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Overall, when Windows computers have trouble integrating updates, people could run the “net stop wuauserv” command in Command Prompt to stop the Windows Update service. Usually, as soon as Windows users run the command, the Windows Update service would ground to a halt. That being said, reports of net stop wuauserv “access is denied” still pop up from time to time. Check out this article if you have a hard time stopping the Windows Update service via Command Prompt.
What Must Be Done
By analyzing user reports and troubleshooting articles, we managed to compile a list of solutions that could get the “net stop wuauserv” command to run.
Run Command Prompt As Administrator
If users don’t have the privileges to terminate services, the “access denied” error would pop up. Even if you use an administrative account, Windows usually launch Command Prompt as well as other apps without administrative privileges. Thus, once it comes to net stop wuauserv “access is denied”, you should run Command Prompt as administrator.
Note: As you open Command Prompt (Admin), a special feature known as User Account Control (UAC) would be activated. UAC is a critical security measure that guards your computer against viruses and other malicious activity. If prompted by UAC, you have to enter your password if you want to proceed.
- Step 1: Go to Search bar, type cmd, right-click “Command Prompt” and pick Run as administrator.
- Step 2: If a User Account Control prompt appears, enter the password.
- Step 3: In Command Prompt (Admin), run the “net stop wuauserv” command and see how things turn out.
Take Permission Into Account
If the “access is denied” error keeps giving you a hard time, it’s likely that your account lacks the permission to terminate the Windows Update service. In that case, you have choices:
Ask The Administrator For Permission
Regarding permission, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the administrator. Explain what you’re attempting to do with the net commands and request permission to terminate the service.
Grant Yourself Permission
If you don’t have access to your system administrator, you may grant yourself the permission to terminate services. All you need is an alternative GUI editor such as Service Security Editor.
- Step 1: Download Service Security Editor to your computer.
- Step 2: Open the Service Security Editor, choose Windows Update service from the list and press Open.
- Step 3: Select your user account in the top pane of the Service Security Settings box then give it the necessary privileges in the lower pane.
- Step 4: Click OK to save your changes and exit Service Security Editor.
Is It Possible To Resolve The “Windows Update Service Could Not Be Stopped” Error?
As you run the “net stop wuauserv” command in Command Prompt or PowerShell, an error that says “the Windows Update service could not be stopped” may appear. To get rid of the error, you should try out the following fixes:
Restart
In the beginning, you should restart your PC. If Windows Update service acting up is the result of hiccups, everything should return normal once the screen returns.
Command Prompt (Admin)
Each process on Windows is given a unique number known as the Process ID (PID). PID is used in multiple ways and you could use it to stop Windows Update service in Command Prompt (Admin).
- Step 1: Press CTRL+ALT+DEL, click Task Manager and go to the Services tab. In there, note down the PID of Windows Update service.
- Step 2: Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges then run the “taskkill /f /pid X with X representing the PID of Windows Update service.
- Step 3: Keep an eye out for a message that says. “SUCCESS: The process with PID **** has been killed.”
Think About Dependencies
In case you don’t know, many Windows services have dependencies and you can’t terminate them if other services rely on them to work. Hence, you should give dependencies some thought.
- Step 1: Go to Search bar, type services.msc and press Enter.
- Step 2: Scroll down to Windows Update, right-click it and pick Properties.
- Step 3: Go to Dependencies tab then note down services under The following system components depend on this service. Now you must locate each of those services, right-click it and select Stop.
Can I Pause Windows Updates Using Command Prompt?
Windows automatically downloads updates in the background but that might be inconvenient if your Internet connection is less than ideal. On the bright side, you can halt Windows updates via Command Prompt.
- Step 1: Go to Search bar, type cmd, right-click “Command Prompt” and pick Run as administrator.
- Step 2: In Command Prompt (Admin), run each of the commands down below:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop dosvc
- Step 3: Close Command Prompt (Admin) then restart your PC
Tuan Do is an accomplished author, content provider, and IT specialist with a strong background in computer science. Having studied IT at Hanoi Bach Khoa University, he possesses extensive knowledge in the field and specializes in Microsoft Windows. Tuan plays a vital role as a valued member of 4G Britain magazine, where he provides engaging content, tutorials, and practical fixes for readers. His expertise allows him to simplify complex concepts, making him a reliable source of accurate and insightful tech information. With a deep passion for technology, Tuan is committed to keeping readers informed about the latest advancements in the industry. Through his contributions to 4G Britain, he empowers both tech enthusiasts and professionals by delivering valuable insights and solutions. Tuan’s dedication to providing exceptional content ensures that readers can rely on him as a trustworthy resource in the ever-evolving world of technology.