I cannot enable Windows 10 updates. services.msc / regedit

DB 20 Reputation points
2023-01-26T18:08:16.5066667+00:00

I have an issue. I cannot update my Windows 10 computer because the Windows Update service is disabled and I can't enable it.
2023-01-26_10-58-17

Things I tried. even running with admin.

  1. Open services, Windows Update, right-click for properties and put Startup type to Automatic.
    I just get "Access is denied."
  2. Open Regedit, Go here: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv
    Double-click on Start and change the Value data to 2.
    I just get an error "Cannot edit Start: Error writing the value's new contents".
  3. Open Task Manager, Services Tab, scroll down to wuauserv "Windows Update", right click and press start.
    Does nothing. Still says Stopped.
  4. Opened Settings, Troubleshoot, Additional troubleshooters, Windows Update, Run the troubleshooter and as usual that ever fixes anything. Just says "Troubleshooting couldn't identify the problem"

For other means in trying to enable it.

  1. Downloaded OOSU10.exe, Searched For Windows Update, Everything is enabled from what that says.

System

System: Alienware Aurora-R4
Operating System: Windows 10 Home 64-bit (10.0, Build 19044
DirectX 12 Database Version: 1.0.8
CPU: Intel i7-3930K
RAM: 32GB
GPU: GTX1080 PNY

Does anyone have a solution?

Screenshots

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2023-01-26_10-57-31

2023-01-26_10-58-33

Windows 10
Windows 10
A Microsoft operating system that runs on personal computers and tablets.
10,617 questions
Microsoft Configuration Manager Updates
Microsoft Configuration Manager Updates
Microsoft Configuration Manager: An integrated solution for for managing large groups of personal computers and servers.Updates: Broadly released fixes addressing specific issue(s) or related bug(s). Updates may also include new or modified features (i.e. changing default behavior).
962 questions
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4 answers

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  1. DB 20 Reputation points
    2023-01-26T19:50:46.2033333+00:00

    I solved the issue through Regedit.

    1. Enabled Full Permissions on wuauserv and UsoSvc folders.
    2. On: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv
      Put "Start" Key Value to 2 and not 4. (This is for the services "Windows Update")
    3. On: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsoSvc
      Put "Start" Key Value to 2 and not 4. (This is for the services "Update Orchestrator Service")
    3 people found this answer helpful.
  2. AllenLiu-MSFT 40,316 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor
    2023-01-27T01:53:00.54+00:00

    Hi, @DB

    Thanks very much for your posting and feedback in Q&A. We're glad that the problem is solved now. Here's a short summary for the problem, we believe this will help other users to search for useful information more quickly.

    Problem/Symptom:

    Cannot update Windows 10 computer because the Windows Update service is disabled and can't enable it.

    Solution/Workaround:

    1. Enabled Full Permissions on wuauserv and UsoSvc folders.
    2. On: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv

    Put "Start" Key Value to 2 and not 4. (This is for the services "Windows Update")

    1. On: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsoSvc

    Put "Start" Key Value to 2 and not 4. (This is for the services "Update Orchestrator Service")

    If the answer is the right solution, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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  4. Nidhi Ochani 0 Reputation points
    2023-10-20T09:14:46.5066667+00:00

    I have done the changes to the Start option of "Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv" this. But when I open it again, it's getting changed to 4. I have tried changing it to 2, multiple times, it keeps changing back to 4. Please help. My windows update isn't working, plus my microsoft store keeps crashing due to this.