Fix: We could not complete the install because an update service was shutting down

If you receive 'We could not complete the install because an update service was shutting down' error while upgrading Windows 10, here is how to fix.

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin
2 min read
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If you’re unable to complete installation of feature update, then this article may interest you. While installing a feature update in Windows 11/10, sometimes the installation may aborted midway and you receive a message like this:

We could not complete the install because an update service was shutting down
We could not complete the install because an update service was shutting down.

Due to the above shown message, you can’t update to a newer version from your existing version. Not everyone is facing this problem, but if you’re experiencing, you’re not alone as well. You may try below workarounds to get over this.

Fix: We could not complete the install because an update service was shutting down.

Fix 1: Using Services Snap-in

1. Press W8K + R and type services.msc in the Run dialog box, hit Enter key to open Services snap-in.

Services Windows 10

2. In Services snap-in window, locate the Windows Update service. You might spot it to set to Manual Startup Type. Double click on this service to modify its status.

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3. On the service property sheet, change the Startup type to Automatic and click Apply, followed by OK.

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4. Retry to install the update and it should not fail this time.

Fix 2: Restart Windows Update Service

Check this video to illustrate the fix:

Thanks to our reader matthew from comments, to make this possible.

Fix 3: Other Suggestions

If you still continue to face the issue, refer these suggestions then:

1. Try temporarily stopping or disabling Windows Defender Service in Services snap-in.

2. Uninstall the third-party antivirus or security software present on your system, which may interrupt the update process.

3. Make sure to disconnect external devices (if any), while you’re performing the update.

4. Fix the corrupted Windows Update database or try resetting Windows Update components.

5. Try updating via ISO file, which is usually a good method over as compared to upgrading via Windows Update. As of this writing, Microsoft provides latest Windows 10 version ISO file, when the new version is out.

Hope this helps! 

Don’t forgot to read, how to manually download and install Windows Updates in Windows.

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Article by

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin

Kapil holds Microsoft MVP title in Windows IT Pro expertise, 11-times in a row (2014-2025). He is 8-times Windows Insider MVP as well, and author of 'Windows Group Policy Troubleshooting' book. In 2015, Microsoft India accomplished him as 'Windows 10 Champion'. Being passionate Windows blogger, he loves to help others on fixing their system issues. Kapil has worked with official Microsoft Community Engagement Team (CET) on several community projects. You can subscribe him for news/updates and fixes for Windows.

20 Comments
zed ham

I had this error after updating to version 2004 (May 2020 update). What fixed it for me, was running disk cleanup on my system drive, and removing everything. Most people probably don’t need to check all the boxes (I doubt thumbnails were causing the issue), but I did anyway.

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Thanks for adding this!

Nate

Thanks Kapil Arya, this fixed it for me

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Glad to help Nate!

matthew

i had to stop and start the service for it to work again after switching it to automatic

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Thanks matthew for adding this!

Jason

Same as Matthew above, start and stop then try

LALIT

thanks matthew

mark

thank u, the first method worked, i keep on retrying 10 times and it didnt work, and i tried your first solution, it solves everything! I appreciated it for helping me.

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Glad we could help mark!

jérôme

thank you, that fixed it for me too!

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Happy to help!

rupesh

Thanks a lot. It works..

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Glad it helped!

Rezky Nur Fauzi

Thanks. It works

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Glad to help.

MadneZ P

Had the same problem. Started Services as Administrator and did the fix you mentioned. Worked! Thanks Kapil!

Kapil Arya Author

^^ Glad to help you!

Nisha

@Kapil Arya…I can’t delete defaultuser0 …I tried all ur ways but still failed ….what would I do ?? Would u plz help me in it ..?

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