Windows Update (wuauserv) Service Defaults in Windows 8
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.
Default Settings
| Startup type: | Manual |
| Display name: | Windows Update |
| Service name: | wuauserv |
| Service type: | share |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
| Path: | %SystemRoot%\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs |
| File: | %SystemRoot%\system32\wuaueng.dll |
| Registry key: | HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv |
| Privileges: |
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Default Behavior
Windows Update is a Win32 service. In Windows 8 it will not be started until the user starts it. When the Windows Update service is started, it runs as LocalSystem in a process of svchost.exe, sharing it with other services. If Windows Update fails to start, the error details are added to Windows 8 error log. When the operating system startup is complete, the user is being notified that the wuauserv service hasn't been started.
Dependencies
Windows Update can't start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is disabled or not available.
Restore Default Startup Configuration of Windows Update
Before you begin doing this, make sure that all the services on which Windows Update depends are configured by default and function properly. See the list of dependencies above.1. Run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Copy the command below, paste it into the command window and press ENTER:
sc config wuauserv start= demand
3. Close the command window and restart the computer.
The wuauserv service is using the wuaueng.dll file that is located in the C:\Windows\system32 directory. If the file is removed or corrupted, read this article to restore its original version from Windows 8 installation media.