Why did I get error 0x80000342?

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 0x80000342?

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
0x00000391 4863 mmap0x00010000 Dec1906 upgrade Solaris Recommended 98304 0x0005 0x80000012 0x80000301 21184 0x0000 0xFEEE0000 mmap0xFEEE0000 0x80000304 0x80000306 0x80000345 0x80000300 fails since jumpstart PIPEBSTAT 0x000003b9 0x00001f01 0x000003b1 0x00001fb6 21122006 1000HE Intel Asus Register 0x71024 Drivers gone 0x00001fbf 3483 0x000003ca 3482 Archlinux 945GME 3481 0x80000390 0x00001bd7 0x8000023d 0x800005fd 0x000005aa 0x8000041c 0x00000a43 0x8000099e 0x00000437 0x00000325 0x00000302 intel0 changed from VSYNCINTSTATUS flag0 before status Archive master zakkaklbbind 19122006 lbbindunicodedata320c ioSearch16Build11112811program filesMoxaioSearchsyssetini GitHub 0x80000386 0x80000314 20120605 003954 NetBSD unicodedata320cv 0x00001f00 0x80000313 christos normalizationdatah Ethernet Fossies descE1200 Series Source Software Fresh Open fwrid146 E1263H CBNameE1263H Server modiconAIO hwid0x0342 check0 labelE1263H apid0x80000342