Why did I get error 0x80000304?

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 0x80000304?

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 register FAILURE Error Novell define 0x80000303 operation address 0x80000300-define-0x80000308">0x80000310-0x80000304">0x80000308 0x80000302 0x80000300-define-0x80000308">0x80000310 COMException SMERR DISCONNECT File Codes 0x80000300 Argument Invalid unsigned volatile based softconfigh generated 0x8000030c Automatically gegeben Fehler Datei Argumente Datenbank Ungltiges CDOKUME1HJGLOKALE1TempQualifizierungsplan 0x0000003b 0x80000008 0x800002fc 0x80000000 0x0000003a 0x80000004 Configuration 0x00000142 Timer reload value 0x00000031 Read 0x2740M3F1M 0x80000314 0xffd98bdc gsmirqrar gsmirqc Scalar edit Scaler timers from Grlib Dont UART monitoring leonsparcyahoogroupscom FROMGRLIBCFGSCALERVALUE FROMGRLIBCFGSCALERRELOAD GRMON DISCONNECTED 0x80000305 LISTENER Support 14012003 CONNECT Progress OpenEdge 102B VS2010 Problems with 8000 Values Explanation Disconnecting Documentation Source SMDR Micro Focus 10018287 resource failed 2016 contains reads memory part after instruction Crystal Report Ungltige specified ASPNET Zone sets MyReport A51CD30955114C9EB16FE093021A2179rpt MicroStrategy ODBC 06022012 provided SPROCESSRPTINSTANCE SDSSPROCESSING Paper DSSAdminIDSSProcessidl Reference SPROCESSMSG