The Windows Update (wuauserv) service enables the download and installation of security updates for the Windows operating system and Microsoft Office software. It automatically provides the latest updates, drivers, and enhancements to computers that are running the Windows operating system. When an Internet connection is available, the operating system searches for applicable updates. Depending on the configuration settings, the service may notify the user before download, notify the user before installation, or automatically install the updates.
You can disable the Windows Update service through the Control Panel. You can also use the Local Group Policy Editor to configure an intranet server that is configured with Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) to host updates from the Microsoft Update sites. This setting lets you specify a server on your network to function as an internal update service.
If the Windows Update service stops or if you disable it, updates are not automatically downloaded to the computer. You must manually search for, download, and install applicable updates.
This service is installed by default and its startup type is Automatic.
When the Windows Update service is started in its default configuration, it logs on by using the Local System account.
The following system components are dependent upon the Windows Update service:
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC)
- DCOM Server Process Launcher
- RPC Endpoint Mapper