Microsoft’s Windows Update service downloads updates for software and hardware drivers. Some interval after system boot-up, your computer may display the following error:
Windows cannot find ‘WindowsUpdate.exe’. Make sure you typed the name correctly, and then try again.
There are certain situations when missing entries in your registry and registry corruption causes this problem. Try running a registry scan to identify if there are any such issues. Estimated Download Time: 10 SecondsDownload the Diagnostic
End Windows Update Process
You might want to terminate the Windows Update process running in the background. Here’s how:
1. Press Windows Key + X simultaneously.
2. Select the Task Manager.
3. Click More details.
4. Click Details tab.
5. Scroll down the page.
6. Right-click WindowsUpdate.exe process.
7. Select End task.
Disable Startup Entry
Your computer might display the WindowsUpdate.exe error after a recent unsuccessful Windows Update. The updates you attempted to install failed.
1. Open the Task Manager again.
2. Click More details, and then Startup tab.
3. Check for WindowsUpdate.exe entry in the startup list, and then disable it. (Right click > Disable)
4. Exit Task Manager, restart your computer.
Reset Windows Update Components
We’ll create a batch file to automatically stop Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer, and Cryptographic services; rename Windows Update components, and restart these services again.
1. Press Windows Key + R.
2. Type Notepad in the text box, click OK.
3. Enter the following commands one by one:
4. Click File, and then Save.
5. Specify the following arguments:
- File Name: Reset Windows Update.bat
- File Type: All Files
- Location: Desktop
6. Exit the file, double click the newly created file to run the script automatically.
Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
A stunk update can be fixed using Windows Update Troubleshooting tool.
1. Click the Start button, select Settings.
2. Type Troubleshooting in the Search Box.
3. Open the Troubleshooting tool from the Search Results.
4. Click System and Security | Windows Update.
5. Click Advanced link.
6. Click Run as administrator.
7. The wizard is now reopened.
8. Click Next.
9. Wait a while till the update check-up is completed.
Uninstall Recent Updates
A recent unsuccessful update installation may have caused this error. Sort all installed updates by their date of installation, and uninstall the recently installed ones.
1. Click Start, select Settings.
2. Click Update & Security | Windows Update.
3. Click Update History | Uninstall Updates.
4. Click the Installed on column head to rearrange updates.
5. Right-click an update you’d like to remove, select Uninstall.
Restore PC to an Earlier Point of Time
If you’re still encountering WindowsUpdate.exe error, don’t panic. Restoring your computer to an earlier state before update installation might help.
1. Right-click This PC desktop icon, select Properties.
2. Click Advanced system settings.
3. Click System Protection tab in the new dialog that opens.
4. Click System Restore.
5. Click Next in the welcome page that opens.
6. Select a restore point before update installation.
7. Click Next, and then Finish.
8. Your computer will now reboot and perform the requested operation.
