→ How to disable automatic Windows updates
How to turn off automatic Windows updates
In order to turn off automatic windows update, you must first turn off service windows update (service windows updates).
To do this, you need to run the following commands:
- "Start" → "Control Panel" → "Security Center" → "Automatic Updates" → select the radio button "Turn off automatic updates" → "OK".
You can limit yourself to this step, since there will be no updates from Microsoft. But in order to fully disable this service is also required disable and process wuauclt.exe, which periodically checks the Microsoft Web site for the latest updates to the operating system (sometimes you can see it in the "Task Manager").
To do this, run the commands:
- "Start" → "Control Panel" → "Performance and Maintenance" → "Administrative Tools" → "Computer Management" (double-click the left mouse button).
- In the Computer Management window that opens, open the Services and Applications node on the left by clicking on the cross. Select Services.
- In the right pane, look for "Automatic Update" (or "Windows Update"). Open it by double-clicking the left mouse button.
- In the Automatic Updates dialog box that appears, on the General tab, under Status, click the Stop button. In the Startup Type section, select Disabled. Click OK.
- Restart your computer.
Note
What is wuauclt.exe?
Program wuauclt.exe periodically connects to the Microsoft update server to check for latest updates for the operating system, applications and drivers.
Works in the background.
Terminating the wuauclt.exe process does not affect the stability of the system, however, the computer will not be able to promptly install new Microsoft Windows security updates.
If you end the wuauclt.exe process only in the application manager, it will automatically start again if the system is turned on automatic update.
The process runs under the SYSTEM user, but it can also be run under the current username.
The wuauclt.exe file can only be found in C:\Windows\System32 and C:\Windows\prefetch .
If the file is located in another directory (for example, in the TEMP folder), then your system is infected with a virus.
wuauclt.exe The Windows Update process checks for system updates on the Microsoft website. wuauclt.exe runs in the background and searches for software as well as equipment upgrades. It is located in the C:WindowsSystem32 folder. If you see that wuauclt.exe is stored in a different folder, this may be a sign that your computer has been infected with malware.
Cyber criminals are known to disguise infected files as wuauclt.exe to prevent them malware from discovery. If your computer has been infected you will have to remove wuauclt.exe as well as the programs it came from.
How can malware affect my computer?
wuauclt.exe has been associated with various Trojan infections like Trojan.Agent.aiae, Trojan.Agent.afbr and many more. If your computer is infected with one of these Trojans you will definitely notice some system malfunctions. Your computer and Internet speed will slow down considerably. You may also notice freezes, crashes and disconnections. Malware is also known to be corrupt system files, documents, photos, videos, etc. You may not be able to open your files or run certain programs. In general, the longer you wait to eliminate wuauclt.exe related malware the more damage it will do. Be aware that if you get infected with one malicious application you are bound to be infected with more malware usually drops other unwanted programs onto your computer.
In addition to causing serious system crashes, Trojans can also steal your sensitive data. If cyber criminals manage to steal your personal data, you may suffer serious consequences. You should be especially careful with bank account related details as you can lose your money by stealing this information. Once you have noticed the above described symptoms on your computer, your first priority should be to terminate wuauclt.exe as soon as you can.
How to remove wuauclt.exe from my computer?
It is clear that you need to remove wuauclt.exe from your system as soon as you can if the file is related to the infection. The sooner you get rid of wuauclt.exe the better. The only way to do this is to be uninstalled to which the virus, wuauclt.exe, belongs. You don't need to know exactly what that is. What you need to do is download and install a powerful malware removal application that will take care of your PC for you. The anti spyware tool will scan your computer and detect all threat elements including wuauclt.exe. It will then eliminate the virus completely. The program will also work to keep your computer clean and provide you with complete system protection.
By optimizing or studying windows processes, users have repeatedly encountered unknown application names. As part of this publication, you will learn about wuauclt.exe - what kind of process it is, whether it is needed to work in the operating system and whether it can be disabled.
About the process
Wuauclt.exe is an executable file to run in Windows environment. The full name is Windows Update AutoUpdate Client. The process is a system process and implements the Windows auto-update function. Works in standby mode GUI(only background mode) sometimes accesses the Microsoft website to check for updates. If any are found by the program, the system will prompt the user to download them to the device and install them.
Could it be a virus?
Wuauclt.exe is a legitimate process operating system. It is located along the path C:\Windows\System32. The file has digital signature Microsoft. Although the app is not visible to users, it is trusted by Windows and has a 85% security rating.
If you find that the application heavily loads the system, but does not do any work with OS updates, check:
- What directory is the file in. In task manager, click right click mouse over wuauclt.exe and select "Open File Location".
- If the file is located on system drive V Windows folder, but not in the System32 folder, reliability rating this application 28%.
- If the file is located in the C:\Users\User_Name\ directory, it is definitely a virus file.
- Viruses can load the system and record input. Scan your system with Dr.Web CureIt! or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
Is it possible to disable a process?
The process can be disabled. To make it no longer look for OS updates:
While optimizing or studying Windows processes, users have often come across unknown application names. As part of this publication, you will learn about wuauclt.exe - what kind of process it is, whether it is needed to work in the operating system and whether it can be disabled.
About the process
Wuauclt.exe is an executable file for running in the Windows environment. The full name is Windows Update AutoUpdate Client. The process is a system process and implements the Windows auto-update function. Works in standby mode, does not have a graphical interface (only background mode), sometimes accesses the Microsoft website to check for updates. If any are found by the program, the system will prompt the user to download them to the device and install them.
Could it be a virus?
Wuauclt.exe is a legitimate process of the Operating System. It is located along the path C:\Windows\System32. The file is digitally signed by Microsoft. Although the app is not visible to users, it is trusted by Windows and has a 85% security rating.
If you find that the application heavily loads the system, but does not do any work with OS updates, check:
- What directory is the file in. In Task Manager, right-click on wuauclt.exe and select "Open file location".
- If the file is located on the system drive in the Windows folder, but not in the System32 folder, the reliability rating of this application is 28%.
- If the file is located in the C:\Users\User_Name\ directory, it is definitely a virus file.
- Viruses can load the system and record input. Scan your system with Dr.Web CureIt! or Kaspersky Virus Removal Tool.
Is it possible to disable a process?
The process can be disabled. To make it no longer look for OS updates:
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