Regardless of whether your computer runs on Windows 7, 8, or 10, you may encounter a problem where the Windows update function turns itself off. This can be incredibly frustrating if you need to keep your system up-to-date and secure.
Luckily, this is a problem that can usually be addressed with relative ease. In this article, we will guide you through the necessary steps.
Understanding Windows Update Functionality
In essence, the purpose of Windows update is to keep your computer safe and secure by patching up security holes, updating applications, and installing new features. It is essentially automated maintenance that ensures that your PC runs at optimal performance levels with minimal effort on your part.
When Windows update turns itself off, it can become a serious problem as your computer will no longer receive the updates that are necessary for its continued functioning. It is important to note that this issue can be caused by either the user or an external factor.
Troubleshooting Steps To Fix Windows Update Turning Off Issue
In order to get the Windows update feature functioning again, you will need to first understand the root of the issue. Depending on whether it is caused by either user or external factors, different troubleshooting steps may be necessary.
User Caused Issue
If you find that the Windows update turning off issue is caused by a user-created problem, then there are simple solutions available.
- If you have manually disabled the Windows update setting then you can simply re-enable it by going to the Windows Settings, selecting Update & Security, and then ensuring that all settings are enabled in the ‘Windows Update’ section.
- You may also need to restart your computer for the changes to take full effect.
External Cause Issue
If the issue is caused by an outside factor such as a virus or malware, then you will likely need to take a few extra steps.
- The first step is to run your anti-malware software to scan for and remove any malicious files from your computer.
- After the scan is complete, head back into Windows Settings and re-enable the Windows update setting.
- If the issue persists, then you may need to manually install any pending updates for your computer by heading into ‘Update History’ on the ‘Windows Update’ settings page.
Conclusion
By comprehending the root cause of the problem and adhering to these troubleshooting steps, you can swiftly resolve the issue of Windows updates turning off. Whether it was caused by a user mistake or an external factor, these steps should help you in rectifying the problem and make sure that your computer is secure with the latest updates installed.
By utilizing anti-malware software and restarting your computer, you can ensure that this issue does not happen again in the future.