What is wuauclt exe?

wuauclt.exe is a system file in Windows operating systems that is responsible for managing and executing Windows updates. It is a service that automatically checks for available updates and installs them on the computer. The file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder and can be run manually by opening the Run dialog box and typing "wuauclt.exe" in the text area. The file is also known as the Windows Update client, and it plays a critical role in keeping the operating system secure and up-to-date with the latest patches and security fixes. In some cases, however, wuauclt.exe may consume high CPU resources, leading to sluggish performance. This issue can be resolved by disabling or limiting the frequency of Windows updates or by updating to the latest version of the file.