Fix: We Could not Complete the Install Because an Update Was Shutting Down on Windows 10
Windows Update is a feature that allows Windows to check updates regarding privacy & security, Windows versions, and much more. It is a good practice to allow Windows to download and install Windows updates automatically as it will keep your system error-free for most of the time. Although sometimes, users may encounter an error stating “We could not complete the installation because an update service was shutting down” which disables their system Windows to get application/security updates that are crucial in terms of safety and execution.
What Causes Windows Update Error?
We have listed the causes of this problem after reviewing the user’s feedback and technical authorities in detail. This problem may arise due to any of the following reasons:
- Time & Date: Incorrect date and time disable Windows to keep a check on security patch releases which ultimately causes this error.
- Program Records: Corrupt program records alter system files due to which Windows Update error can arise. This has been reported as a regular problem in regard to this error.
- Virus/Malware: Viruses are most likely to corrupt system files and there is a strong possibility that they might have messed up Windows Update Service. This issue is every now and then that ultimately causes problems just like this one at hand.
- Miscellaneous: Any recently installed application, setting, etc. might be the reason behind this update error. These kind of root problems are hard to trace in general.
We have done thorough research on the issue and listed down the working solutions reported with positive feedback in the online community.
Solution 1: Restart Windows Update Services
Users have reported online that restarting Windows Update Services helped them fix this problem as restarting Windows Update Services will undo any undesired configuration being done to the system by the user or some application. Therefore, go through the following steps to restart Windows Update Services:
- Press Windows + R keys together on your keyboard to open Run dialog box.
Opening Run Dialog Box - Type services.msc in the box and click OK to continue. This will open Windows Services that typically start automatically when PC boots up.
Running Command - In the Services window, scroll down to find Windows Update service. This service is responsible for reviewing, downloading and installing updates for Windows 10.
Windows Update Service Menu - Right-click on it and select Properties. This will open the properties window.
Opening Service Properties - Change its Startup type to Automatic, click Start > Apply > OK. This will enable Windows on your PC to start its updates automatically (not bound by the user permission anymore).
Changing Windows Update Service Settings - Restart your computer and run Windows Update again to check whether the problem is fixed or not. In case it’s not then proceed with the next solution.
Solution 2: Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus Software
This error may be caused by the third-party antivirus software, as it may block the Windows update installation. It was the case for many users online thus, it can be yours too. Therefore, to fix this error, uninstall the third-party antivirus software by following the steps given below:
- Click Start, search Control Panel, and open it.
Opening Control Panel - Choose Uninstall a program under the Programs section.
Opening Programs List - Find the third-party antivirus software, right-click on it and select Uninstall. Wait for some time until Windows remove third-party antivirus software completely.
Uninstalling Third-party Antivirus Software - Restart your computer and run Windows Updates again. This should finally fix your problem.
Note: Once Windows Updates are installed successfully, you can install antivirus software again to safeguard your computer if you like. Although in case you do not have any licensed third-party antivirus then our suggestion would be to stick with Microsoft Windows Defender but make sure that updates are set to automatic. (outdated security patches will keep your PC at big risk)
