I had a Windows Server Update Services installation that after a reboot, failed to start the WSUS service with a fairly generic error message. Clients issued an “unable to check for updates” message with an 8-character hex error code, differing depending on the client OS.
To fix it, I followed the directions in this source article on vcloudnine.de: WSUS on Windows 2012 (R2) and KB3159706 – WSUS console fails to connect
- Run elevated Command Prompt and issue the following command:
"C:\Program Files\Update Services\Tools\wsusutil.exe" postinstall /servicing - Ensure the “HTTP Activation” feature is installed, using Server Manager > Add Roles and Features > Features > .NET Framework 4.5 Features. In my case, it was already installed.
- Restart “WSUS Service” from services.msc