Windows Update Failed to Install Error 0x80240034
By Timothy Tibbettson 07/21/2023 |
Another Windows Update error that can appear is Windows Update Failed to Install Error 0x80240034. It might also say WU_E_DOWNLOAD_FAILED followed by Update has failed to download. Here are the steps you can take to resolve these errors.
1: Restart Your Computer
We've mentioned rebooting before with windows updates, and this error is no exception. Some Windows Updates require a reboot, so if you haven't tried restarting, it could be this easy.
2: Delete Pending Windows Updates
One of the best tricks anytime Windows Updates won't install, or gets what we called stuck, is to delete pending Windows Updates by deleting or renaming the Software Distributions folder. By removing this folder, Windows will recreate it after a reboot and begin to download any pending Windows Updates.
If you prefer, here's a step-by-step video guide on deleting pending Windows Updates.
You can also follow the steps at How-To Delete Pending Windows Updates.
3: Delete the Software Distribution Folder
Open PowerShell as admin and type in net stop wuauserv followed by net stop bits. Now browse to and select C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. Use CTRL+A to highlight the entire folder and press the delete key. Reboot.
4: Run DISM and System file Checker (SFC)
Microsoft System File Checker is a useful, built-in utility that can scan for, and restore, corrupted files in Windows.
Windows 10, Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 users will need to first run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool before running the System File Checker. DISM will use Windows Update to provide any files that are needed to fix corruptions. If you skip this step, System File Checker might not work. Windows 7 and Vista users can skip this step.
You will need to first open the Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator.
Type in DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press enter. This may take a few minutes.
System File Checker can be run by typing in sfc /scannow and reboot after the scan completes.
5: Run the Online Troubleshooter
If you're able to boot, even in safe mode, you can try the Microsoft online troubleshooter. The troubleshooter can also help with similar error codes including 0x80242006, 0x80244018, 0x80D02002, 0x80246017, 0x80240438, 0x80070070, 0x8007000D, 0x80246008, 0x80096004, and 0x80070020.
6: Final Thoughts
One of the above steps should have fixed your problem. However, there are a couple other less likely possibilities. You can try and disable your antivirus or download the latest Windows 10 and update from the ISO.
Similar:
How-To Delete Pending Windows Updates
How to Uninstall Windows 10 Updates
Getting Windows Ready, Don’t Turn off Your Computer
Some Updates Were Canceled When Running Windows Update
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1: Restart Your Computer
We've mentioned rebooting before with windows updates, and this error is no exception. Some Windows Updates require a reboot, so if you haven't tried restarting, it could be this easy.
2: Delete Pending Windows Updates
One of the best tricks anytime Windows Updates won't install, or gets what we called stuck, is to delete pending Windows Updates by deleting or renaming the Software Distributions folder. By removing this folder, Windows will recreate it after a reboot and begin to download any pending Windows Updates.
If you prefer, here's a step-by-step video guide on deleting pending Windows Updates.
You can also follow the steps at How-To Delete Pending Windows Updates.
3: Delete the Software Distribution Folder
Open PowerShell as admin and type in net stop wuauserv followed by net stop bits. Now browse to and select C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. Use CTRL+A to highlight the entire folder and press the delete key. Reboot.
4: Run DISM and System file Checker (SFC)
Microsoft System File Checker is a useful, built-in utility that can scan for, and restore, corrupted files in Windows.
Windows 10, Windows 8.1 or Windows 8 users will need to first run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool before running the System File Checker. DISM will use Windows Update to provide any files that are needed to fix corruptions. If you skip this step, System File Checker might not work. Windows 7 and Vista users can skip this step.
You will need to first open the Command Prompt or PowerShell as administrator.
Type in DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press enter. This may take a few minutes.
System File Checker can be run by typing in sfc /scannow and reboot after the scan completes.
5: Run the Online Troubleshooter
If you're able to boot, even in safe mode, you can try the Microsoft online troubleshooter. The troubleshooter can also help with similar error codes including 0x80242006, 0x80244018, 0x80D02002, 0x80246017, 0x80240438, 0x80070070, 0x8007000D, 0x80246008, 0x80096004, and 0x80070020.
6: Final Thoughts
One of the above steps should have fixed your problem. However, there are a couple other less likely possibilities. You can try and disable your antivirus or download the latest Windows 10 and update from the ISO.
Similar:
comments powered by Disqus
