Why did I get error 0x80000164?

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 0x80000164?

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
PStateReg 0xffffffff 0x00000000 0x80000160 CPUID define Report HWMonitor Synergy problem 0x20 Forum 0x80000154-0x80000000">0x80000158 0x80000154 0x800001AE0x00001612 0x80000168 data according navregsfrend elegant void 0x80000000 Vreg 0x80000004 2004 0x0000003a More Krawutschke Tobias will 4122004 bits flipped here 0x00000004 navregsfrsize 0x800001370x00006203 0x80000127 0x8000014E0x00004C07 23032013 0x800001640x00003A0C 0x8000014C 0x80000150 0x80000148 JSIM 0x80000144 Whats Causing 0x8000015c 0x0000003b 0x80000008 Toms Hardware Gaming Cities Motion 0x800001640x0000320C TopThemen 0x800001740x0000260F when 0x800001AE0x00001618 0x6760851c 0xf2f79daf 0x6e53bd48 maclifede Life variables 01092016 storing Renesas memory allignemnet stored size S7G2 sram using 0x80000174 0x0000240F 0xC0010066 0x800001AE 0x00001612 device driver 0xC0010068 0xC0010067 0x0000300C 0xC0010065 0x6e53be48 0x6752e000 0x7fffffff 0x6e53be08 0x2abb32 txpfwh SuperMicro 0x800001640x0000260C 0x800001AE0x00001218 0x800001740x0000260C