Why did I get error 0x800401EF?

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 0x800401EF?

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
Error Moniker HRESULT CoInitialize Microsoft called been could enumerated MKEENUMERATIONFAILED matter Word32 0x800401F0 Codes problem with 0x800401F1 common word32ToInt32 system errors object from Class already 0x800401F2 issue repair remove methods mKEEXCEEDEDDEADLINE debug COENOTINITIALIZED best prefix This MSDN ways mode does 0x800401EE">0x800401ED storage refer 0x0003f1 MKENOSTORAGE inverse 0x800401EE Values 0x00000BFF right 0x80072ee2 troubleshoot 0x088914C90 deal COEALREADYINITIALIZED COECANTDETERMINECLASS MSERREF Activesync Generic Simple 2147221008 2147221009 2147221007 cannot 2147221006 technologies list Symantec 25042008 Support determined handling exception manipulation 0x800401E1 0x800401E0 0x800401F3 2147221005 Invalid 1999 string 2147467261 2147418113 0x8000FFFF ENOTIMPL 2147467263 0x80004001 03042007 MKENOPREFIX Name EUNEXPECTED Decimal EOUTOFMEMORY 0x80004002 ENOINTERFACE 2147467262 0x80004003 EPOINTER 2147024882 0x8007000E EINVALIDARG 2147024809 0x80070057 Learn Registry Software corrupt damaged files 09032014 Center Notice when happens Eventually regularly becomes problems overloaded causes various computers maintained dont respond going serious disk include Category Microsoftfixit Windows application indicates managed exceptions either Solution perthread drivenotready failure data unhandled misalignment will What label details contains performance maximize unlock potential hidden 0xc00e0003 solve Discussions 14098 0x3712 includes which occurred 0x80072ee4 TheBestPCFixerThe COMOLE means Interface FACILITYITF management crash begins displaying symbol HRESULTinfo comprehensive problemsOur suite allows easytouse userdefined designated returned Still TheBestPCFixerHow