Why did I get error 0x80040496?

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 0x80040496?

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
Configuration System with report same already 0x80040497 const exists image 0x80040495 public 0x80040494 moveal 0x80040498 VisibilityCode Duplicates allowed 0x80040490 0x80004001 0x80040492 0x80040493 does ReportId links Parent hierarchy name another ReportVisibility guest address 0xf7000000 bytes d2d3a2sp clrl 0x80018410a2 space host moveml Reserved point valid 2009 specified path Lemmen target 0x80040499 incompatible different device a00d3la0 Dynamics 0x800404ae Ronald 0x800d12f0a0 23042010 rendering Subreport during error occurred 0x800404a8 0x800404a2 bles 0x800cc760 0x8004049c tstl 0x800404c8 0x800404a6 lsll d2d3 0x800404a4 movel uncheckedint0x80040496 2147220330 ParentReportLinksToSameNameChild uncheckedint0x80040497 2147220329 DuplicateReportVisibility Interface MErrorEnum Opensource uncheckedint0x80040495 C12Adapter external systems data ErrorCodescs Synchronize using 2147220328 ReportLoopExists uncheckedint0x80040498 change 05032016 Class parental operation association C12ServiceResponseDNR would Failed applying Creating while more files C12ServiceResponseSNS Reports 0x80040491 Reference C12ServiceResponseERR C12ServiceResponseISC C12ServiceResponseIAR C12ServiceResponseBSY create loop C12ServiceResponseONP