How to update my windows (update service is off, i do not have antivirus)

Ziad Mohammed Abokhalil Mohamed 20 Reputation points
2026-08-19T06:38:26.89+00:00

update service is off and i can not start it error 1053 this request did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion widows could not start windows update i can not update windows as error encountered or retry

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Windows update
Answer accepted by question author
Ramesh 181.2K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-08-19T07:22:30.66+00:00

Please run the fixlist below.

  • Download fixlist.txt
  • Save Fixlist.txt to the same folder as FRST64English.exe.
  • Close all programs.
  • Launch the Farbar Scanner tool and click "Fix".
  • Restart Windows if prompted.
  • Upload the output log file (FixLog.txt) in your next reply.

NOTE: The fixlist.txt script was written specifically for this user and for use on that particular machine. It is not recommended to run it on another machine, and don't run the same fixlist.txt more than once.

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  1. Ramesh 181.2K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-19T06:41:08.4633333+00:00

    Please share your Farbar scan logs for analysis.

    • Download Farbar Recovery Scan Tool 64-bit FRST64.exe
    • If the OS language is not English, rename FRST64.exe to FRST64English.exe.
    • Run the program. Don't check or uncheck any options. Click "Scan".
    • Add the two logs, FRST.txt and Addition.txt, to a zip archive.
    • Share the zip file on OneDrive or GoFile.io, and post the link here.

    Note: If Microsoft Edge or Chrome mislabels the Farbar Scanner executable as PUA/malware, choose to keep it by tapping … in the bottom bar, choosing Keep, and then choosing Keep anyway in the dialog that appears. See this screenshot. It's a safe tool used in most antimalware forums.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-08-19T06:38:47.04+00:00

    Error 1053 for Windows Update means the service is not starting in time. Since antivirus is not installed, focus on repairing the update components and system files.

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Make sure the Windows Update service is set to Automatic
      • Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
      • Find Windows Update.
      • Right-click it > Properties.
      • Set Startup type to Automatic.
      • If the service is stopped, select Start.
      • Select Apply > OK.
    2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
      • Find Windows Update and select Run.
      • Complete the prompts.
    3. Repair Windows system files
      • In the taskbar search box, type command prompt.
      • Select Run as administrator.
      • Run: 
             DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
      • Wait for the success message.
      • Then run: 
             sfc /scannow
      • Wait until the scan reaches 100%.
      • Try Windows Update again.
    4. Reset the Windows Update folders
      • This changes update cache folders. It is generally safe, but it removes the current update cache.
      • Open Command Prompt as administrator.
      • Run these commands one at a time: 
             net stop bits
     net stop wuauserv
     ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
     ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
     net start bits
     net start wuauserv
      • Restart the PC.
    5. Check for updates again
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
    6. If the service still fails, try a clean restart
      • A clean restart starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs to rule out software conflicts.
      • Use the Microsoft guidance here: Learn how to do a clean restart

    If the issue is specifically that Windows Update service will not start at all, the supported steps in the documentation are to ensure the service is set to Automatic, run the Windows Update troubleshooter, repair system files with DISM and SFC, and reset the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders.

    References:

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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