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Troubleshoot wuauclt.exe Errors and Download File

Sometimes Windows system displays error messages regarding corrupted or missing wuauclt.exe files. Situations like that can occur, for example, during a software installation process. Each software program requires certain resources, libraries, and source data to work properly. Corrupted or nonexistent wuauclt.exe file can therefore effect in failed execution of the started process.

wuauclt.exe file Windows Update. The file was developed by for use with software. Here you will find detailed information about the file and instructions how to proceed in the event of wuauclt.exe related errors on your device. You can also download wuauclt.exe file compatible with Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP devices which will (most probably) allow you to solve the problem.

For Windows Compatible with: Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP

File info

General information
Filename wuauclt.exe
File extension EXE
Description Windows Update
Software
Program Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Author Microsoft Corporation
Details
MIME type application/octet-stream
File type Executable application
System Windows NT 32-bit
Copyrights © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
Character set Unicode
Language cod Neutral
wuauclt.exe

There are various types of errors related to wuauclt.exe file. wuauclt.exe file may be located in wrong file directory on your device, may not be present in the system, or may be infected with malicious software and therefore not work correctly. Below is a list of most common error messages related to wuauclt.exe file. If you encounter one listed below (or similar), please consider the following suggestions.

  • wuauclt.exe is corrupted
  • wuauclt.exe cannot be located
  • Runtime Error - wuauclt.exe
  • wuauclt.exe file error
  • wuauclt.exe file cannot be loaded. Module was not found
  • cannot register wuauclt.exe file:
  • wuauclt.exe file could not be loaded
  • wuauclt.exe file doesn't exist

wuauclt.exe

Error

Application could not be started because wuauclt.exe file is missing. Reinstall the application to solve the problem.

OK

Problems related to wuauclt.exe can be addressed in various ways. Some methods are meant only for advanced users. If you don't have confidence in your skills, we suggest consulting a specialist. Fixing wuauclt.exe file errors should be approached with utmost caution for any mistakes can result in unstable or unproperly working system. If you have the necassary skills, please proceed.

wuauclt.exe file errors can be caused by various factors, so its is beneficial to try to fix them using various methods.

Step 1: Scan your computer for any malicious software

Virus Scan

Windows files are commonly attacked by malicious software that prevents them from working properly. First step in addressing problems with wuauclt.exe file or any other Windows system files should be scanning the system for malicious software using an antivirus tool.

If by any chance you don't have any antivirus software installed on your system yet, you should do it immediately. Unprotected system is not only a source of file errors, but, more importantly, makes your system vulnerable to many dangers. If you don't know which antivirus tool to choose, consult this Wikipedia article – comparison of antivirus software.

Step 2: Update your system and drivers.

Windows Update

Installing relevant Microsoft Windows patches and updates may solve your problems related to wuauclt.exe file. Use dedicated Windows tool to perform the update.

  1. Go to the Windows "Start" menu
  2. Type "Windows Update" in the search field
  3. Choose the appropriate software program (name may vary depending on your system version)
  4. Check if your system is up to date. If any unapplied updates are listed, install them immediately.
  5. After the update has been done,restart your computer in order to complete the process.

Beside updating the system, it is recommended that you install latest device drivers, as drivers can influence proper working of wuauclt.exe or other system files. In order to do so, go to your computer or device producer's website where you will find information regarding latest driver updates.

Step 3: Use System File Checker (SFC) tool

System File Checker

System File Checker is a Microsoft Windows tool. As the name suggests, the tool is used for identyfing and addressing system file related errors, including those related to wuauclt.exe file. After an error related to%fileextension% file has been discovered, the program attempts to automatically replace the wuauclt.exe file with properly working version. To use the tool:

  1. Go to the Windows "Start" menu
  2. Type "cmd" in the search field
  3. Locate "Command Prompt" result – don't run it yet:
  4. Click the right mouse button and select "Run as Administrator" option
  5. Type "sfc /scannow" in console prompt to start the program and follow the instructions

Step 4: Restoring Windows system

Windows Recovery

Another approach is to restore system to previous state, before the wuauclt.exe file error occured. In order to restore your system, follow the instructions below

  1. Go to the Windows "Start" menu
  2. Type "System Restore" in the search field
  3. Start the system restore tool – it's name may differ depending on version of the system
  4. The application will guide you through the process – read the messages carefully
  5. After the process has finished, restart your computer.

