Why did I get error 0x80000291?

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 0x80000291?

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
10213192119 10213211136 1025024035 0x4aa5 Summary 1100 10120 Network 0x800001cc 0xab67 192168254230 102502408 0x800002fd 0x2e6 0x800002250x23e0x2d0 0x800002cb 0x28a Router 0x80000325 0x2bc0x800002a70x360 0x8000037b 0x80000213 0x80000289 0x6211 Patent 0x5cdd ospfd prefers eth0 Packet US6098188 Google framer enabling mozillakradnormalizationdatah 1535 Discovery 0x80000292 0x800003b8 0x00000041 0x80000216 0x8000007a kradradiomozillakrad master 0x80000290 networks connectivity 1025024017 st0x30020000 clMozillaWindowClass9529760x3f6ffb4 0x80000291E 0x001063 501444095 rest66518228 fl0x17 problem 0x80000307 0x00000042 0x00000061 Mozilla focus into noncontribution Introduction 01082000 Patents OSPF List Mailing AREA 0x208 Lists 4428 quaggausers 0x80000256 0x8000027f Patentsuche 0xab48 Archive 0x00000252 0x80002ecc 0x8000021c 0x800004db Service 0x000010a2 0x00000417 0x00000619 States Link 20042005 flag0 0x80000374 0x000002d9 0x8000099e