What Is Wuauserv and How to Resolve High CPU Usage by Wuauserv? [Updated for 2024]

Windows computers are renowned for providing numerous services aimed at enhancing user experience and ensuring system stability to prevent anomalies. The Wuauserv is a well-known utility found in Windows systems, serving several critical functions. This article will delve into the details of this utility and explore the solutions to address high CPU usage issues related to it.

What Is Wuauserv? Wuauserv is a Windows service responsible for the Windows Update functionality. It enables the automatic download and installation of updates, including security patches, bug fixes, and new features, to keep the operating system up-to-date. The service is also known as the "Windows Update" or "Automatic Updates" service. It runs in the background, periodically checking for available updates and notifying users when they can be installed. Wuauserv plays a crucial role in maintaining the security and stability of a Windows system by ensuring that critical updates are applied promptly.

Wuauserv, also known as the Windows Update Service, provides direct access to updates for the Windows operating system. It handles the entire process from detecting available updates to downloading and installing them. Every Windows update that appears on your computer is made possible by the Wuauserv service. Its function is to keep your device up-to-date with the latest versions and protect your computer from issues related to outdated software.

How to Disable Wuauserv?

There are situations where Wuauserv consumes significant computer resources, particularly the CPU, while searching for updates and performing tasks. This high CPU usage can result in the computer running slowly. To prevent this issue, you can choose to disable the Wuauserv service by following these steps:

Step 1. You need to use the "Windows + R" shortcut to open the Run program on your Windows computer. Then, type "services.msc" in the Run dialog box to launch the Services window.

Step 2. Locate the "Windows Update" option and double-click on it to expand the available choices.

Step 3. You will be taken to a new screen where you must locate the "Startup Type" option. From the dropdown menu, choose the "Disabled" option, then proceed to click the "Stop" button. Make sure to apply all the changes and restart your computer to properly disable the Wuauserv service.

How to Resolve High CPU Usage by Wuauserv?

The problem of high CPU (Central Processing Unit) usage can be quite exhausting when using your Windows computer. Disabling the service may have its own drawbacks, so it's advisable to explore some solutions that can help resolve the issue of high CPU usage and enable the Wuauserv service.

• Method 1. Uninstall the Latest Updates from the Computer
• Method 2. Wait for Windows Update to Complete
• Method 3. Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder on Windows
• Method 4. Perform an SFC Scan

Method 1: Uninstall Recent Updates from the Computer

You can consider uninstalling the most recent updates installed on your Windows computer. This often resolves the issue, as the installed updates might be harboring problems that lead to device issues. To proceed with this, please adhere to the instructions outlined below:

Step 1. Access the "Settings" from the Search bar and navigate to the "Update & Security" section on the left-hand side. Locate "Windows Update" in the list of options displayed on the subsequent screen.

Step 2. In the right panel, look for the option "View update history" and proceed to select "Uninstall updates" to view the installed updates.

Step 3. Choose the update that could be causing the issue and tap on the "Uninstall" button. After this, restart your computer to confirm that the Wuauserv problem has been resolved.

Method 2: Wait for Windows Update to Finish

There might be a possibility that your Windows computer is currently undergoing some previous updates, which could be causing high CPU usage. In this situation, it's advisable to wait for the update process to finish. To monitor the updates and better understand the situation, you can follow these steps for effective results:

Step 1. Click on the "Start" menu and choose the "Settings" option from the left pane to open a new window.

Open the Settings

Step 2. On the left panel, locate the "Updates & Security" tab to access the relevant settings. Here, you can utilize the "Check for updates" button to scan for any available updates. If there are ongoing updates, allow Windows to complete them properly.

Step 3. Once the updates finish installing, try restarting your device. Attempt to use your computer after the updates have been installed.

Method 3: Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder on Windows

The SoftwareDistribution folder on Windows is where temporary files are stored when new updates are installed. It's possible that these files could become corrupted, leading to issues. To resolve this problem, you should safely delete the folder from your Windows system. Here's how: 1. **Restart your computer in Safe Mode:** - Restart your PC and press the F8 key repeatedly during startup to access the Advanced Boot Options menu. - Select "Safe Mode with Networking" and press Enter. 2. **Open the Services app:** - Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. - Type "services.msc" and press Enter. 3. **Stop the Windows Update service:** - In the Services window, find the "Windows Update" service. - Right-click on it and choose "Stop" to ensure it's not running. 4. **Navigate to the SoftwareDistribution folder:** - Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer. - Type "%windir%\SoftwareDistribution" in the address bar and press Enter. 5. **Delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder:** - Carefully delete all the files and subfolders within the SoftwareDistribution folder. You can press Ctrl + A to select all, then press Shift + Del to bypass the Recycle Bin. 6. **Restart the Windows Update service:** - Go back to the Services window and right-click on "Windows Update." - Choose "Start" to restart the service. 7. **Exit Safe Mode:** - Restart your computer again and let it boot normally. 8. **Check for updates:** - Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. - Click on "Check for updates" to see if the issue has been resolved. By following these steps, you should be able to clear any problematic files in the SoftwareDistribution folder and potentially fix update-related issues on your Windows system.

Step 1. Click on the "Search" icon on the taskbar and type "cmd" to open the Command Prompt. When opening it, make sure to choose "Run as administrator" from the options on the right panel.

Step 2. Use the command "net stop wuauserv" followed by the command "net stop bits" to temporarily disable all services related to Wuauserv.

Step 3. Launch the "File Explorer" from the taskbar and navigate to the following location on your computer:

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

Step 4. When the folder opens, delete all its contents. Then, re-launch the minimized Command Prompt. Enter the commands "net start wuauserv" and "net start bits" to restart the Windows Update Services.

Method 4: Attempt an SFC Scan

If the issue continues, you should consider using the System File Checker (SFC) scan feature to fix the problem on your Windows computer. To do this, please follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1. Open the "Command Prompt" as an administrator by launching the Run program and typing "cmd" inside it. To do this, press "CTRL + SHIFT" together and then click on the "OK" button.

Step 2. As it opens, type "sfc /scannow" and press Enter to execute the command. The computer will scan for errors and fix them automatically.

底线，结论

This article has offered a comprehensive guide on the Wuauserv error and has suggested some evident solutions to address the issue of high CPU usage associated with the service. By employing these remedies, you will be able to find an appropriate solution to CPU-related problems and make sure that the Update Services remain enabled on your device.