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 10, 7, 8, Vista and XP.
Windows 11 version | Home | Pro | Education | Enterprise |
---|---|---|---|---|
21H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
22H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
23H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
24H2 | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
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: |
|
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 11 startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the wuauserv service has failed to start.
Windows Update is unable to start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
1. Select your Windows 11 edition and release, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreWindowsUpdateWindows11.bat file to any folder on a local drive such as SSD or a hard disk.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Properties.
4. Check the Unblock checkbox and click OK.
5. Right-click the batch file again and select Run as administrator.
6. 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 11 installation media.