Why did I get error 0x80000120?

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 0x80000120?

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 Windows code NodeID define sofort 0x80000140 COBID 0x800037d0 Server 0xc1080000 This application 0x5c000000 datasheet family 0x80000124-0x80000123-0x80000120-0x80000112-0x80000110-0xffffffff-Arg0x80000114">0x80000114-0x80000112-0x80000111-0x80000110">0x80000113-0x80000112-0x80000110-0xffffffff-Arg0x80000114">0x80000114">0x80000122 0x80000124 0x4803c857 0x80000123 PATCH NEXT arm926ejs sansserif serif UBoot ECMSESSIONDOWN PLplot Mailing return expected error 0x80000112-0x80000110-0xffffffff-Arg0x80000114">0x80000114-0x80000112-0x80000111-0x80000110">0x80000113 0x80000112-0x80000110-0xffffffff-Arg0x80000114">0x80000114 0x80000121 Lists SourceForge 0x80000112 0x80000100 kIOMessageServiceWasClosed 0x80000110 iokitIOKitIOMessageh Source kIOMessageServiceIsRequestingClose 03052016 stable10sysdevispfw FreeBSD kIOMessageServiceBusyStateChange commit r298973 1610612947 with 0x4803c023 22092010 reduce 0x4803c024 size start cpsr 0x600000d3 2147483936 0x4807c026 0x80040920 then games normal hcs64gslibusb GitHub which things uploader works interrupt processing other master reference circuit notes note Archive cross 1407 0x80000160 gslibusbgsuploader format CR3101 1406 Uploading 0x00000020 MSCMPO Appendix nascsb2end void nascsb2size Microsoft 2012 2016 Product Behavior MSDN nascsb2base 0x8000014a 0x80000117 0x8000016d rv2pp1h Supermicro 0x80000000 generated address trddcsscsbmaster File excaliburh machine