Why did I get error 0x80000740?

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 0x80000740?

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 0x80000744 define interrupt 0x80000730-Time">0x80000738-Time-0x80000724-text">0x80000734 0x8000073c 0x80000730-Time">0x80000738 Atrix dmesg Hardware Figure grep 0x80000008 0x80000730 Clear panel 0x80000000 0x80000004 data S0x80000740 0x40001828 OSTaskDelReq 0x80000720 OSTaskResume after just OSTaskSuspend 0x80016780 27092004 install M2020FNU20V11TestR070530rar systema Read status change COEOI 0x800006e0 OSTaskDel 0x80000700 0x40134f6c OSTaskCreateExt 0x80000a1e Overclockers PLease Table MPX3 channel Help 0x11 OMRMirror Noob 0x10 nWords 0x0F crashed definitions Packet 0x80000760 Frame throughout Nikhef Wikis Bug273248 libc6i686 design modem Windows Toms system 14735 Slow 10122010 0x00000011 0x80000750 0x8000074c 0xc55e10de 0x80000748 primesc Software Tools Discussions unable trace 14012016 core ARMCortexA9MP0 mode Execution stopped GitHub RTCEOI EPiCSreconosv2 reconosv2haledb7xxxh master real 0x80000780 UART UMSEOI time clock 0x0000003b Motorola atag from Tutorial info motparseatagmotorola parsetagmotorola 0x0000003a 0000000 type Code