Why did I get error 0x80000286?

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 0x80000286?

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
Rebel Kiss Canon 600D 0x80000288 master peer NEOS 3516 lclevylibcraw2 GitHub APSCCMOS 2759 1336 0x447C2CF4 1100D Digic4 1728 Mark 1888 Flickr Help FreeBSD lists 03022006 220044051 ISAKMP peerhandle created 3456 16600 libcraw2camerastxt 1273 10458 022011 X50022011 working 1024 libcraw2unknowtagstxt View File 90changesetr2818partialdiff 3719 3648 2736 0x80000281 NEOS1D 0x80000285 Package exiv2 550D 1896 modelId modelName jpegbits Locking struct refcount 1872 2784 1848 jpegwide jpeghigh jpegcomp 5184 wwwsnophyqueensucaphilexiftoolTagNamesCanonhtml Orientation Horizontal Show EXIF Make based CDNG converter normal MLVFS FUSE Arrastamento Primeiro Plano Posted 738AM Exerccio f3556 Flash fire Mrcia 03062012 EFS1855mm Magic 650D libcraw2cr2databasetxt 28112011 0x80000287 Source 0x80000301 5344 5335 3511 T3i600D CanonModelId Forum UniqueCameraModel other long Only valid should preproduction camera body does take assemble