Windows Update - Windows Vista 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 10, 11, 7, 8 and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows Vista edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Home Basic | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Home Premium | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Business | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
| Ultimate | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) | Automatic (Delayed Start) |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Windows Update |
| Service name: | wuauserv |
| Type: | share |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs |
| File: | %WinDir%\system32\wuaueng.dll |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Privileges: |
|
Default Behavior
The Windows Update service starts as LocalSystem and runs in a shared process of svchost.exe. If Windows Update fails to start, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows Vista startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the wuauserv service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Windows Update will not 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 Vista edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreWindowsUpdateWindowsVista.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 Vista installation media.