Troubleshooting Wuauserv.dll DLL Errors and Downloading Updates

Last Updated: 11/25/2023
[Average Read Time: 4.5 minutes]

wuauserv.dll uses the DLL file extension, which is more specifically known as a Windows Update AutoUpdate Service file. It is classified as a Win32 DLL (Dynamic link library) file, created for Microsoft® Windows® Operating System by Microsoft.

The release of wuauserv.dll introduced for Windows was on 10/25/2001 in Windows XP. This file version is latest update offered from Microsoft, according to our records.

This article discusses complete file details, DLL file troubleshooting instructions for problems with wuauserv.dll, and a comprehensive set of free downloads for every file version that has been catalogued by our team.

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File Overview


General Information
File Name: wuauserv.dll
File Extension: DLL file extension
Description: Windows Update AutoUpdate Service
Object File Type: Dynamic link library
File Operating System: Windows NT 32-bit
MIME Type: application/octet-stream
User Popularity Rating:
 
Developer and Software Information
Software Developer: Microsoft Corporation
Software Program: Microsoft® Windows® Operating System
Legal Copyright: © Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.
File Details
Character Set: Unicode
Language Code: Neutral
File Flags: (none)
File Flags Mask: 0x003f
Entry Point: 0x10e2
Code Size: 3072


What are wuauserv.dll Error Messages?


Dynamic Link Library wuauserv.dll Errors

wuauserv.dll is considered a type of Dynamic Link Library (DLL) file. Dynamic Link Library files, like wuauserv.dll, are essentially a "guide book" that stores information and instructions for executable (EXE) files - like sapisvr.exe - to follow. These files were created so that multiple programs (eg. Windows) could share the same wuauserv.dll file, saving valuable memory allocation, therefore making your computer run more efficiently.

Unfortunately, what makes DLL files so convenient and efficient, also makes them extremely vulnerable to problems. If something happens to a shared DLL file, either it goes missing or gets corrupted in some way, it can generate a "runtime" error message. Runtime is pretty self-explanatory; it means that these errors are triggered when wuauserv.dll is attempted to be loaded either when Windows is starting up, or in some cases already running. Some of the most common wuauserv.dll errors include:

Your wuauserv.dll file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with Windows), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, wuauserv.dll file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading Windows, system crash while loading wuauserv.dll, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or quite commonly, a malware infection. Thus, it's critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.



How to Fix wuauserv.dll Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your wuauserv.dll issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.


Step 1: Restore your PC back to the latest restore point, "snapshot", or backup image before error occurred.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
  3. In the search results, find and click System Restore.
  4. Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
  5. Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
  6. Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the wuauserv.dll error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

Step 2: Run SFC (System File Checker) to restore the corrupt or missing wuauserv.dll file.

System File Checker is a utility included with every Windows version that allows you scan and restore corrupted system files. Use the SFC tool to fix missing or corrupt wuauserv.dll files (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. In the search box, type "cmd" but DO NOT PRESS "ENTER".
  3. Press and hold "CTRL-Shift" on your keyboard while pressing "ENTER".
  4. You'll be prompted with a permission dialog box.
  5. In the box, click "YES".
  6. You should have a black screen with a blinking cursor.
  7. In that black screen, type "sfc /scannow" and hit "ENTER".
  8. SFC will begin scanning for wuauserv.dll issues and any other system file problems.
  9. Follow any on-screen commands to complete the process.

Please be aware that this scan might take a while, so please be patient while it is working.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

sfc /scannow

Step 3: Perform a Windows Update.

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many wuauserv.dll error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
  3. In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
  4. If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
  5. After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the wuauserv.dll error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.



If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your wuauserv.dll File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate wuauserv.dll file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free wuauserv.dll files for every applicable version of Windows. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

  1. Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download wuauserv.dll Files".
  2. Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
  3. Copy the file into the appropriate directory for your Windows version:

  4. Windows XP: C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllcache\
    Windows XP: C:\Windows\System32\
  5. Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows XP.


GEEK TIP : We must emphasize that reinstalling Windows will be a very time-consuming and advanced task to resolve wuauserv.dll problems. To avoid data loss, you must be sure that you have backed-up all of your important documents, pictures, software installers, and other personal data before beginning the process. If you are not currently backing up your data, you need to do so immediately.



Download wuauserv.dll Files (Malware-Tested 100% Clean)


CAUTION : We strongly advise against downloading and copying wuauserv.dll to your appropriate Windows system directory. Microsoft typically does not release Windows DLL files for download because they are bundled together inside of a software installer. The installer's task is to ensure that all correct verifications have been made before installing and placing wuauserv.dll and all other DLL files for Windows. An incorrectly installed DLL file may create system instability and could cause your program or operating system to stop functioning altogether. Proceed with caution.

Windows XP


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