Why did I get error 0x80000974?
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
> Windows Filesystem
> Internet access
> Windows Update service
> File corruption
> Misconfiguration
> Adware
> Virus and Malware
How to fix Windows Update error 0x80000974?
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)
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.
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.
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.
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
6. If they are not listet we cannot clean the download path. Othwerwise delete both.
7. Restart your computer.
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
> 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 0x80000980">0x80000978 Time 0x80000984 0x80000980 0x80000970 0x8000096c 0x80000968 0x8000097c 0x80000008 0x80000004 0x80000000 0x80000964 0xeea01001 Current 0x00000cc7 0x80000cef 0x80000719 0x800004e5 0x000044a6 0x00000709 0x000008c2 usrbinrubymri 0x000013ea 0x80004976 0x800005e7 translation 0x3fffcec3042 19112014 lib64libcso6libcstartmain0x112 flag0 0x800009be 0x3fffcb86572 endians 0x00000001 0xf9e80000 05082013 0xfed04000 fail tests 1165638 type7type5 2010 223343 Slow Eastern 0x0b0b0e0e 05072010 Daylight system 0x16000e01 0x03f04221 OSPF 10122010 Windows Toms Hardware Standard Central 2011 06022011 0x03f04023 0x13000a08 1833 170131 Link External Type7 States 0x8000096F 0x00A1B5 Area 192168111247 performance Computer Forum suffering Warcraft World terribly IPInsider 0x0000003b 0000 0x0000003a 0x00613D 12052006 192168111171 1003