Some security settings are missing or have been changed

If, after running Windows Update Troubleshooter, you receive an error message Some security settings are missing or have been changed on Windows 11/10, see these suggestions on how you can resolve it. If you are wondering what causes this Your device is missing important security and quality fixes message to appear, it could be a problem with the Windows Modules Installer Service, Corrupt Windows files, Disk space, and so on.

Some security settings are missing or have been changed

Here is the list of suggestions you can follow to resolve the issue in Windows 11/10.

1. Restart Windows Modules Installer Service
2. Re-register Windows Modules Installer Service
3. Repair corrupted Windows Update files.

You will need admin permission to execute it.

1] Restart Windows Modules Installer Service

• Right-click on the Task Manager, and switch to the Services tab
• Locate Trusedinstaller or Windows Installer Service, right-click, and start.
• If it doesn’t work, right-click and select Open Services.
• Locate the service again, and disable, and then enable it.

Once the service starts and is running, it will make sure that it would be resolved if the issue was because of this.

2] Re-register Windows Modules Installer Service

To fix any registration issue with Windows Modules Installer service or msiexec.exe, open Run Prompt, and type CMD, use Shift + Enter to launch the command prompt with admin permission.

%windir%\system32\msiexec.exe /unregister
%windir%\system32\msiexec.exe /regserver
%windir%\syswow64\msiexec.exe /unregister
%windir%\syswow64\msiexec.exe /regserver

The first two commands should be used if you have a 32-bit system. Else you can use the 64-bit option. Once it is complete, you can try updating again.

3] Repair corrupted Windows files

You need to corrupted Windows Update system files using DISM Tool.

Run the following and see:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

However, if your Windows Update client is already broken, you will be prompted to use a running Windows installation as the repair source or use a Windows side-by-side folder from a network share, as the source of the files.

You will then be required to run the following command instead:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess

Here you have to replace the C:\RepairSource\Windows placeholder with the location of your repair source.

Once the process is complete, DISM will create a log file in %windir%/Logs/CBS/CBS.log and capture any issues that the tool finds or fixes.

Close the command prompt, and then run Windows Update again and see it has helped.

How do I reset Windows Security settings?

To reset Windows Security settings, press the Windows key + Q, then type “Security” in the search box. Right-click on “Windows Security” from the results, select “App settings,” and then choose “Reset.” This process will restore the Windows Security app to its default settings.

FAQ: Learn more about Windows Update errors

How do I fix Windows Update errors?

You can run the Windows Troubleshooter or follow our extensive guide on troubleshooting Windows Update and see this List of Error Codes.

Why are Windows updates failing?

It can fail because it can not download network issue or less storage space, or corrupt downloaded file. You can choose to reset the temporary folders of Windows Update vix.SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 and try again.

Is there a problem with Windows Update?

It is a very generic question, but sometimes Windows Update rollout slowly and takes time. If you have installed the update and face the problem, then be aware some updates cause problems, and they are fixed later. You can roll back to the older version within 10 days.

What does it mean when Windows Update says your device is missing important security and quality fixes?

When Windows Update indicates that your device is missing important security and quality fixes, it means a recent update installation failed. This failure can occur due to another installation in progress, unexpected shutdowns, or interruptions like a power loss or system errors. Addressing these issues is crucial for optimal device performance and security.