What is "Windows Update" in my Windows XP service list? And how is "Windows Update" service related to wuaueng.dll?

"Windows Update" is a Windows XP service that "Enables the detection, download, and installation of updates for Windows and other programs. If this service is disabled, users of this computer will not be able to use Windows Update or its automatic updating feature, and programs will not be able to use the Windows Update Agent (WUA) API." "Windows Update" service is provided by wuaueng.dll DLL file.

Detailed information on "Windows Update" service:

Service name: wuauserv
Display name: Windows Update
Execution command: C:\Windows\system32\svchost.exe -k netsvcs
Start type: Automatic
Service status: Started
Dependencies:
   Remote Procedure Call (RPC)

"Windows Update" service is provided by a DLL file called: wuaueng.dll:

Name: wuaueng.dll
Location: C:\Windows\System32\wuaueng.dll
Description: Windows Update Agent
File version: 6.1.7601.17514
Size: 1.82 MB (1,914,368 bytes)
Modified: Saturday, November 20, 2010, 7:21:40 AM

Disabling "Windows Update" service may cause issues when running Windows XP system.

⇒"svchost.exe -k netsvcs" Services on Windows XP

⇒⇒Windows XP Services Tutorials