Why did I get error 0x80040531?
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 0x80040531?
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
message 0x8007e231 0xee1234ee 0x800be431 0x8007e431 0x00000009 0xb0f00000 0x8003e231 00018000 0x80000533-0x80000534-Error">0x80000531 0x800c0331 0x8013e231 0x80040131 0x80000131 0x8007e031 0x80100331 0x8003e031 0x800fe431 0x80080531 0x8013e431 additional sample displayed Failed 0x80040331 0x800fe231 0x80080331 0x800be231 0x800c0531 0x80100531 0x80000331 03072017 with 1651 longer Windows Cannot when solved 08032010 error Execute Update Solution Number Issue 8843 Superfluous Title because columns formula associated tables LUNARETMTKZEROIZED VerySource 1010011 Bo0m count 0x8003e431 bind9 961dfsgP2 unicodedata3208csourcehtml Back TaskCentre P06930RN Service Empathe Release 0x80000534 0x8000050e 0x80000533 0x00000010 0x80000532