Why did I get error 0x80040203?

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 0x80040203?

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
Microsoft error Dynamics with process unable message code when Solution OneNote fetch Server request Fehler DirectShow office provider Invalid return entity attribute state below Updating update from unmanaged existing failed Import 2011 problem getRecords distinct logical mapping true happens namenewregion namenewregionid Software count10 corrupt Registry string overloaded becomes causes common Eventually dont computers regularly maintained various files damaged 25112014 Overflow Stack begins problems displaying crash code0x80040203code requesterror descriptionInvalid typePlatformtype argumentdescription narkive Dynamic following ExceptionServer Soap encounter 09092016 messages CRMm accessing exDetailInnerText exMessage Platform Issues Integration GetDaylightChanges IOTAP Blog 23042010 occurs also newname order descending Argument false might after resembles Exception like record open contains January date Automation pattern will without caller support does specified control property another back UIAEPROXYASSEMBLYNOTLOADED addin creating provide attempting default falling value Original valid value600 Anyone value400 getting 31072013 while RecurringAppointmentMastersubjectLength importing UIAENOTSUPPORTED MSDN 0x80040204 explicitly Indicates issue faced Thanks Windows Codes Freezes Computerabstrze mgliche Erfahren Virusinfektionen behebt enumerator Solvusoft umfassen Probleme System knnen Center Notice 09032014 Laufzeitfehler diese schnell beheben einfach given exercise training done labs data allows integrated Actually application enumerated VFWEENUMOUTOFSYNC object inconsistent changed 2009 using running ErrorFix giving