Are you the one getting the Windows cannot find wuapp.exe error message after updating the Windows 10 operating system, then this article is for you? Here check the complete information why you are getting the error and how o fix the Windows cannot find wuapp.exe Error: Wuapp.exe is missing error.
This is a common error faced by the user when the wuapp.exe file gets missing or corrupt, and once this happens then Windows fails to load the program and generates Windows cannot find the wuapp.exe file and not able to access the specific program error.
We all know updating Windows 10 operating system is very important – for better security, improves system performance, fix many errors and others. But sometimes updating Windows 10 can cause major issues rather than Windows update errors.
One of the frustrating error is Windows cannot find wuapp.exe or Wuapp.exe is missing error appears when the user enters the ‘wuapp.exe’ in Run menu or when the users click Windows Update in older versions of Internet Explorer. (Note: IE 11 no longer includes a Windows Update option).
So, here in this article check out the complete solutions how to fix the Windows cannot find wuapp.exe error. But first, check out what is Wuapp.exe.
About Wuapp.exe?
Wuapp.exe is an EXE file developed by Knmi that helps Windows operating system load the application for access. And once this file gets inaccessible users fails to run the program and it prompt Windows cannot find the wuapp.exe error.
Some of the common Wuapp.exe error messages are:
- “Wuapp.exe Application Error.”
- “Wuapp.exe is not a valid Win32 application.”
- “Cannot find wuapp.exe.”
- “Wuapp.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”
- “Wuapp.exe not found.”
- “Error starting program: wuapp.exe.”
- “Wuapp.exe is not running.”
- “Wuapp.exe failed.”
- “Faulting Application Path: wuapp.exe.”
Causes of the Windows Cannot Find Wuapp.exe Error:
There are various factors that affect the files and make it inaccessible or corrupt; some of them are given below. Have a look:
- Due to Registry keys related with wuapp.exe file gets damaged or corrupted.
- Due of accidentally or by mistaken deletion of wuapp.exe related files.
- Incomplete installation of the Windows operating system
- Virus or malware also affect the wuapp.exe related application
- Unfortunate registry entries also cause missing or damaged files of the program
How to Fix Windows cannot find wuapp.exe Error
It is important to fix this issue immediately as this may lead to many serious issues like OS failure, app corruption, slow computer system, unable to install some application and more.
Apply given steps to fix this issue:
Solution 1 – Reboot your PC in Safe Mode and run SFC command
- Click on Start and type cmd in the Start Search
- Then right click on cmd in the Programs list and then on Run as administrator.
- You might prompt for an administrator password or confirmation, type your password or click Continue.
- At the command prompt type SFC/SCANNOW and hit Enter.
- Lastly at the end of the scanning process through this command, the error will be resolved.
Also Read:
- 3 Methods to Fix ESRV.EXE – Application Error (0xc0000142) Windows 10
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- Top 5 Ways to Fix LogonUI.exe Application Error on Windows 10, 8, 7
Solution 2 – Setup a Wuapp Batch File
You are unable to open Windows Update settings in Windows 10 by entering the ‘wuapp.exe’ in Run. Well, this is a handy shortcut to open update options. And due to this, you can set up a batch file that open Window update options in Settings while you enter ‘wuapp’ in Run and this will effectively restore the wuapp Run command in Windows 10.
And this way you can set up a wuapp batch file. Here follow the steps to do so
- Right-click the Start menu > choose Run
- Now in the Run text box,> type ‘Notepad’ > click the OK
- And copy this batch file content: start “” ms-settings:windowsupdate.
- Then paste it into the Notepad text editor > click File> Save As to open Windows is shot directly.
- From the Save as drop-down menu > choose All Files
- In the File name text box type ‘wuapp.bat’
- Choose to save wuapp.bat to the desktop > click the Save
- Close the Notepad window.
- Next, click the File Explorer button on the taskbar.
- On the left of File Explorer > click Desktop
- Then click the small arrow beside the C: drive to expand its folder tree.
- In Desktop by pressing and holding the left mouse button > choose wuapp.bat. And drag that file into the Windows folder on the left of the File Explorer.
- As you drop the file into the Windows folder, a Destination Folder Access Denied dialog box opens > click Continue to drop the bat file into the directory.
- In Run dialog box > enter ‘wuapp’ > press the OK Now it will open the update settings
Solution 3: Add a Windows Update Shortcut to the Desktop
On the other hand, you can add a shortcut to the desktop that opens Windows Update. This is a better shortcut to open the update settings with Run as you can add a hotkey to it. So, follow the given steps to set up a desktop shortcut hotkeys for Windows update options.
- Right-click your desktop > select New> Shortcut to open the window
- Now in the text box type ‘exe /name Microsoft.WindowsUpdate’.
- Press the Next button > in the type a name > enter ‘Windows Update’
- Hit the Finish button to add the shortcut to the desktop as in the shot below.
- Now right-click the shortcut > choose Properties.
- And select the Shortcut tab.
- Click in the Shortcut key box > hit the W key. That will add a Ctrl + Alt + W hotkey to the shortcut.
- Hit the Apply button > click OK to close the window.
- And press Ctrl + Alt + W to open the Windows Update options!
In this way, you can quickly open the update settings. And as the batch file restores the wuapp Run command this fixes “Windows cannot find wuapp.exe” error message.
Solution 4 – Uninstall Recently Installed Programs
Try to uninstall the installed programs and install again with a fresh copy. It might happen due to recently made changes or installed program you may get the error. So, simply uninstall and install it again. This will fix the issue.
Solution 5 – Check the Hardware Device Driver
It is also possible that the problem is related to the hardware device driver. When the hardware device drivers are outdated, corrupted or damaged user may get the Wuapp.exe missing error. So update the installed drivers or install the latest drivers compatible with your hardware device driver.
To update the driver visit the Manufacturer website or Microsoft’s official website and check for the latest updates or install the latest drivers compatible with your Windows system.
You can even make use of the Driver Booster to make the whole process easy and update the driver easily in just a few clicks.
So, these are the manual fixes that allow you to fix the Windows Cannot Find Wuapp.exe Error or Wuapp.exe is missing error, try them one by one and check which one works for you.
Check Your Windows PC/Laptop Health
To fix various other Windows issues and errors scan your system with Windows Repair tool. This is the advanced tool that scan, detect and repair various Windows operating system issues such as corruption, damages of the Windows system files, malware/viruses, protect you from file loss, hardware issues and many more. Apart from fixing the errors this also optimizes the Windows PC performance and speed up the Windows PC without any hassle. It is easy to use even a novice user can use it easily.
Conclusion:
The Windows cannot find wuapp.exe error message is very irritating, so try the given fixes to resolve the Wuapp.exe is missing error.
It is important to fix it as soon as possible because this hinder the update process and as result user was unable to update Windows 10 with latest updates
Also, delete the temporary files, scan your system with good antivirus software and remove unwanted software from time to time to maintain the Windows PC performance and other issues.
Additionally, if you find the article helpful or have any query, comment, questions or suggestions related, then please feel free to share it with us in the comment section below or you can also go to our Fix Windows Errors Ask Question Page.
