Im trying to start the Windows Update Service on services but it keeps on saying Windows could not start the Windows Update Service on Local Computer

Daniel Omorogie 20 Reputation points
2026-09-07T23:44:04.6233333+00:00

Seriously, I've tried every tutorial i could find but nothing worked. I dont know what else to do. Please help me!

Note: I'm on Windows 10 and I cannot get Windows 11 at the moment right now.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update

Answer accepted by question author
Ramesh 181.4K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-09-12T15:53:04.02+00:00
  • Download fixlist.txt
  • Save Fixlist.txt to the same folder as FRST64English.exe.
  • Close all programs.
  • Launch the Farbar Scanner tool and click "Fix".
  • Restart Windows if prompted.
  • Upload the output log file (FixLog.txt) in your next reply.

NOTE: The fixlist.txt script was written specifically for this user and for use on that particular machine. It is not recommended to run it on another machine, and don't run the same fixlist.txt more than once.


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  1. ApexNáV 360 Reputation points
    2026-09-12T13:42:20.7066667+00:00

    I suggest you to do repair by reinstall same version. Check below link from Microsoft for instructions:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/deployment/install-upgrade/fix-issues-by-reinstalling-the-current-version-of-windows

    It says the process preserves apps, data, etc., but I still recommend backing up your important data just in case something goes wrong.

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  2. TaoLi 112K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-08T12:48:08.0633333+00:00

    Hello Error 1083 usually means the Windows Update service configuration is incorrect or the service registration is damaged.

    Please try resetting the Windows Update service registration:

    1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
    2. Run these commands:
    
    sc config wuauserv type= share
    
    sc config wuauserv binPath= "C:\Windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p"
    
    
    1. Restart your computer and try starting the Windows Update service again.

    If the issue remains, please run:

    
    reg query "HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv"
    
    

    and share the result, especially the ImagePath value. This will confirm whether the Windows Update service entry is corrupted.

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  3. TaoLi 112K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-08T02:41:12.1533333+00:00

    Hello

    Since you have already tried the usual Windows Update reset steps, I suggest checking for damaged Windows system files first.

    Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    Then run:

    sfc /scannow

    Restart the PC and try starting the Windows Update service again.

    Microsoft guide:

    https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/experience/backup-recovery/use-the-system-file-checker-tool-to-repair-missing-or-corrupted-system-files

    If it still cannot start, please tell me the exact error number/message shown after “Windows could not start the Windows Update service” (for example, Error 5, 1058, 1068, etc.). That error number is important for determining the next step.

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