Introduction

Windows Update is the lifeblood of system maintenance, security, and performance on Microsoft operating systems. However, few errors are as cryptic—and initially alarming—as the message: "Session WindowsUpdateTraceLog failed to start with the following error 0xc0000035."

svchost.exe (for Windows Update)

wuauclt.exe

C:\Windows\System32\Logman.exe

Trace Session Overlap: An existing instance of the Windows Update trace logger did not shut down correctly.

Clean ETW/Registry leftovers (advanced; back up registry first)

Start with the built-in automated tool to identify and fix common configuration issues. Update & Security Troubleshoot Additional troubleshooters Other troubleshooters Windows Update and select Run the troubleshooter 2. Repair System Files (SFC and DISM)

Process Monitor to capture registry/ETW activity during startup.

Process Explorer to inspect process handles and open ETW sessions.

sc query wuauserv

Session Windowsupdatetracelog Failed To Start With The Following Error 0xc0000035 Official

How to Fix "Session WindowsUpdateTraceLog Failed to Start with Error 0xc0000035"

Introduction

svchost.exe (for Windows Update)
wuauclt.exe
C:\Windows\System32\Logman.exe

Trace Session Overlap: An existing instance of the Windows Update trace logger did not shut down correctly. How to Fix "Session WindowsUpdateTraceLog Failed to Start

Clean ETW/Registry leftovers (advanced; back up registry first) svchost

Process Monitor to capture registry/ETW activity during startup.
Process Explorer to inspect process handles and open ETW sessions.

sc query wuauserv