Why did I get error 0x80000074?

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 0x80000074?

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
Data Exam 0x80000077-Guide-Exam-0x80000069">0x80000076 0x80000077 CCNA Routing Guide 0x80000075 written Output CortxA8 0x80000078 0x00000008 1164 1111 Area 17225251 0x00000018 200101 17216104 1119 0x80000002 0x0014b0 TSIM 172202201 Switching Link 17225252 Review Abort 0xf975 AM335x 0x69dc 0x80000091 0xb2a4 Checksum 0x51AA count 1209 0x80000008 0x73D2 Cisco Cookbook BooksErgebnisseite Google Flashrom 15022000 while starting 440gx memory from 0xcfe turn power intel book 0xcf8 code address 21032014 rv2pp1h Exception when reading Supermicro 0x2d800108 0x80000012 OpenBIOS 0x2d000008 0x00000010 0x91d40000 100105 0x8000002a 0x80000031 might printf Complete 0x00eb73 TCPIP thsum6547 thurp0 0x0021a5 Write Zugriff handled depending return behaviour leonsparcyahoogroupscom then value UART status register better check manual Record 1010400 0x005c0e 1010500 ICND2 Study 0x00d00b AlcatelLucent Cksum 0x8000009c 0x74de Network Specialist SelfStudy Fragment REPLY XID28458009 Marker Size Last 100003NFSPROGRAM 0x8000002d Summary States Exams 100101 0x8000002b