Why did I get error 0x8000016C?

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 0x8000016C?

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 0x00000000 0x80000168 0x80000170 0x8000015C 0x20 0xC0010068 0x80000130 Computer 0x80000160-CPUID">0x80000164 0x80000160 0xC0010066 0xC0010067 0x3fff0000 loaded 30062015 Jenkins MissingWedgePluginNoiseFillingDataSourceConstructor info 012440188174 20150630 0x80000150 0x80000154 0x8000014C 0x80000008 JSIM Build failed Ettentiondevelopers 0x80000158 0x80000174 GitHub IoMarkIrpMustComplete 0x80000167 HackingStuffxbecfg master shoxxdjHackingStuff HalInitiateShutdown 0x8000016A vsnprintf 0x8000016B snprintf 0x80000169 sprintf Turns when playingLoading Contour Prior Knowledge World 0x00003E0E 0x80000145 0x00005008 Warcraft 09122016 0x00003211 0x0000003b written timeout read invalid data Table PCIITF Address Register Interrupt Force events 0x800001B2 0x00001614 0xC0010065 CPUZ Report 0x00002C11 reported following Atmel 0x0000380E AT697F reserved 0x800001450x00005208 txpfwh 0x8000015C0x0000420E 10122014 0x8000016C0x00003611 SuperMicro 0x0000003a 0x80000004 0x80000000 0xffffffff 0xc000ffff Kostengnstige 07092013 0x8000016C0x00002A11 spinde bluescreenfehler Windows 0x8000015C0x0000340E CPUID Text erwnscht 0x800001450x00004808 Systemeinschtzung