Windows 10 Windows Update seems to have been turned off or disabled

[HyperSonic1]

Windows 10 Pro
Version 21H1
OS Build 19043.1466
AMD Ryzen 5 5600X 6-Core Processor 3.70 GHz
16.0 GB (15.9 GB usable)

Hello,
Not sure, but I may have malware or a virus.
The reason I suspect it is because suddenly my normally fast computer (Ryzen 5 5600), is stumbling, freezing and generally slower.
I'm getting a lot of security errors in the Event viewer and Windows Update is totally broken and disabled and when I try to enable it I get permission denied.
I checked the cpu running temp with Core Temp and it looks good in the 50's.

I ran Microsofts latest scanner that I downloaded and ran in safe mode but it found nothing.

Does this sound like malware?
Is there anything I can do to get windows updates working?
Am I facing a HD wipe and fresh install of windows?

Thanks for your suggestions.

 

[ussnorway]

right click the windows icon and goto settings... how long ago was the last update?

 

[Neemobeer]

Double check that your Windows is licensed and activated. From a command prompt you can run the command 'slmgr /dlv'

Also have you run any utilizes to disable things in Windows such as telemetry? If you disabled it completely Windows updates will stop working.

Another step would be to test for and attempt to repair OS corruption which can cause all sorts of random behavior.
From an elevated command or powershell prompt run
dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth