Microsoft Windows Update Agent (WUA) is an agent program used for automatic patch delivery of Windows Server Update Services. It scans your PC to identify the Windows version you are using. This facilitates the updating process by enabling the update agent to push new updates onto your device.
Windows Vista saw the initial release of the Windows Update Agent. It took the place of the Automatic Updates client and the Windows Update online application. Since it is a far better updating solution, Microsoft has included it in all subsequent releases.
The Automatic Updates client’s features are enhanced by the Windows Update Agent. For many users, browsing the Windows Update page was very difficult. Time lost and several mistakes can result from not knowing what update you require.
This can be avoided with the Windows Update Agent.
Updates that are required or suggested can be automatically chosen, downloaded, and installed.
Has there ever been an unplanned computer crash?
Utilizing the Windows Update Client facilitates a quicker and simpler recovery process. The agent makes use of a Windows Vista-introduced feature, which makes this possible. Windows manages system files more effectively, making recovery simpler.
What is the process for the Windows Update Agent?
Updates are found and downloaded by the update agent from reliable Microsoft sources. This comprises:
- The server for Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)
- The updated web pages of Microsoft
- Distribution via peer-to-peer (Windows 10)
The update agent starts operating as soon as it finds a new update that is absent from your machine. It saves you time not having to search for updates and figure out which one to install on your own.
The following places are where you can control the Windows Update Agent:
- Command Center
- The Settings app
- Group Guidelines
- Microsoft Intune
- PowerShell for Windows
The following Windows versions are compatible with Windows Update Agent:
- Vista
- Windows 7
- Windows 8
- Windows 10
How can I find out what Windows Update Agent version is installed?
- Download Wuredist.cab and use WinHTTP (Windows HTTP Services) APIs.
- Verify whether the file has a Microsoft digital signature using Cryptography Functions. Do not proceed with this file if a digital signature cannot be validated.
- The XML file contained in Wuredist.cab can be extracted by using File Decompression Interface APIs.
- Find out which architecture is being used by your machine. Find the WURedist/StandaloneRedist/architecture node using the Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML) APIs.
- To determine the installed version of the Windows Update Agent, use the method IWindowsUpdateAgentInfo::GetInfo.
You cannot find out whether the version of your Windows Update Agent you are using is the most recent using this method. But knowing what version you have lets you investigate whether or not you should update it.
Windows Update Agent components
Five crucial components of the Windows Update Agent are defined by Microsoft:
- Service Availability: A Windows update is found, downloaded, and installed by this component.It manages updates for a few other apps as well.
- Server Connectivity: An application program interface, or API, is used here. It establishes a connection between your PC and the networks Microsoft uses to distribute updates. These are seen up above.
- Update Detection: Consistently checks your PC for updates. Because you will not need to manually check for updates, you can automate the update process.
- Update Downloads: Microsoft utilizes safe places to host both required and accessible updates. See the preceding list once more.
- Installs the available updates throughout the update installation process.
Windows 10’s Update Agent Modifications
The manual operation of the Windows Update Agent is no longer supported in Windows 10. The fact that all updates are now downloaded and installed automatically is a significant advance. This implies that you are no longer able to choose which updates and installations to install.
Windows 10 users have access to peer-to-peer support when updating. Other users’ downloaded updates are distributed over your system’s bandwidth. This can be adjusted so that it just distributes via a local area network.
For Windows 10 users, cumulative updates are also included. This implies that previous updates can be bundled together by the Windows Update Agent. For instance, the October update includes all of the changes that were released in July, August, and September.
The necessity to download several updates is eliminated by these cumulative updates. Additionally, it saves you from repeatedly restarting your computer. However, it has a drawback. It is now unable to get and install updates that address specific issues.
Update Windows Update Agent: A Guide
Make sure your computer has automatic updates enabled before you start updating.
In Windows 10, use the search bar located in the lower-left corner of the screen to look up Windows Update Settings. Click the corresponding “System settings” link. Choose Automatic from the drop-down box under Advanced Options.
Locate the original Control Panel if Windows is not up to date. Click the Change Settings link on the left after selecting the Windows Update icon. Make sure that you have enabled automatic updates under the Important Updates section.
Windows 10: How to Update Windows Update Agent
1. In your search box, type “Run,” then select the application.
2. After typing services.msc, press OK. As a result, the Services Manager will now launch.
3. After you find Windows Update in the list of services, scroll down.
4. To stop Windows Update, right-click on it and select Stop.
5. Once the service has been effectively halted, right-click on Windows Update once more. Click on Start this time.
6. After quitting Services Manager, launch Windows Update.
Windows 7: How to Update Windows Update Agent
- Simultaneously press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard. The Run window will open as a result.
- After entering services.msc, click the OK button.
- There will be a pop-up window. Navigate below to locate Windows Update.
- Select Stop with a right-click on Windows Update.
- Once more, right-click on Windows Update and select Start.
- After quitting Services Manager, launch Windows Update.
Resetting or Correcting Windows Update Agent on a Windows Computer
Do you continue to have concerns and problems with the Windows Update Agent? Sometimes, even updating it to the most recent version will not solve the problem. Fortunately, correcting it is a simple procedure.
A script written by Manuel F. Gil is accessible on Tech.net. It makes it simple to reset and resolve issues with the Windows Update Agent. This operation used to take hours since so many files needed to be removed or renamed. This may be accomplished rapidly and effectively in bulk via the script.
They also published a software called the Reset Windows Update Tool. It can be downloaded and used in the same way as the script. There is additional information on the webpage. You can review the detailed licensing terms, features, specifications, and documentation.
The following Windows platforms have been tested to function with this method:
- Windows 10
- Windows 8
- Windows 7
- Vista
- Windows XP
System files are altered and removed using this procedure. Before starting this process, please take the time to read these crucial notes:
- Resetting the Windows Update Agent should only be done if Windows updates are not working for you. There is no need to reset the agent if your updates are working properly.
- Prior to trying to reset the Windows Update Agent, make a backup of your files and system. The author of the script disclaims all liability for any harm the script may cause, as stated in the Terms of Use.
- To run the script, you must have administrator privileges on your user.
Once you have completed the essential procedures to run the script safely, refer to the guide below.
1. Click on this link to open the Tech.net file. To confirm the script’s reliability, you can read about it and its operation on this page.
2. Next to Download, select the ResetWUEng.zip option.
3. Click to accept the license. I concur.
4. On your computer, locate the folder contained in the downloaded.zip file and extract it.
5. Choose ResetWUEng.cmd and select Run as Administrator.
6. By entering Y, you agree to the terms and conditions of use.
The command window will display 18 options for you to select from. All of these programs can be used to perform various checks and system fixes. Not all of the Windows Update Agents are necessary to reset the Windows Update Agent, though.
To execute an option, enter the number that corresponds to it and hit the keyboard’s enter key. For instance, enter 18 and hit Enter to have the script restart your computer.
To fix the Windows Update Agent, we advise doing the following via the script:
- Windows Update Components should be reset (2)
- In Windows, remove temporary files (3)
- Launch the program System File Checker (6).
- Carry out maintenance tasks automatically (9)
- Erroneously delete registry values (11)
- Look up Windows updates (13)
Note: There is no way to reverse or confirm the execution of any of these selections once you hit enter. To get Help, put in the? symbol and hit Enter if you are not sure if you should run an option.
It is thrilling to learn about the Windows Update Agent because it is important to the overall health of your computer. To ensure that you do not have any issues when updating, always keep the agent up to date.
If you’re in search of a software provider known for integrity and ethical business standards, consider FastSoftware. As a Microsoft Certified Partner and BBB-accredited business, we prioritize delivering a reliable and satisfactory experience for our customers, offering the software solutions they need. Count on us for support before, during, and after every transaction.
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Windows Update Agent can scan your computer and determine which version of Windows you are running. This post provides information about Windows Update Agent. You can know what it is, how it works, and how to update & reset it on Windows 7/10.
What Is Windows Update Agent
Windows Update Agent is an agent program, which was first introduced for Windows Vista. It is used with Windows Server Update Services to automatically provide patches and it can scan your computer and determine which version of Windows you are running. Then, the update agent can push new updates to your PC.
Tip: To learn more information about Windows update, please go to the MiniTool official website.
You’re can manage the Windows Update Agent in Control Panel, Settings application, Group Policy, Microsoft Intune, Windows PowerShell. Windows Update Agent is compatible with Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10.
5 Part of Windows Update Agent
Microsoft defines 5 important parts in the Windows Update Agent.
Service Availability: It is the part of detecting, downloading, and installing Windows updates. It also handles the updates of some other programs.
Server Connectivity: It is an API (application programming interface). It connects your computer to the location that Microsoft uses to deliver updates.
Update Detection: Scan your computer regularly for updates automatically.
Update Downloads: Download available downloads and mandatory updates from a secure location used by Microsoft.
Update Installation: Installs the available updates.
How to Check Which Version of Windows Update Agent Is Installed
How to check which version of the Windows Update Agent tool is installed? Follow the steps below:
Step 1: Use API in WinHTTP and download Wuredist.cab.
