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Display Name (?):

Automatic Updates

Short Name (?):

wuauserv

Executable (?):

svchost.exe

Library (?):

wuauserv.dll

Depends On (?):

None.

Supports (?):

None.

Description (?):

Enables the download and installation of Windows updates. If this service is disabled, this computer will not be able to use the Automatic Updates feature or the Windows Update Web site.

OS (?):

2000 Professional, XP Home/Professional, Vista Home/Business, 2000 Server, Server 2003, Vista Server

Startup (?):

Default	Home	Workstation	Server	Minimal	Tweaked	Automatic
Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Automatic	Manual	Disabled	Disabled

Explanation (?):

The automatic updates service is a new feature to Windows that allows your computer to automatically download updates from Microsoft and either apply them when you want or on a schedule that you set. An important thing to note is that even if you tell the automatic updates application not to download updates the service will continue to run. You can disable this service and there will not be any immediate bad effects, but your computer will not apply updates automatically. Also, if disable this service then Windows Update and Microsoft Update will fail to operate properly. I therefore suggest to leave it set to automatic unless you really do not want it, and in that case set it to manual.

It should also be noted that there are several options available for the configuration of Automatic Updates that are not displayed in the Automatic Updates control panel. The remaining settings are available through group policy both for domain computers and non-domain computers (gpedit.msc).