If all the above-mentioned methods failed and the wuauclt.exe file problem has not been resolved, proceed to the next step. Remember that the following steps are intended only for advanced users.

Download and replace wuauclt.exe file

The last solution is to manually download and replace wuauclt.exe file in appropriate folder on the disk. Select file version compatible with your operating system and click the "Download" button. Next, go to your web browser's "Downloaded" folder and copy the downloaded wuauclt.exe file.

Go to the folder where the file should be located and paste the downloaded file. Below is the list of wuauclt.exe file example directory paths.

  • Windows 10: C:\Windows\System32\
  • Windows 8.1: C:\Windows\System32\
  • Windows 8: 1: C:\Windows\System32\
  • Windows 7: C:\Windows\System32\
  • Windows Vista: C:\Windows\System32\
  • Windows XP: ---

If the steps did not solve your wuauclt.exe file problem, you should consult a professional. A probability exists that the error(s) might be device-related and therefore should be resolved at the hardware level. A fresh operating system installation might be necessary – a faulty system installation process can result in data loss.

File versions list

Filename wuauclt.exe
System Windows 10
File size 23840 bytes
Date 2017-03-18
File details
MD5 35ad1e5ca757beef41ed7614767f2cae
SHA1 92f1cea7384cb190458da849eaacd17a3aa0d6ef
SHA256 4c89e5ee3d48b2eaf1315850bbb0e6b95770aca9d11d8c8f75fac3a4563e8200
CRC32 c72aa73f
Example file location C:\Windows\System32\
Filename wuauclt.exe
System Windows 8.1
File size 48496 bytes
Date 2014-11-21
File details
MD5 887b6b39b514aa05d99a6115c52245b8
SHA1 1d90c192e84d62308811b5b606ed64def27a2164
SHA256 c8841944241ef8f111de5a50c6a3434126a18043f40cb12286881c4e499b2b3d
CRC32 d3f97950
Example file location C:\Windows\System32\
Filename wuauclt.exe
System Windows 8
File size 51016 bytes
Date 2012-07-26
File details
MD5 e355ed0df4b0ebb69863ac3f5e90a40a
SHA1 51b71c700484273167dbd8c62bcaf777391b232a
SHA256 3cdbce1e086efd180e2e56b83c076bc0e552b93ef9b7eeaa55e587c5e822a68f
CRC32 91c154ae
Example file location 1: C:\Windows\System32\
Filename wuauclt.exe
System Windows 7
File size 51200 bytes
Date 2010-11-21
File details
MD5 7fbfaa84fe176d9ae932abc585ab68d5
SHA1 edb8c7910c906f2f78cd34c9d1930195fcc41178
SHA256 76c9aac379367eaab661db5a552fd5527158acd71ec9c90f6c07f1c3e6c9f646
CRC32 efb669e6
Example file location C:\Windows\System32\
Filename wuauclt.exe
System Windows Vista
File size 45568 bytes
Date 2008-01-21
File details
MD5 44e38eb04f48fcd1d0d230c10a3eed39
SHA1 c672e5bbd2be2a539ed60d2bcc9744f8977d305a
SHA256 6a1822ed4b4a332d3c90be8a5406a13d460f92f86e18ed10b66253327f788787
CRC32 c6dd07bf
Example file location C:\Windows\System32\
Filename wuauclt.exe
System Windows XP
File size 111104 bytes
Date 2008-04-14
File details
MD5 ed7262e52c31cf1625b65039102bc16c
SHA1 d567ba8e3300870604696a14a63ee1770533916c
SHA256 20524aa4a86a4de282d304cbfad66b9e70d3f3baae828208a28f86e6ac521bdb
CRC32 b09fbd57
Example file location ---