Most users are interested in the usoclient.exe process after they notice a pop-up CMD window every time Windows 10 starts.
Because of this odd behavior, some users do not understand if the executable UsoClient file is a legitimate system process or malware executable.
The reason why CMC Client Short is displayed is that the process is triggered through scheduling.
Although a short CMD output command (less than 1 second) is normal, there is also a WU (Windows Update) error that causes the user to remain on the screen for an indefinite period.
This article is designed as an informative guide to explain the purpose of the usoclient.exe client, how to distinguish the security threats from the allowed items, and how to disable the program completely.
Table of Contents
What is usoclient.exe?
The legitimate usoclient.exe file is a genuine Windows Update component (WU) that automatically checks for updates.
The USO acronym means Orchestrator for updates and replaces the Windows Update factor in Windows 10. The main purpose (such as its predecessor) is to perform tasks that analyze, install, or continue to update Windows.
Possible risk to safety
We could not detect any relevant malware that could mimic the UsoClient program.
However, if you look at other similar scenarios, it is likely that malicious software claims to be a system file with elevated permissions that is not detected by a security scan.
Fortunately, we can easily test this scenario by finding the location of the executable UsoClient file.
To do this, open the task manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and locate the usoclient.exe file by going to the list of procedures. Then right-click usoclient.exe and select Open File Location.
If the open site is in a location other than C: / Windows / System32 /, there is a strong chance that the system will be able to combat system infection.
In this case, it is recommended that you use a powerful scanner to remove a viral infection. If you do not have one, you can use our detailed article (here) on Malwarebytes to clean up your malicious system.
If the site you are opening is actually in C: / Windows / System32 /, you can rest assured that malware is not executable.
However, if you still want more security, you can run the security scan of the executable file, so it’s safe. If you want to save time, just download the executable file in VirusTotal and analyze the software.
Can the UsoClient executable file be deleted?
Obviously, it is not advisable to delete the “usoclient.exe” program as it may cause unwanted behavior.
In addition, since it is a system file commonly used by Windows, your operating system will probably immediately rebuild the file the next time it starts.
The best solution would be to disable the program or even better detect bugs in the Windows troubleshooter, making sure that the UsoClient CMOS prompt stays on the screen for an indefinite period.
Do the following in the order that it appears until you find a patch that removes the “CMD usoclient.exe” prompt.
Note. Disabling usoclient.exe will most likely not allow your system to receive the most recent updates.
Solution 1: Run Windows troubleshooting
There are few users who have reported that the problem can be resolved by using the Windows Update troubleshooter.
However, note that this method is effective only if the CMU request uspt.exe is displayed indefinitely on the screen.
NOTE. If you follow these steps, usoclient.exe will not be deactivated. You can still get Windows updates. This fix is only intended to correct the error that causes the cmoc prompt usoclient.exe before the manual shutdown.
Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide for Windows Update:
- Press the Windows + R key to open the execution window. Type or paste ms settings: Solve problems and press Enter to open the Troubleshooting tab in Windows 10 settings.
- On the “Troubleshooting” tab, click “Windows Update” and select “Troubleshoot.”
- Wait until the troubleshooter checks for problems, and then follow the on-screen instructions to enable recovery strategies. You may need to click Apply this update. At the end of the process, restart the computer manually if necessary.
If this solution does not resolve your problem or you are looking for a permanent solution to disable the UsoClient executable file, go to the other methods below.
PROFESSIONAL TIPS: If you experience a problem with your computer or laptop, try using the Reimage Plus software, which can search for repositories and replace damaged or missing files. This happens in most cases when the problem occurs due to system failure. You can download Reimage Plus by clicking here.
See here for more about windows command line.
Solution 2: Disable usoclient.exe in the Group Policy Editor
Although we do not recommend this for apparent reason, you can prevent UsoClient.exe from displaying the CMD popup request by disabling this process in the Group Policy Editor.
Note: however, that this will cause the system not to be updated with the latest Windows updates. Also, remember that you can not access the Group Policy Editor in the original version of Windows 10. If you do not have Windows 10 Pro, you can go directly to Method 3.
Below is a quick guide to disabling popup windows usoclient.exe from Group Policy Editor:
- Press the Windows + R key to open a boot command. Type gpedit.msc, then press Enter to open the Group Policy Local Editor.
- In the Group Policy Editor, in the left pane, select Work Task Scheduler> Microsoft> Windows> UpdateOrchestrator.
- After you open the UpdateOrchestrator folder, go to the main window and select the scheduled scan job.
- When you select the scanner, go to the right pane and click “Disable” (in the “Selected item” section).
- Close the local group policy editor and then restart the PC. At your next restart, you should notice that CMD UsoClient.exe is no longer displayed. However, note that disabling this job does not update the WU (Windows Update) of the latest available updates.
Note. If you decide to return to the normal Operations Updater, follow the steps outlined above and select “Enable” in the last step to return to normal behavior.
If you can not access the local Group Policy Editor in the version of Windows 10, disable usoclient.exe using method 3.
Solution 3: Disable usoclient.exe by using the registry editor
If the first method does not apply to your system, you can also use the registry editor so that the usoclient.exe pop-up window does not bother you anymore. This method calls a 32-bit double value.
NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers was created in previous versions to disable the automatic reboot functionality of the Usable Client
Here’s a guide on how to disable usoclient.exe in Registry Editor:
- Press the Windows + R key to open the execution window. Type regedit and then press the Enter to open the registry editor.
- In the registry editor in the left pane, select the policies of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE: Windows OS UpUpdate AU
- If you have chosen the AU folder, go to the right box, right-click on the empty area and select New> Dword (32-bit version). Then rename the newly created value to NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers.
- Double-click NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers and set the value to 1.
- Close the registry editor and then restart the computer. Emerging CMD windows caused by usoclient.exe should not be visible after restarting.
If you want to return to normal behavior, go to the Registry Editor, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE SOFTWARE, Windows Update, Delete NoAutoRebootWithLoggedOnUsers, or set the value to 0
