Why did I get error 0x8000003F?

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 0x8000003F?

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
0x8000001A 0x8000001C Guide Number info datasheet with mode chain Archive Error 10035 2147483711 10096 Router Windows 10097 idcode 0xc000001f Warn Unexpected setup interface speed JTAG after 0x8000006c doublecheck dccdownloads enable 0x70b7 arm79 System cpsr 0x000004ee OOCD density SourceForge 23112009 STM32 V0xy doesnt work Forums 00000000000000000000000000000000000000x200497e80x200081400x000000060x100df84e0x8000003f TrapSoftware Garmin 139222 Memory message Certified Internet Professional Study JNCIP Juniper Networks 10102014 137756 Complete attached continuous even file 0x80000043 FCInitialize drive3ClassID39 0x264f WaitID 0x000000000 139029 Cisco Routing ROUTE Implementing 10000000000000000000000000111111 Hexadecimal Dotted Foundation cross reference circuit specification Learning 0x80000001 1759 provider been registered Microsoft Event Messages MSDN Management Conversion Decimal Binary account Instrumentation namespace LocalSystem Electronics View topic SparkFun 0x00000000 91376480010 SELECT0x00000005 Programming state debugrequest current Thumb LPCP2148 target halted making ARMv7 kernel attempt application notes format module INTENS0x00000000 91376479919 FLAGS 91376479827 performance 91376479736 CNTENS0x8000003f