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How to Fix BITS Service Not Working Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is an essential Windows component that helps with background downloads and uploads, especially for updates. When this service stops working, your system may experience issues with Windows Update or other network-related tasks.

Fixing the BITS service error on Windows 11 can be straightforward if you follow the right steps carefully. Many users face this problem due to corrupted system files, misconfigured settings, or conflicts with other services.

This guide will walk you through simple to advanced solutions to get BITS running smoothly again. Each step is explained in detail to make sure even beginners can follow along.

By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to troubleshoot and fix the BITS service error effectively.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before diving into troubleshooting, here are a few quick checks to save you time:

  • Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple reboot resolves temporary glitches affecting BITS.
  • Check your internet connection: BITS relies on network access, so ensure you are connected to the internet.
  • Verify Windows Update service status: Since BITS works closely with Windows Update, make sure that service is running properly.
  • Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in tool that can automatically detect and fix update-related issues.

Step 1: Restart the BITS Service Manually

Restarting the BITS service can often fix minor problems by resetting its state.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter. This opens the Services window.
  3. Scroll down and find Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
  4. Right-click on it and select Restart. If the option is grayed out, click Start instead.
  5. After restarting, close the Services window and check if the issue is resolved.

Why this helps: Restarting refreshes the service’s operation and clears any temporary errors that may have caused it to stop working.

Step 2: Ensure BITS and Dependent Services Are Set to Automatic

BITS depends on other services to function properly. Ensuring these services start automatically helps prevent future problems.

  1. Open the Services window again (via services.msc).
  2. Locate the following services and check their Startup Type:
    • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
    • Windows Update
    • Cryptographic Services
    • DCOM Server Process Launcher
    • RPC Endpoint Mapper
  3. To change the Startup Type, right-click the service and select Properties.
  4. Set the Startup Type to Automatic (Delayed Start) or Automatic, then click Apply and OK.
  5. Restart your computer to apply changes.

Why this matters: If these services don’t start automatically, BITS won’t work correctly, impacting updates and downloads.

Step 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupt or missing system files can cause BITS to malfunction. Running the System File Checker helps identify and repair these files.

  1. Press Windows + S and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  3. Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This process may take some time. Wait until it finishes and displays the results.

If corrupted files are found, Windows will attempt to fix them automatically.

Why use SFC: It ensures your system files are intact, which is crucial for services like BITS to operate without issues.

Step 4: Reset BITS and Windows Update Components

If the problem persists, resetting the BITS and Windows Update components can clear deeper configuration errors.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (as shown in Step 3).
  2. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc

ren %systemroot%SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %systemroot%System32catroot2 catroot2.old

net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc

Explanation: This sequence stops relevant services, renames update folders (which forces Windows to recreate them), and then restarts the services.

Step 5: Check BITS Permissions Using Component Services

Sometimes incorrect permissions can block BITS from running properly. You can fix this by adjusting permissions in Component Services.

  1. Press Windows + R, type dcomcnfg, and press Enter.
  2. In the Component Services window, navigate to:
    • Component Services > Computers > My Computer > DCOM Config
  3. Find and right-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service, then select Properties.
  4. Go to the Security tab.
  5. Under Launch and Activation Permissions, click Edit.
  6. Ensure that NETWORK SERVICE has Local Launch and Local Activation permissions checked.
  7. Click OK to save changes.
  8. Restart your computer.

Why permissions matter: BITS requires proper launch and activation rights to function correctly in the system environment.

Alternative Method: Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows offers a dedicated troubleshooter that can detect and fix many update-related problems, including BITS errors.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find Windows Update and click Run.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.

This tool automates many of the manual fixes and is a good step if you want a quicker solution.

FAQs

What exactly is the BITS service?

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is a Windows service that transfers files asynchronously between a client and server. It is used primarily for Windows Updates and other background downloads.

Why is BITS important for Windows Update?

BITS downloads updates in the background without interrupting your other internet activities, ensuring smooth and efficient update delivery.

Can disabling BITS cause problems?

Yes, disabling BITS can prevent Windows Update and other services from working properly, potentially leaving your system vulnerable or outdated.

Is it safe to rename SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders?

Yes, renaming these folders forces Windows to recreate them and often solves corruption issues affecting updates and BITS.

What if I still get BITS errors after trying everything?

There may be deeper system issues or malware affecting your PC. Consider advanced repairs or contacting Microsoft Support.

When Nothing Works

If all the above steps fail to resolve the BITS service not working error, consider the following options:

  • Perform a System Restore: Roll back your system to a point before the issue started.
  • Run DISM tool: Open Command Prompt as admin and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair Windows image.
  • Check for malware: Use a trusted antivirus to scan for infections that might be interfering.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official support page at support.microsoft.com for further assistance.

Conclusion

Fixing the BITS service not working error on Windows 11 involves a series of checks and repairs, starting from simple restarts to resetting system components. Ensuring the service and its dependencies run correctly, repairing corrupted files, and adjusting permissions often resolve the issue.

By following this step-by-step guide, you can restore the BITS service and maintain smooth Windows Update functionality. Remember to try the simpler methods first before moving to more advanced troubleshooting, and don’t hesitate to seek official help if needed.

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