Update Orchestrator Service is Missing in Windows 11

Published by Nyau Wai Hoe - Updated on

With the release of Windows 11, users have been quick to adopt the latest operating system (OS) from Microsoft, leaving behind Windows 10. However, not everything is smooth sailing, as some have encountered issues with the Windows Update process. One notable problem is that the “Update Orchestrator Service” appears to be missing from the Services.msc in Windows 11.

In this article, we’ll explore this issue in-depth, discuss possible causes, and provide solutions to help you get your Windows Update back on track.

Update Orchestrator Service is Missing in Windows 11

What is the Update Orchestrator Service?

The Update Orchestrator Service (UsoSvc) is a Windows service responsible for managing updates in the background. It orchestrates the download, installation, and maintenance of updates on your computer. If the service is missing or not functioning correctly, it can lead to issues with Windows Update, such as error messages, failed updates, or even the inability to access the update settings.

What is the problem?

When the Update Orchestrator Service is missing, you might encounter the following symptoms:

  1. The “Windows Update” section in the Settings app displays the error message: “Something went wrong, try to reopen Settings later.”Windows 11 Something went wrong try to reopen Settings later
  2. Upon checking the services list in the Services app, you find that the Update Orchestrator Service is missing. In some instances, the “Windows Update” service itself may also be missing from the list of services.
  3. Windows Update fails to download or install updates, and you are unable to check for updates manually. The Windows Update settings page could also be displayed as blank or empty, with no options or information available.

Also see: How to Restart Windows Update Service on Windows 11

How to fix Update Orchestrator Service missing issue in Windows 11

There are several reasons why the Update Orchestrator Service might be missing from your Windows 11 installation. Let’s explore these causes and their corresponding solutions.

Cause 1: Corrupted system files

Corrupted system files can result from a variety of factors, including unexpected system crashes, hardware failures, incomplete software installations or updates, and even malware or virus infections. These corrupted files can affect the normal functioning of the Windows operating system, leading to various issues, including the missing Update Orchestrator Service.

When system files become corrupted, they may no longer be readable or executable by the operating system. In the case of the Update Orchestrator Service, if the associated files responsible for its operation are corrupted, the service may become inaccessible, preventing Windows Update from functioning correctly.

Solution: Run the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to repair corrupted system files.

The SFC and DISM tools are built-in utilities in Windows that help identify and fix corrupted system files. By running these tools, you can attempt to repair any damaged files, including those associated with the Update Orchestrator Service.

  1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”.Open Windows Terminal Admin Windows 11
  2. In the terminal, type the following command and press Enter:
    sfc /scannow

    SFC scannow to fix Update Orchestrator Service missing issue in Windows 11

  3. Allow the process to complete. The SFC tool will scan the integrity of all protected system files and attempt to replace any corrupted files it finds with a cached copy stored in a compressed folder on your system.
  4. Next, run the following DISM commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    DISM fix Update Orchestrator Service missing
    The DISM tool helps fix Windows corruption errors by repairing the Windows image, which includes the system files. The /CheckHealth command checks if any corruption has been detected. The /ScanHealth command scans the Windows image for any corruption. Finally, the /RestoreHealth command attempts to fix any detected corruption.

  5. Restart your computer and check if the Update Orchestrator Service is now available.

By repairing the corrupted system files using the SFC and DISM tools, you can potentially restore the missing Update Orchestrator Service and resolve issues with Windows Update.

Related issue: Windows Update Troubleshooter Not Working Windows 11/10

Cause 2: Disabled or misconfigured Update Orchestrator Service

In some cases, the Update Orchestrator Service may be disabled or misconfigured, causing it to be missing from the list of services or preventing it from functioning correctly. This can happen due to user actions, third-party software interference, or a system glitch.

Warning: Editing the registry can be risky, as improper changes can cause system instability or render your computer unusable. Before proceeding with the solution, it is highly recommended to create a system restore point. A restore point allows you to revert your system back to a previous state if something goes wrong during the registry modification process.

Solution: Run the provided usosvc.reg file to enable and configure the Update Orchestrator Service.

The usosvc.reg file contains predefined registry settings that can enable and configure the Update Orchestrator Service correctly. By running this file, you can apply the necessary settings without manually editing the registry.

  1. Download the usosvc.reg registry fix.
  2. Locate the downloaded usosvc.reg file in your “Downloads” folder or the location you chose to save it.
  3. Double-click the usosvc.reg file to run it.Usosvc service missing Windows 11
  4. A warning message may appear, asking if you want to continue. Click “Yes” to proceed.Can't find update orchestrator service in services.msc
  5. You will receive a confirmation message stating that the registry settings have been successfully added. Click “OK” to close the message.
  6. Restart your computer.
  7. Check if the Update Orchestrator Service is now available and functioning correctly.

