If you’re seeing the error message ‘Windows Resource Protection could not start the repair service’, it means that the Windows Modules Installer service is not running. This service is responsible for installing, uninstalling, and repairing Windows updates and components.
There are a few different ways to fix this problem:
- Restart your computer and try again
- Make sure the Windows Modules Installer service is set to automatic and try starting it again
- Try running the System File Checker tool to repair corrupted system
To verify that Windows Modules Installer service is set to automatic open the services window (search for “services“ in the start menu) and scroll down to “Windows Modules Installer“. Double click on it and set the startup type to “Automatic“.
If you’re having trouble starting the Windows Modules Installer service, you can try booting into safe mode. In safe mode, only the essential Windows files and services are loaded. This can help if there’s a problem with a driver or service that’s preventing the service from starting.
To boot into safe mode, press the F8 key while your computer is booting up. Select ‘Safe Mode’ from the menu and press Enter.
Once you’re in safe mode, try starting the Windows Modules Installer service again. If it starts successfully, you can try restarting your computer to see if the problem has been fixed.
You can also try manually installing or uninstalling Windows updates. Sometimes, the Windows Modules Installer service can get stuck on a particular update. Uninstalling and then reinstalling the update may fix the problem.
ADVANCED TIP (proceed with caution)
If the above methods don’t work, you can try resetting the Windows Update components. This will delete any corrupt files and allow you to start fresh.
1. Stop the Windows Update Services:
Open the Command Prompt as an administrator, and type the following commands:
net stop bits
net stop wuause
rv net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
2. Delete the qmgr*.dat files. These are located in the %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore folder:
Open File Explorer, and then go to the following folder: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore
Select all the files in the DataStore folder, and then delete them.
3. Rename the %windir%\SoftwareDistribution folder
Close any open programs, and then restart your computer.
Press the Windows logo key + R, type services.msc in the Open box, and then press Enter.
Right–click the Windows Update service, and then click Stop.
Open File Explorer, and then go to the following folder: C:\Windows
Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder to SoftwareDistribution.old.
4. Restart the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer, and the Windows Update Services
Open the Command Prompt as an administrator, and type the following commands:
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc
If you still can‘t install updates, try the troubleshooting steps in this article: https://support.microsoft.com/en–us/help/10164/fix–windows–update–errors
