Why did I get error 0x80000162?

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 0x80000162?

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
0x00100000 0x00000010 0x80000160-CPUID">0x80000164 0x22 0x80000160 master addusph 10309118 0xffff02c4 dspckdstio 0x001200f2 GitHub 0x8000015e XePublicKeyData XboxAlternateSignatureKeys 0x80000163 Synergy HalBootSMCVideoMode 10112 Reset interfaces Missing Archive List Mailing 0x724d Router 0x8000015d OSPF Enterprise Description 0x8a38 Advanced 0x80000130 0xfa7e Network 19216811 10111 CE6855HIV200R001C00 25022017 0x80000027 0x8000011c 0x3a1a 2017 Reason0x80000162 005900 VRPRebootOSbacktracelog TimeFri 10309125 Threads 24042006 dcrebootfunctiondisable again Gossamer 0x2bcd 1030912 1081 1030821 1030829 01082016 003954 christos 20120605 NetBSD unicodedata320cv 0x001280f2 0x00008000 adobeflashcrossbridge 0x80000166 crossbridgemips32dsp2s include Forum Renesas problem memory allignemnet fr7int XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX fr6int 01092016 fr5int HackingStuffxbecfg r8pc1150 r8r80x0 r80x0r9 r8pc1156 0x8000015c simtestsuitesimmipsmips32dsp2s Fossies 0x80000161 xbecfg XboxLANKey 0x80000158 Sending value 0x80000165 shoxxdjHackingStuff IdexChannelObject Freaks r90x6ff stability PORT timing