What is Wuauclt.exe and ways to remove it

The Windows operating system has a set of files and programs that can be used both for the correct operation of the computer and for personal gain by cybercriminals. Wuauclt.exe is one of these files. The program itself is designed to install Windows updates and is located in the C: \ Windows \ System32 folder, but the virus creators use a malicious application with the same name to damage system files. If you found this file somewhere else, and not in the system folder, and you can not complete the process through the Task Manager - you need to take urgent action.

Uninstall the Wuauclt.exe process.

What is Wuaudt.exe

To remove exactly Wuauclt.exe, it is necessary to figure out what this process is. The program works on the principle of a trojan and often replaces a normal file with a damaged one on Windows7, XP, Vista and 2000. You can check this with the help of the task manager by right-clicking on the process and finding out its location. As already mentioned, any folder, except for the system, indicates danger. “Symptoms” can be unpredictable computer behavior, braking, permanent installation of some third-party programs and applications, changing browser settings, etc.

Why is this process dangerous?

Wuauclt.exe, like any virus, is very dangerous for the privacy of the user and for the OS as a whole, as it loads the processor and runs in the background unnoticed by the user. The application constantly loads various programs, clogs the registry, creates unnecessary shortcuts, changes the DNS settings, moves files, and so on. Computer performance is also noticeably reduced: even the simplest tasks are processed for a long time, and many applications may not respond at all. Thus, Wuauclt.exe must be removed from the computer.

How to remove wuauclt.exe

There are two ways to remove Wuauclt.exe - manual and with the help of certain software. However, the manual method is not recommended for novice users and those who are not very well versed in the system device, as there is a risk of deleting important system files. To check your computer for viruses, anti-virus programs like AdwCleaner, HitmanPro and Dr.Web CureIt! The first two tools specialize more in advertising viruses, but also successfully detect and eliminate Trojans as well. Well, Doctor Web has long been among the powerful antivirus programs that can detect and eliminate all kinds of malicious programs. To disable Wuauclt.exe manually, do the following:

  1. Waiting for Windows updates.
  2. Open Task Manager.
  3. Select the "Services" tab.
  4. We find there "Update Center" and click on it twice.
  5. In the “Startup type” tab, select “Disabled” and click the “Stop” button below.

TIP. without the necessary updates, the OS may work unstable.

Everything! The process will no longer run as updates are disabled. You can download them manually:

  1. Open the command line (Win + R or via the "Start" menu).
  2. Enter the command wuauclt.exe / UpdateNow.
  3. Click "OK".

We are waiting for the updates to be downloaded. If the virus has affected the browser settings, you can reset them as follows:

  • Open the browser;
  • Press Alt + X and select "Manage Add-ons";
  • Open the tab "Toolbar and Extensions";
  • Click "Remove unwanted extensions."
TIP. for reliability we recommend to change the home page.

In order to avoid reinfection, download software only from trusted sites. It is not recommended to follow the links in the spam mail messages, open the pages of advertising banners and download software misunderstood content. You can also protect your computer with antivirus programs by regularly scanning your PC and checking it for viruses. Share your experience in the fight against Wuauclt.exe in the comments!