What is Wuauclt.exe?

Wuauclt.exe is referred to as Windows Update Auto Update Client. This is the process where your computer system checks the Microsoft website (Microsoft.com) for any updates for your current computer system. This program is usually located under the folder C:\Windows\System32.

Why do you need to keep your operating system up to date?

Windows Update can keep your computer safer and operate more smoothly. It is basically automatic and free. Just keep your Windows Update program on and Microsoft will let you have the latest and most important performance updates and latest security settings applicable to your system.

Setting up Windows Update
• Log on to www.update.microsoft.com
• For computers with automatic updating on, Windows Update will display your system’s status via Control Panel.
• For those with automatic updates turned off, you will be guided step by step on how you can take advantage of Windows Update.
• If your computer needs to download anything, you will see a notification alert on your taskbar.

The Wuauclt.exe program is technically a vital process in keeping your computer system safe and up to date. It is an important background process your computer system should have. You will often see Wuauclt.exe displayed on the Task Manager list when it needs a confirmation or permission to download certain updates from the Microsoft website.

How to Remove Wuauclt.exe

If Windows auto-update (being always turned on) seems to be troublesome for you, you can always opt to manually scan your system for Microsoft updates. If you want to remove Wuauclt.exe, open Windows Task manager by pressing Ctrl, Alt, Del all at the same. Look for Wuauclt.exe and click End Process to stop the program. Locate the Wuauclt.exe from C:\Windows\System32, delete it and delete it completely from your Recycle Bin too.

Alternatively, you can go to Start Menu. Click on Run and type in Services.msc. Double click on “Automatic Updates” then choose Manual under Change Startup Type then hit on Stop button then Ok.

Wuauclt.exe virus

If the program Wuauclt.exe does not appear to do the tasks as mentioned above, it is most probably a virus, trojan, worm or spyware that camouflages the Wuauclt program. Virus with the same name includes Backdoor.Clt and Troj/Cult-B. If this program is located outside System32, it may be a virus. If this is the case, then you need a reliable anti-virus software to help you get rid of Wuauclt virus as well as other computer threats that may be running in your system.