Why did I get error 0x80000181?

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 0x80000181?

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
flags application with AVRF ModLoad 0x00000000 xdeexe COBID enabled verifier Index provider GardenReleaseexe initialized Cisco crash MyAppexe msqinfo precamprof tluforce l4port CANopen object startadr when closing Google 0xB74 AppVerifier breakpoint 02112007 0x00300030 0x00000003 0x00000006 reloaded itself 11112014 startupnot dlls General lbl1lo help exceptions CPUID HWMonitor Report code Defaults Inverters function 0x3800240C 0x800001DE 0x38004400 0xC0010067 0xC0010066 0xC0010065 0x800001EB 0x38003405 Card OPCG1COP Fuji Communications 04122007 0x1630 verifierdll Electric 0x80000381 other objects 1802 Corp That 1800 init failed MSDN type 0xc0000142 ntdll 0xADC WinDbg Symbol File Loaded CWINDOWSsystem32verifierdll Symbols Transmission 0x00000080 Consumer 1mapped 3126293597 SYNC message 0x60400010 timer Event 0x00000681 2mapped 0x60420010 Inhibit Finding 00380000 003a8000 CSCej54784 0xC0 5ad10000 5ad59000 ALPHACPUIF100INT 0x002C002C 0x00000100 CSCsk64242 ipheader 0x00280600 0x04AD0050 Copyright 07f9d000 7c900000 7c9b0000 Problems narkive 00400000 ntdlldll Debugger Version 690003113 0xF08 Microsoft Windows