Why did I get error 0x800003F1?

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 0x800003F1?

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
0x80000391-0x80000393-0x80000077-0x80000076-0x80000078">0x80000392 0x80000391 0x800003d6 0x80000393-Backpack-0x80000398-uniqueid-Data-Mark">0x80000394">0x80000395 0x80000398-uniqueid-Data-Mark">0x80000394 0x80000393 0x800003d5 0x800003f0 test 0x800003d1 0x80000398-0x80000396-0x80000393-0x80000392-0x80000391">0x80000397-0x80000395-0x80000393-0x80000391">0x80000396 0x80000398-0x80000396-0x80000393-0x80000392-0x80000391">0x80000397 1025512 dosdostagsh 2147484657 0x22 NPDummy define 0x80000398 Network Hexadecimal 10000000000000000000001111110001 Fossies 12803241 Fresh Dotted 03012010 193431 Generated EventID Time Decimal Binary info normalizationdatah Number 04773 bind 04772 index 04771 platform View linuxunixwindows latest achievement Back Archive 4771 Software Open Source 961dfsgP2 unicodedata3208csourcehtml bind9 4772 4773 occurred Solved Seeing 0x800003ee NPCloseOutput lots Traps JNet ospfTxRetransmit SNMP NPCloseInput 20120605 003954 NetBSD unicodedata320cv christos Developer Docs IncludeXREF Amiga 06012013 from failed DFSRevent Windows2003 Services Warning Event Starting SystemLog failing 0xd124 102552549 Router 0x80000408 0xeb1a mozillanewtabdev DCDIAG newtabdevnormalizationdatah master