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7 March 2024  John Weaver  Senior Program Developer
 

Summary
Learn how to resolve the error "windows update cannot currently check for updates" with our comprehensive guide. Avoid potential data loss by following our step-by-step solution.



Table of contents

table iconI. Windows Update is currently unable to check for updates. How to solve it?
table iconII. (Extended information) Use Renee Undeleter to recover lost data
Windows update cannot currently check for updates

I. Windows Update is currently unable to check for updates. How to solve it?

If you encounter the error message “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running,” and a computer restart doesn’t fix the problem, try the following steps in order, ceasing if an issue is resolved.
Windows Update is currently unable to check for updates

1. Delete the files in the Software Distribution folder

The Software Distribution folder is a temporary storage location for files needed during Windows updates. Should this folder become a source of Windows Update problems, clearing its contents could potentially fix the troubles. To do this, follow the instructions below:
Step 1: Start the computer and press Windows+R to launch the Run dialog. Type in Services.msc and click OK to access Services. Locate Windows Update, right-click it, and choose Stop.
stop Windows Update service
Step 2: Press Windows+R to open the Run dialog. Type C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and click OK to access the Software Distribution folder.
SoftwareDistribution Windows
Step 3: In the Software Distribution folder, select all files, right-click, and choose Delete. Administrator privileges are required.
Delete all files in softwaredistribution
Step 4: Reopen the “Services” window by pressing Windows+R, typing Services.msc, and clicking OK. Right-click on Windows Update and select Start. Once completed, restart your computer and attempt the Windows update again to see if the issue is resolved.
start windows update service

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is an integrated tool designed to fix common issues with system updates. If you experience errors during Windows updates, run the troubleshooter to resolve them.
Step 1: Start the computer and simultaneously press Windows+I to launch the settings. Navigate to Update & security.
Windows update and security
Step 2: Navigate to the function bar on the left and click on Troubleshoot. For the next step, if you’re using certain versions of Windows, choose Other Troubleshooting first; otherwise, proceed directly to select Windows Update. Finally, click the Run the troubleshooter button and wait for the process to finish to check if the issue has been resolved.
run windows update troubleshooter

3. Update RST driver

If you’re encountering Intel Rapid Storage Technology (RST) issues, it may be due to an outdated, missing, or damaged driver. This can interfere with Windows Update when checking for updates. To fix this problem, you can update the RST driver through Device Manager. Alternatively, you can download the latest version from the Intel official website for your specific version of Windows.
Update RST driver
To resolve the issue “Windows Update cannot currently check for updates, because the service is not running,” follow the provided steps. Should you notice missing files after the repair or during regular computer use, employ these methods to scan and recover them.

II. (Extended information) Use Renee Undeleter to recover lost data

1. What is Renee Undeleter?

Renee Undeleter is a professional data recovery tool capable of restoring a wide range of file types, including documents, photos, videos, and archives. It can recover files lost due to accidental deletion, recycle bin clearance, disk formatting, or unintentional partition removal, provided the data hasn’t been overwritten. The software features four key modules: Fast Partition Scan, Whole Partition Scan, Whole Disk Scan, and Image Creation, catering to most data recovery requirements.
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2. How to recover lost files with Renee Undeleter?

Step 1: Install and launch Renee Undeleter on your Windows PC. Select “Fast Partition Scan” from the main menu.
To prevent data overwriting, avoid installing software on the disk from which you need to recover data. Also, after losing a file, do not save new data to that disk partition to prevent further damage or permanent file loss.
fast partition scan with Renee Undeleter
Step 2: Next, select the partition where the lost data is located and click on (Next).
scan disk with Renee Undeleter
Step 3: Select the (Fast Scan) option and click the (Next) button to scan.
Tips: Fast Scan Mode scans the initial 30GB of a selected disk’s free space. If the file is not located, switch to Deep Scan Mode to thoroughly rescan the partition, which is more time-consuming but scans more data.
fast scan lost data
Step 4: Once the scan completes, double-click to preview the file. Choose the file you wish to recover and click the Recover button to save it to an alternate disk.
recover files with Renee Undeleter