Why did I get error 0x800001A8?

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 0x800001A8?

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 0x8000015E 0x800001A80x00001419 0x800001740x00003A13 CPUID syscall HWMonitor Report 0x800001A80x00002A16 Legends League boards 21112015 0x800001A80x00001C19 0x800001a0 where 0x80000198 0x8000019c after period 0x0000000c 0x800001a4 PCSpim time randomly long didnt computer 0x0000003b 0x80000008 0x80000004 0x80000000 0x0000003a 0xC0010065 0x00002A16 0x00001C19 08102015 0xC0010064 13122014 0x800001A80x00002216 0x00003A13 0xC0010066 0x80000174 Warcraft 0x800001b0 0x001a2082 printint 0x800001ac 0x34020001 playing World when keeps shutting Wars CHIP Guild Grafikkarte Mainboard Need help 0x800001740x00001E13 04012013 0x800001A80x00001616 aufrsten Naitohs Profil niedrige Neuer Patch 0x800001740x00003E13 0x8000015E0x00004A0E 0x800001A80x00002E16 HWMonitorPro 0x800001A80x00002019 been having 28022016 Tech Support first started months problem several Loop CPUs 09072013 Solved deciphering output Freezing Audio Random 0x800001A80x00001E16 0x800001740x00003013