By running the usosvc.reg file, you can restore the functionality of the Update Orchestrator Service and resolve issues with Windows Update without manually editing the registry.

Cause 3: Incomplete or failed Windows 11 upgrade

If your Windows 11 upgrade was incomplete or failed, it might have caused the Update Orchestrator Service to go missing. During the upgrade process, new system files replace the old ones, and system settings are updated. However, if the upgrade is interrupted or encounters errors, some files and settings may not be updated correctly, leading to issues like the missing Update Orchestrator Service.

Solution: Perform an in-place upgrade using the Windows 11 ISO file, or clean install Windows 11 if necessary.

An in-place upgrade can help resolve issues caused by an incomplete or failed Windows 11 upgrade by reinstalling the operating system and its components, including the Update Orchestrator Service, while preserving your personal files and applications.

Before proceeding with the in-place upgrade, ensure you back up your important data in case the upgrade process fails or encounters issues that may result in data loss.

  1. Download the Windows 11 ISO file from the Microsoft website.Windows 11 ISO
  2. Right-click the downloaded ISO file and select “Mount”. This will create a virtual DVD drive with the contents of the ISO file.
  3. Open the virtual DVD drive in File Explorer and run the “setup.exe” file to start the in-place upgrade process.Run Windows 11 ISO setup.exe
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade, and be sure to select the “Keep personal files and apps” option if you wish to preserve your personal files and applications during the in-place upgrade process.Keep personal files and apps Windows 11
  5. After the upgrade is complete, check if the Update Orchestrator Service is now available.

If the in-place upgrade doesn’t resolve the issue or your Windows OS is too broken for it to work, you may need to perform a clean installation of Windows 11:

  1. Back up your important files and data to an external storage device or cloud storage.
  2. Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.
  3. Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions to create a bootable Windows 11 installer USB drive.Create Windows 11 Bootable USB installation drive
  4. Restart your computer and boot from the USB drive. You may need to change the boot order in your BIOS or UEFI settings.How to change boot priority in BIOS
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to perform a clean installation of Windows 11.Install Windows 11 from USB

A clean installation will erase all data on your system drive and install a fresh copy of the operating system. This should resolve the issue of the missing Update Orchestrator Service in Windows 11.

Cause 4: Malware or Virus infection

Malware or virus infections can cause system files to become corrupted or missing, including the Update Orchestrator Service. Malicious software often targets essential system components to compromise system security and stability, evade detection, or disrupt normal operations.

Solution: Perform a thorough scan and removal of malware and viruses using a reliable antivirus program.

  1. Download and install a trusted antivirus program (e.g., Windows Defender, Kaspersky, or Norton).
  2. Update the antivirus program to the latest virus definitions. Keeping your antivirus software up-to-date ensures it can detect and remove the latest threats effectively.
  3. Run a full system scan and remove any detected threats. The antivirus program will scan your system for malware and viruses, quarantine or delete any detected threats, and potentially repair or restore any affected files, including those associated with the Update Orchestrator Service.Windows Security Defender Full Scan
  4. After eliminating any threats on your computer, consider running a System File Checker (SFC) scan, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, or performing an in-place upgrade to restore the missing Update Orchestrator Service.

By performing a thorough scan and removal of malware and viruses, followed by running the SFC, DISM, or an in-place upgrade, you can help restore the missing Update Orchestrator Service and ensure your system remains secure and stable. Additionally, it is essential to practice safe browsing habits, keep your software up-to-date, and maintain an active antivirus program to prevent future malware or virus infections.

Final thoughts

The Update Orchestrator Service is a crucial component of the Windows Update process, and its absence can lead to update failures and error messages like “Something went wrong, Try to reopen Settings Later.”

If you’re experiencing this issue on your Windows 11 computer, the solutions provided in this article should help you restore the missing service and ensure your computer stays up-to-date with the latest patches and updates. Always remember to keep your system protected with an up-to-date antivirus program, and regularly back up your data to avoid potential issues in the future.


Nyau Wai Hoe
Nyau Wai Hoe is the Founder and Chief Editor of WindowsDigitals.com. With a degree in software engineering and over 12 years of experience in the tech support industry, Nyau has established himself as an expert in the field, with a primary focus on the Microsoft Windows operating system. As a tech enthusiast, he loves exploring new technologies and leveraging them to solve real-life problems.

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