How to fix windows update error: "Error ecountered, We couldn't connect to the update service ..."

I have the very exact problem  and have done almost everything you mentioned.

It didn't occur to me until yesterday that I had this issue.

I went to download the Microsoft Update Standalone Package to see if it would:

• update my system at least and
• if it also would solve it.

Since I'm here writing this reply you know it didn't solve it but at least it updated my system.

Well, it was when I fetched the very latest one: June 11, 2024—KB5039212 

that I realised that I hadn't been updated since April 23, 2024—KB5036980

It would be interesting to see if that's when your situation started as well?

Because the relief of finding someone with the same issue got disapointing just as quickly when I saw not a single response or fix had been provided. 

I'm starting to get more and more aggrevated and fed up with everything from missing or even purposly excluded quality of life features and basic freedom to endless bugs and issues.

I hope this gets fixed and explained asap