Why did I get error 0x800002AC?

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 0x800002AC?

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
0x00000000 0x800002b0 0x80000008 0x800002a0 0x00076531 0x80000000 0x80000004 0x800002C8 Time 1030166 scan 0x800002a4 0x800002a8 0x800002b4 1502022505 1502022506 0x800002bc 0x800002b8 Central Standard 170131 2011 wangjohnmitcourses master 0x00000002 06022011 0x72002001 0x8000029C 10099ns 9999ns 9899ns 10199ns Current GitHub 10299ns 10399ns Antivirus 27062012 164325488373 started Tracing varlogospflog options cksum 0xa8dd 17231255150 0x22 164325488437 report file VirusTotals VirusTotal 30102015 with 163858 traceon 042108 05c950bd3b20533da6bd01c6a7310ab8 20151030 mitcourseslab6checkoffjsim Mailing List 0x800002CC 0x800002C0 0x800002C4 again Gossamer interfaces Archive Missing JSIM Toms Hardware Windows Slow system 0x0000003a 0x0000003b 0x71002001 10122010 0x0000000f Threads Documentation Center Confidential Beta Draft 0x19f3 1502022507 0x80000440 0x42ae 1574 0x8000003a 0x5e4c 10303981 1460 24042006 10303973 1030452 103022 0x3331 1230 0x800001df