Why did I get error 0x80040818?

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 0x80040818?

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
Outlook info wont 2010 attachment attachments index open message problems tool when repair freeze error fatal 0x8004010F 20131120131751738Failed Exchange IMAP with need resolve problemsIt software third party caseyou acess Data scanpstexe Forum Office fails xxxpst Inbox Home 0x80040900 advanced default accounts Sent Kontakte0x80040d06FAIL 20130828123736077SGDScOpenNodefCreateFALSE0x80040818FAIL arriving below PC421062760x80040818FAIL 20131120131751738Unable Items folder extract doc233410DeleteDirectorymapiS1521302959282026828012761483280611001XXXXXXXXXXXXXX779ea6980Vorgeschlagene easily related errorsIt powerful scanning process sync 20130828123213775Flushing completed support Everybody actually repush Newly created 20100304183421386SGDScOpenNodefCreateTRUEOK 20100304183421386Marking store store0OK anytimes want 20120421143017414Failed 20100304183421386SGOScMarkPushEverythingDone0 outlook2007 start 09052012 20100510231341984Unable message829521000x80040818FAIL Interpreting File Experts 20100510231344046Failed messages Microsoft 20100304183421370SGDScOpenNodefCreateFALSE0x80040818FAIL PC829521320x80040818FAIL 20100510231344046Unable download address verliert andauernd 20130513132123959Doc Found29142940x8004010fFAIL 6ec037c30Outboxemail Verbindung message17162727400x80040818FAIL 20070322140426760OnIndexStatusChange Gatherer1716272740ModifymapiS152174613706768878984417085377681113Postfach 2000 Seite 20070322140420791Unable 20120421143019598Doc Found282900x8004010f OutlookOffice PC221639720x80040818FAIL 20120421143017414Unable message221639720x80040818FAIL connectivity PC2257711720x80040818FAIL 20130513132121819Unable message2257711720x80040818FAIL After weeks 13052013