How to Fix: Wuauserv Missing on Windows 11

Issue: Wuauserv missing on Windows 11

What is Wuauserv? Wuauserv stands for "Windows Update Automatic Updates Service." It is a service in Microsoft Windows operating systems responsible for detecting, downloading, and installing updates for Windows and other Microsoft software. 

So if the Wuauserv is missing on Windows 11, you can use Windows update or Windows automatic updating features. Don't worry, in this article, we will explain why this problem occurs, and help you fix it easily.

Why wuauserv missing on Windows 11?

Here are some common causes for this issue. Understanding the root cause can help in applying the appropriate fix

• Corrupted System Files: System files necessary for the Windows Update service might become corrupted or deleted due to various reasons, such as improper shutdowns, malware infections, or software conflicts.

• Registry Errors: The Windows registry might get corrupted, causing the necessary entries for the Windows Update service to be missing or incorrect.

• Failed Windows Updates: A failed update or an interrupted update process can leave the system in an inconsistent state, which might result in missing or corrupted services, including wuauserv.

• Manual Changes or Misconfiguration: Manual changes made to the system configuration, either by the user or by scripts intended to optimize or modify the system, can sometimes result in the accidental removal or disabling of the Windows Update service.

• Outdated System Image or Incomplete Installation: Using an outdated system image or an incomplete installation of Windows can result in missing components, including essential services like wuauserv.

Important: Backup your system beforehand

In case of seriously mess things up by mistake, it is necessary to back up your computer and important files before you get down to fix this problem. 

We would like to recommend the best free Windows backup software - AOMEI Backupper Standard to you. It can help you easily create a backup for your Windows system as well as other important data, like partitions, whole disks, important files, emails, etc. It supports saving backups to multiple destinations such as USB flash drives, external hard drives, local paths, and NAS drives.

AOMEI Backupper

Best free Windows backup software for personal use.

Download Freeware
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7

How to fix Wuauserv missing in Windows 11

The following are 7 solutions for resolving the "Wuauserv missing" issue in Windows 11

Solution 1. Check the services Configuration

Ensure that the service is not just disabled or misconfigured. Here are how to check it and enable it.

Step 1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2. Then there is a pop-up window. Scroll down and look for the Windows Update in the list.

Step 3. Ensure it is set to Manual or Automatic under the Startup Type tab. You can right-click and select "Properties" to change the startup type if necessary.

Solution 2. Run System File Checker (SFC) to check system

It is a built-in program to check if there is an error or corruption in system files. Here you encounter a Windows update issue or other system-related issue, it is always a great tool to try.

Step 1. Type Command Prompt in the search console. Right-click on the search outcome, and choose Run as Administrator.

Step 2. Type sfc / scannow and press Enter.

Step 3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any on-screen instructions.

Solution 3. Run the DISM Tool

The Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool can repair a corrupted Windows image.

Step 1. Run Command Prompt as administrator.

Step 2. Type  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth on the command prompt and press Enter.

Then wait for the process to be finished.

Solution 4. Registry Fix

The Windows Registry is a collection of configuration settings databases for Windows 11 operating systems. If the Windows Update registry key missing in Windows 11, you may need to restore it via the Windows Registry.

Step 1. Press Win + R, type regedit and press Enter.

Step 2. Navigate to  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\wuauserv.

Step 3. If the key is missing, you can import it from another Windows 11 machine or create it manually.

Step 4. Create the following registry keys and values if they don't exist:

Solution 5. Re-register Windows Update DLL Files

Re-registering the update service DLL files can fix the issue.

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Step 2. Execute the following commands one by one:

regsvr32 wuaueng.dll

regsvr32 wuapi.dll

regsvr32 wuaueng.dll

regsvr32 wucltui.dll

regsvr32 wups2.dll

regsvr32 wups.dll

regsvr32 wuweb.dll

Solution 6. Reset Windows components

Reset Windows components to remove the older Windows update folder. It is a working measure when you encounter Wuauserv service missing issues in Windows 11 or other Windows update issues.

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Execute the following commands one by one: 

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptSvc
• net stop bits net stop msiserver
• ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
• ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
• net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits
• net start msiserver

Solution 7. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Step 1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Windows Update. 

Step 2. Hit the Run the Troubleshoot button.

Wait for a while, the troubleshooter will attempt to solve the problem. 

Related frequently questions about Wuauserv missing from Windows 11

For what reason does the "Wuauserv Missing" mistake happen in Windows 11?

The accident can happen because of defiled framework records, obstruction with the Windows Update administration, or mistakes in the log.

How might I fix the "Wuauserv Missing" issue in Windows 11?

You can have a go at running the Windows Update Investigator. Really take a look at framework wellbeing, restart Windows Update administration, and different arrangements referenced in this aide.

Is AOMEI Backupper viable with Windows 11 for making system backups?

Indeed, AOMEI Backupper is viable with Windows 11 and gives a dependable system backup.

Could resetting Windows Update parts fix the "Wuauserv Missing" mistake?

Indeed, resetting Windows Update parts can assist with fixing issues connected with the Windows Update administration.

How frequently would it be a good idea for me reinforcement my framework utilizing AOMEI Backupper?

It is prescribed to perform normal framework reinforcements utilizing AOMEI Backupper to guarantee information security and framework recuperation choices.

Ways to avoid Windows system update issues in Windows 11

1. Consistently check for Windows refreshes and perform framework upkeep to forestall issues like "Wuauserv Missing".

2. Update your gadget drivers to guarantee the best similarity and framework execution.

3. Make customary reinforcements of your Windows working framework utilizing AOMEI Backupper to forestall information misfortune and framework disappointment.

Summary 

In summary, to fix the ‘Wuauserv Missing’ error in Windows 11, you can take the above solutions. By following the solutions, users can successfully resolve the issue and keep the Windows 11 upgrade feature running stably. In addition timely backup of the system can avoid data loss caused by errors in operation.