Windows Update - Windows 10 Service
Enables the detection, download, and installation of updates for Windows and other programs. If this service is disabled, users of your computer will not be able to use Windows Update or its automatic updating feature, and programs will not be able to use the Windows Update Agent (WUA) API.
This service also exists in Windows 11, 8, Vista and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows 10 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1507 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1511 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1607 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1703 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1709 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1803 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1809 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1903 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 1909 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 2004 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 20H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 21H1 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 21H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| 22H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Windows Update |
| Service name: | wuauserv |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs -p |
| File: | %WinDir%\system32\wuaueng.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Windows Update service is running as LocalSystem in a shared process of svchost.exe. Other services might run in the same process. If Windows Update fails to start, the error is logged. Windows 10 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the wuauserv service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Windows Update is unable to start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of Windows Update
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows 10 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreWindowsUpdateWindows10.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the wuaueng.dll file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows 10 installation media.