If you’re facing this error and need some assistance, this article will guide you through some quick fixes that can resolve the issue. Try these fixes in the order they’re listed — we’ve listed the easiest ones first.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The built-in Update troubleshooter should be your first choice when you encounter the “your device is missing important security and quality fixes” error. If Windows identifies the problem and fixes it for you, you don’t need to jump through hoops trying to rule out potential issues. If no problems were detected, continue to the next fix.
Reset Windows Update Service Manually
If the previous method didn’t work, you could try restarting the Windows Update service (and also some related services). You’ll also need to rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders. SoftwareDistribution is a folder where Windows Update temporarily stores files that it requires for installing new updates. Catroot2 is a folder where the Windows Update package stores signatures required for installation. Note that the System32 folder has two similarly-named folders: catroot and catroot2. This method involves renaming the catroot2 folder, which is automatically created again when you reboot. However, if you rename or delete the catroot folder, your computer may be rendered unbootable. net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver The net start/stop commands start/stop the mentioned services. The Ren command renames the folder at the mentioned path (for instance, C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution) to the name at the end (SoftwareDistribution.old) of the command. When you’re done, restart your computer and see if you’re able to install Windows updates successfully. However, it’s possible you may run into a few errors with this method. Perhaps, the Windows Update service or the BITS service won’t start, or the services you tried to stop weren’t running in the first place. If this happens, try the next fix.
Fix Corrupted Files
The errors you encountered in the previous method could be a result of corrupt system files. You can replace the corrupt or missing system files using two built-in Windows utilities called the System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management. DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth sfc /scannow If you still can’t update Windows, try the next fix.
Fix Corrupt Registry Keys
The error could be a result of the Windows Update service not starting properly, having become corrupt, or missing altogether. If this is the case, there’s a simple fix. Ideally, once your Windows Update service starts, you should be able to install the updates. If you’re not comfortable downloading a .reg file and installing it on your computer, you can use a Windows tool to install updates without messing around with the registry.
Use Windows 10 Update Assistant
Windows 10 Update Assistant helps you download feature updates and improvements as Microsoft publishes them. It also offers more control for scheduling your updates. Most importantly, though, it can help you resolve the “your device is missing important security and quality fixes” error.
Reset Your PC
If for some reason, you’re still unable to install updates, you could reset your PC. When the reset process completes, Windows will automatically install the latest updates.
Did You Fix the Issue?
Hopefully, you were able to use these fixes and get your Windows Update to work again. If the error occurred after you tried to stop automatic updates, make sure you use the right methods to stop Windows Update to avoid collateral damage.
