Why did I get error 0x80000051?

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 0x80000051?

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
States 0x00000018 Area 8242006 with 0x00000004 file from define WARNING update path ErrorCodeFileIsDirectory 0x8000002F ErrorCodeFilePathTooLong long Studies Practical 0x80000030 0x8000000B CCIE 1cbAsqleIndCoordProcessRequest6FpnIsqeAgentv0x800000510x2 02865da00x00x200000xffffffff7d63bec80xffffffff7cf964d0 Artec HANGS United 08062011 Scanning 0x80000050 already exists artecsdkbaseerrors Namespace Reference LINEERRADDRESSBLOCKED 0x00000050 0x8000003a 0x80000052 07042004 LINEERRUSERUSERINFOTOOBIG LINEERRREINIT 0x00000094 0x80000033 0x800003ec 0x00000042 0x00000119 0x80000028 0x800000db WineHQ 0x21420003 0x80000003 0x80000047 SuperMicro 0x80000039 Link rv2pp2h structures defines header some 0x83790800 0x83860a00 TAPI FORCE showing inaccessible 15012016 vCenter derivation Host disconnected 0x28 CmdSN world Cmd0x412540b94480 20160113T185444741Z cpu618253ScsiDeviceIO 2326 constant following BIP43 GitHub bipsbip0081mediawiki master bitcoinbips signifigant indicate hardened most recommendation ASCII value 11725 24012006 19216801 171748584 Switching versus partial Routing dist IC76856 DB2STOP 0000 better 19216821 gateway signature Selecting source virus Kaspersky Forum unable stopped OSPF full error ftpdnleu2kasperskylabscom 45923 finished