Why did I get error 0x80000970?

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 0x80000970?

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 0xcea00801 0x80000978-Time-0x80000984">0x80000974 0x80000980 0x80000978 0x8000097c 0000 Time compiles Syllablehehe 0x6ffffff0 VERNEEDNUM 0x80000906 VERSYM 0x6ffffffe 24032008 0x6fffffff VERNEED Checksum 12052006 1500 192168111171 translation type7type5 IPInsider Forum Syllable External topic View 192168111247 0x00613D Type7 0x009FB6 0x6ffffffa Bitbucket 20102014 0x80000970br0x8000097Cbr0x80000988br0x80000994br0x80004384br0x8000439Cbr0x80006950br0x8000BBBCbr n64libfuncs wiki GoldenEye Current Standard 06022011 0xeea01001 170131 2011 Central constdata Read Number oscoreo RELCOUNT EasyARM2200KEILuCOS252rar Projectmap ABSOLUTE 0x80040004 Data oscoreobss text Code oscoreotext 0x16000e01 0x80000000 0x80000004 10122010 Windows Toms Hardware 0x8000096c WARNING noninteractive 0x80000968 0x80000008 0x80000960 0x80000964 video Community 1920x1080 Interlaced Capturing BT1120 192x1080 0x0437077F Slow system CSIACTFRMSIZE ov5640c settings CSISENSCONF performance suffering terribly Computer XRootDTransport Message stream 0x00000001 0xfed04000 OSPF 0xf9e80000 World Warcraft 05082013 size 16777216 returned deprecated mode release checks 20161021 005835156623 0700Error expired with ERROR Operation