Why did I get error 0x8000016A?

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 0x8000016A?

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 0xC0010066 0xC0010067 0xC0010068 2222 Report 0x80000176 0x00004A0B 0x80000153 sprintf CPUZ vsprintf vsnprintf 0x00003611 snprintf VBYTE Forum 0x80000169 Synergy 0x8000016b 0x8000016C 0x00002C14 0x8000016e route Database Routing OSPF installing Default 3333 0x007727 10118 25042017 10114 0x002679 Overclocknet 30062015 0x44003004 1045T Processor Inquiry 0x44004440 0x00002E14 0x00003811 0x8000014F 0x4400384C 0x8000012F Phenom HalEnableSecureTrayEject 0x8000016D HalWriteSMCScratchRegister 0x0078de 4444 xbecfg Page Tech Support SOLVED need motherboard 0x80000166 Videocard fr4int VINT fr5intfr7intfr6intfr4int lagging StarCraft permanent problems crashing Renesas 01092016 problem memory allignemnet 0x80000100 feEbyte fr0dwa16 fr1byte VDWORD master shoxxdjHackingStuff HackingStuffxbecfg 0x800001760x00003014 0x8000016A0x00003A11 HalInitiateShutdown 0x80000168 0x80000167 GitHub IoMarkIrpMustComplete 0x800001410x00005A05 0x8000012D 0x800001530x0000460B 14052014 0x8000016A0x00003011 0x800001B50x0000161A 0x800001B50x00001A17 HWMonitor 0xC0010015 CPUID