How to fix Wuauclt.exe not working error in Windows?

Question

Issue: How to fix Wuauclt.exe not working error in Windows?

Hello. I keep getting an error that says Wuauclt.exe is not working on my Windows PC. Is there a way to fix it?

Solved Answer

When there are issues with the system files, such as corruption or missing files, the “wuauclt.exe not working” error in Windows usually occurs. This error can also be caused by a malware infection on the computer or incorrect Windows Update configurations. When users encounter the “wuauclt.exe not working” error, it can have a significant impact on their Windows experience. Here are a few examples of how this problem may affect users:

• Inability to update: The wuauclt.exe process is responsible for managing Windows Update. When it encounters an error, users may be unable to download and install important updates, including security patches, bug fixes, and feature enhancements. This can leave the system vulnerable to security threats and prevent users from accessing the latest features and improvements.
• Performance issues: If the wuauclt.exe process is not functioning correctly, it can consume excessive system resources, such as CPU and memory. This can result in slow performance, system freezes, and unresponsiveness, making it difficult for users to carry out their tasks effectively.
• Software compatibility: Some software applications rely on the proper functioning of Windows Update to install or update certain components. If wuauclt.exe encounters an error, it may affect the compatibility of such software, leading to issues during installation or operation.

There are several potential solutions to the “wuauclt.exe not working” error. Repairing or restoring corrupted system files, running malware scans to remove infections, checking and adjusting Windows Update settings, or using specialized troubleshooters provided by Microsoft are all possible solutions.

In this guide, you will find 4 steps that should help you fix Wuauclt.exe not working error. You can also run a maintenance tool like FortectMac Washing Machine X9 that can fix most system errors, BSODs,^[1] corrupted files, and registry^[2] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Method 1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

• Press the Windows key + X and go to Settings.
• Go to Update and Security.
• Click Troubleshooter.

• Select Additional troubleshooters.
• Run the Update troubleshooter.
• Restart the computer.

Method 2. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 3. Try Clean Boot

• Open the Search menu, type in system configuration, and press Enter.
• Under the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services box.
• Click on Disable all button.
• Head over to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
• Select a third-party program and click on Disable at the top.

• Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.
• Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and see if the issue persists.
• If the issue disappeared in the clean boot state, then you can be certain that a third-party app is causing it.
• Go through all recently installed apps or programs and remove them one by one.

Method 4. Reset the Windows Update Components

• Press the Windows key.
• Type cmd.
• Click on Run as administrator to open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
• Copy and paste the following commands one by one into the Command Prompt, and press Enter after each command:

net stop bits

net stop wuauserv

net stop appidsvc

net stop cryptsvc

• To delete the qmgr*.dat files, type the following command and press Enter:

Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat”

• To clear the Windows Update cache, allowing Windows to re-download the updates, copy and paste the following commands one by one into the Command Prompt, and press Enter after each command:

rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q

rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q

• Type the following commands to reset the BITS and Windows Update service to the default security descriptor, and press Enter after each command:

sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)

sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)

• Copy and paste the following command into the Command Prompt, and press Enter:

cd /d %windir%\system32

• To re-register the BITS files and the Windows Update-related DLL files, type the following commands one by one into the Command Prompt, and press Enter after each command:

regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll

regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll

regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll

regsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dll

regsvr32.exe /s browseui.dll

regsvr32.exe /s jscript.dll

regsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dll

regsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dll

regsvr32.exe /s msxml.dll

regsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dll

regsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dll

regsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dll

regsvr32.exe /s softpub.dll

regsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dll

regsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dll

regsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dll

regsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dll

regsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dll

regsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dll

regsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dll

regsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dll

regsvr32.exe /s ole32.dll

regsvr32.exe /s shell32.dll

regsvr32.exe /s initpki.dll

regsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dll

regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dll

regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dll

regsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dll

regsvr32.exe /s wups.dll

regsvr32.exe /s wups2.dll

regsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dll

regsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dll

regsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dll

regsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dll

regsvr32.exe /s muweb.dll

regsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll

• Copy and paste the following command into the Command Prompt, and press Enter:

netsh winsock reset

netsh winsock reset proxy

• Type the following commands to start the Windows Update, BITS, and cryptographic services, and press Enter after each command:

net start bits

net start wuauserv

net start appidsvc

net start cryptsvc

• Reboot your PC to confirm the changes.

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