Why did I get error 0x800004BF?

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 0x800004BF?

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
0x00000010 0x000004EA 0x800005AF 0x8000049D-0x000004AE-0x0000048C">0x800004D9 0x8000049D-0x0000048C-0x800004D9-0x000005BE">0x800004FB 0x492 0x4a4 0x000005BE 0x4c8 0x000004C8 Patent framer 0x8000040b 0x800004d3 0x0000048C 0x8000049D 0x000004AE 0x800004b9 0x8000043d 0x800004e50x4fe0x410 0x800004bd 0x800004bb US6098188 Packet Google 0x800003950x38e0x80000489 0x800004b7 0x800003a3 bradenmcdfriidump GitHub 0x0000059C master Patentsuche 0x3b8 friidumpecma267c Patents 0x410 0x426 0x4fe 0x80000489 0x800004e5 unicodedata320c VerySource 0x47c 0x80000451 0x44a 0555998 standard scrambled unscramble 01082000 unscrambler European Office 0x80000415 DVDs thru starting diald christos trouble 02021996 ioctl0 TCGETS 0x80016e8 9090 003954 into ISOs unscrambles games Destructoid unicodedata320cv 20120605 21122006 NetBSD answer unknown ifcico 03091996 type savetioscoflag0x00000000 savetiosccflag0x800004bf call savetiosciflag0x00000000 McMail ccflags0x800004bf clflags0 ciflags0x5 coflags0 cline0 ifmail program cccVMIN1 cccVTIME0