Why did I get error 0x8000003A?

Windows Update continous fails to search for Updates or cannot install them. The source of this problem could be various things as
> Windows Registry
> Windows Filesystem
> Internet access

> Windows Update service
> File corruption
> Misconfiguration
> Adware
> Virus and Malware

How to fix Windows Update error 0x8000003A?

However, if you’re technically savvy, you can try the steps below:

1. Click Start and start typing on your keyboard for "services.msc"

2. In your search results "services.msc" should show up. Open it with a click.
3. A new windows will open containing all Windows services on your system.

4. Search for "Windows Update"
5. Right-click the "Windows Update" and then click Stop.

We will now clean the Windows Update temporary cache folder:
1. Hold your windows-key pressed and hit "R" key simultanous.
2. A small new windows will appear.
3. Type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore in this new window and click OK.
4. This will open Windows Explorer on the correct location.
5. Delete all contents of this folder. (Hint: Use Ctrl + A to select all files and folders)

Now we will start the Windows Update Service again:
1. Switch back to the windows Services.
2. Locate Windows Update.
3. Right-click on it and choose Start.


If the problem still persists, you can run the System File Checker (SFC) utility. This handy in-built tool will check your filesystem.
1. Click Start and start typing on your keyboard for "cmd".
2. In your search results cmd should show up with an black icon.
3. Right-click it and select Run as administrator.
4. If you are prompted for the admin password, enter the password and click OK.
5. A new completely black windwos will open. You can type commands directly into this window.
6. Type sfc/scannow and press Enter.
7. This process will take a long time. You can minimize this black windows and work on.
Come back to the black window after a time and check if the process finished.
As soon as the SFC process finished, restart your computer. After the restart you search for Updates again.


You are still facing the same issue?

1. Restart your computer.

Next thing is to clean Windows Update download path. These steps are only for expirienced user! If you mess up your computer with Regedit, you could loose your files! Take care or use a professional tool to investiagte your computer.
1. Hold your windows-key pressed and hit "R" key simultanous.
2. A small new windows will appear.
3. Type regedit in this new windows and hit Enter.
4. In the new windows you have a navigation on the left side. Use it to navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate
5. Once you found it, search for WUServer and WIStatusServer in the right hand pane.
6. If they are not listet we cannot clean the download path. Othwerwise delete both.
7. Restart your computer.

Try to search for new Updates again.
You are still facing this issue? I think this is not an usual problem and your computer should be checked by professional.
Try to look for a solution here or search further in the search box below.



Advanced information

The following Windows verisons are affected by this error:
> Windows Vista
> Windows 7
> Windows 8
> Windows 8.1
> Windows 10
> Windows 10 Redstone 2
> Windows 10 Creators Update
> Windows Server 2008 R2
> Windows Server 2012
> Windows Server 2016
metadata Cisco system Routing RouterLSA WARNING signature Proper 10102524 sector Scanning boundaries BitLocker 10116 Getting 10114 10115 values RFDC found used RQDC decimal 00000000 binary Microsoft Started Autonomous done with 0x0000020c serial init Wireless 20022013 From 0x80000003 1712 file Anatomy Internet Protocol Starting 0x80000038 Bootloader Xmodem 0xe39a 0xd2a6 Switching Support 05022012 10102526 1010260 functioning 1870 0x0092CB 1010250 0x006ADC 1010240 0x8000000F Access 0x40000000 30082015 process eeprom WRDTRCLKTR 0x84000800 complete unable point 0x00000210 OSFP boot OSPF Timeouts supported value 0x8000003B must invalid LINEERRINVALTIMEOUT 0x80070057 GrutzeckSoftware Knowledgebase 23012017 falls AESXTS Failure parameter 10000000 00111010 2147483706 bytes Number NumberPlanetcom 10000000000000000000000000111010 specified terminal modes MSDN formatted MSTRP LINEERRConstants Auflistung Specialist SelfStudy 0006 Network Page 0x80310000 AlcatelLucent 0x80000001 0xf47c 0xd636 0x4feb Sequence Cksum 0x80000035 Windows LINEERRINVALTERMINALID Ungltige Terminalkennung 26072013 aller mglichen TAPI Tool Recover Drive Repair LINEERRINVALTERMINALMODE Ungltiger Terminalmodus