Step 2: Use Cryptography Functions to check if the file has a Microsoft digital signature. If not, don’t use it.
Step 3: Use the file decompression interface API to extract XML files in Wuredist.cab.
Step 4: Determine which architecture your computer is using. If you don’t know how to determine, refer to this post – Is My Computer 64 Bit or 32 Bit? Try the 5 Ways to Judge out.
Step 5: Call IWindowsUpdateAgentInfo::GetInfo to determine the current version of the Windows Update Agent.
How Does Windows Update Agent Work
Windows Update Agent searches and downloads updates from trusted Microsoft sources. This includes:
- Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) server
- Microsoft’s updated websites
- Peer to peer distribution (Windows 10)
Once the update agent detects a new update missing from the computer, it will start working. You don’t have to spend any time searching for updates and trying to determine which updates to install.
How to Update Windows Update Agent
Microsoft has released the update for its Windows update agent which has a couple of bug fixes. The download links are given below:
Windows 8: https://support.microsoft.com/en-in/kb/3138615
Windows 7: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/3138612
To get more information, read How to Update the Windows Update Agent to the Latest Version.
After downloading the corresponding version, you’ll see an MSU file in your download folder. But before you run this MSU file you must ensure that the Windows update agent is not running. Otherwise, it would not allow you to install this update.
To disable Windows update agent before installation:
- Run Command Prompt as administrator.
- In the command line window, type net stop wuauserv and press the Enter key.
After installing the update and restarting the system, again try to update Windows.
How to Uninstall Windows Update Agent
How to uninstall Windows Update Agent? Here is a guide.
Step 1: Click the Start menu at the bottom right side of the toolbar.
Step 2: Go to Program Files and look for Windows Update. If Windows Update is not listed in your Program Files, click Control Panel in the Start menu.
Step 3: Double-click Windows Update to open it. Then, click the File tab.
Step 4: Select Uninstall Update to uninstall the Windows Update Agent. Then, click Yes.
Step 5: Type msconfig in the Run box. This opens a window that contains your startup files. Step 6: Click the StartUp tab and scroll down to find Windows Update. Uncheck the Update box, then click Apply and choose Close.
Step 7: At last, you need to click Restart.
Final Words
To sum up, here is all the information about Windows Update Agent. I hope that this post can be helpful to you.
Агент обновления Windows – это услуга,позволяющая пользовательскому компьютеру выполнять поиск и установку появляющихся обновлений из службы обновления. Данный агент обладает способностью обновляться автоматически, но при условии, что это требуется с целью обмена данными компа со службой обновления в процессе поиска обновлений для ОС Windows. Все дело в том, что есть такие типы обновлений, которые могут устанавливаться в автоматическом режиме, не запрашивая у пользователя компьютера разрешения на свою установку. Агент обновления Windows относится именно к таким типам обновлений, поскольку он несет ответственность за механизм поиска и доставки обновлений. Следуя советам технической поддержки Windows, отключение таких обновлений или же его полное удаление, делать не рекомендуется, поскольку такие действия могут привести к повреждению всей системы.
Обновление агента Windows может потребоваться в тех случаях, когда на экране персонального компьютера появляется извещение о том, что в Центре обновления Windows произошла некая ошибка. В том случае, если у пользователя включен режим автоматического обновления Windows, данный агент обновляется совершенно автоматически до последней актуальной версии. Он также абсолютно автоматически загружается и устанавливается на компьютере.Если же на компьютере автоматическое обновление Windows отключено, и появляются извещения об ошибке Центра обновления Windows, то рекомендуется самостоятельно загрузить последнюю версию агента.
A tool to keep your Windows up to date
The operating systems developed by Microsoft, are constantly evolving due mainly to error detections, the lack of compatibility with some devices and the improvements of the programs that are native to the system. That’s why it’s highly advisable to keep our Windows installation updated at all times.
Windows already has a client thanks to which it’s possible to update the system each time a new correction is launched, but it’s possible that due to the inappropriate management of the system registry, a file cleanout or a virus, the program has disappeared, something that can quickly be solved by reinstalling Windows Update Agent. It’s one of the most important programs of those that are part of our operating system, and it’s inadvisable to get rid of it, because if we don’t keep our operating system updated, it can be a lot less stable and weaker against any threat.
Thanks to Windows Update Agent you’ll be able to maintain your operating system updated.
Leticia Sorivella
My name is Leticia. I really like movies, television, and music. That is why I studied Audiovisual Communication. In the beginning, I wanted to work in movies, but I ended up on television. Then, I went from being behind the cameras to being in…