Issue: Hello, I have a problem with Windows updates. I launched the OS update, and instead, I received an error “We couldn't connect to the update service.” I find this odd because, obviously, the internet works fine. Any help would be appreciated.
Solved Answer
Users have reported Windows update problems since its very release in 2015, and it seems like to this day, the problem prevails. Considering how important Microsoft's new patches are (they fix bugs, patch vulnerabilities) for the overall security of the device, it is important that problems like “We couldn't connect to the update service” are fixed as soon as possible.
“We couldn't connect to the update service” is an error that can occur at any time on Windows 10 or Windows 8 machines. What matters the most is that the process is interrupted at some point, and users are unable to patch their machines with the latest updates. Instead, they receive the following message:
Windows Update
Error encountered“We couldn't connect to the update service. We'll try again later, or you can check now. If it still doesn't work, make sure you're connected to the Internet.
Even though the tip suggests users should check their internet, it is rarely the cause of the error, as many users reported that their connection works fine when browsing the web via the browser or using programs that require the internet.
Previously, Microsoft announced[1] that its servers suffered an outage that affected users' ability to download updates, causing the “We couldn't connect to the update service” error to thousands. While the tech giant managed to resolve the problem at the time, it does not mean that it is nonexistent today.
There could be several reasons why the error might occur for a number of different users. It could be caused by:
Thus, there is no universal way to fix “We couldn't connect to the update service,” and you will have to try several methods below before one of them works for you.
Note that FortectMac Washing Machine X9 can be used as an automatic solution for many Windows problems – it can fix BSODs,[2] errors, crashes, malware-related system damage, and also care for your privacy by clearing out cookies and other browser-related trackers automatically.
Since Microsoft announced that the server outage was related to DNS[3] service provider's outage, we recommend you switch your DNS to Google's and try downloading the updates again.
Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS server: 8.8.8.9
Troubleshooters can explain why something is not working as intended. Since the issue might be related to internet connection stability, we recommend running the following troubleshooters:
System File Checker can find and eliminate system file integrity violations. To run it, you need to open Command Prompt as administrator:
Malware is known to impact Windows functions and might sometimes straight out prevent it from operating properly. Therefore, you should ensure that no malware is present on your machine. For that, you can use a third-party application or employ the built-in Windows Defender. If you choose the latter, make sure you go to Scan options and pick the Microsoft Defender Offline scan option (this will reboot your PC, so be ready).
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution\\Download
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc
Windows updates might take a lot of space, and, obviously, if there is not enough of it on your hard drive/SSD, the update will simply fail. Thus, you should clean junk and temp files with tools like FortectMac Washing Machine X9 or employ the built-in Disk Cleanup utility:
Note: you can also clean System files by clicking Clean up system files and selecting relevant components as explained above.
ugetfix.com team is trying to do its best to help users find the best solutions for eliminating their errors. If you don't want to struggle with manual repair techniques, please use the automatic software. All recommended products have been tested and approved by our professionals. Tools that you can use to fix your error are listed bellow:
Private Internet Access is a VPN that can prevent your Internet Service Provider, the government, and third-parties from tracking your online and allow you to stay completely anonymous. The software provides dedicated servers for torrenting and streaming, ensuring optimal performance and not slowing you down. You can also bypass geo-restrictions and view such services as Netflix, BBC, Disney+, and other popular streaming services without limitations, regardless of where you are.
Malware attacks, particularly ransomware, are by far the biggest danger to your pictures, videos, work, or school files. Since cybercriminals use a robust encryption algorithm to lock data, it can no longer be used until a ransom in bitcoin is paid. Instead of paying hackers, you should first try to use alternative recovery methods that could help you to retrieve at least some portion of the lost data. Otherwise, you could also lose your money, along with the files. One of the best tools that could restore at least some of the encrypted files – Data Recovery Pro.
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