Why did I get error 0x800000A0?

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 0x800000A0?

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
0x00000018 Data Sessread type Output CortxA8 written start daemon Spread frequently fails value ldmp subcommand queueing BrowserFlags Message field exit forced later seconds 0x8000001b 0x80000060 compdsp Ghandleregmemb 0x00040000 0x80000000 cant window opens about 6713 Related 16112004 error chkieareaCFormcs GitHub 0x800000A4 address 21032014 ProgID intBrowserFlags RegistrySetValueHKEYCLASSESROOT StartsWithpo String 1062917910 08092003 AM335x 0x800000A02090 Fatal when reading Exception Spreadusers Abort AN75779 exampleGPIFII send right num1 32bit 0x2E716C020x000001000x800000A00x000000000x000000000x00000000 0x2E728B060x200001020x800000600x00000000 10052016 Cypress Semiconductor increment calculate clock serialdrivere Personal time start1 0x800000a2 command num0 initialize spreaduserslistsspreadorg State Graphs Pipeline Analysis Abstract e159d186c26i0x800000940x800000980 rv2pp1h Supermicro e222d236c13i0x80000094 e186d204c17i0x800000940x8000009c0 e204d222c17i0x800000940x800000a00 handling alive Membhandlemessage with protocol displays ILPbased Path information live dump