    1. Run System File Checker (SFC):
      • Open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by searching for "cmd" in the Start menu, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
      • Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter. This will scan for and attempt to repair any corrupted system files.
    2. Run DISM Tool:
      • In the same Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: 
             DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
      • This command will check for and fix any issues with the Windows image.
    3. Re-register Windows Update Services:
      • In the Command Prompt, you can also try re-registering the Windows Update services by running the following commands one by one: 
             sc config wuauserv start= auto
     sc start wuauserv
      • This will attempt to create and start the Windows Update service.
    4. Check for Malware:
      • Sometimes malware can interfere with system services. Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or any other trusted antivirus software.
    5. Perform a Repair Upgrade:
      • If the above steps do not resolve the issue, consider performing a repair upgrade of Windows 11. You can do this by downloading the Windows 11 installation media from the Microsoft website and selecting the option to upgrade your PC while keeping your files.

    If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may need to consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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