Why did I get error 0x8004088D?

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 0x8004088D?

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
Explanation Line Symbol 0x8004088 NONE Classification TAKEN Starting Size Index NEVER InitColors Bytes ClipRight Ending SetForegroundColor termiosbaud2indexc25 Reason SetShadowColor SetBackgroundColor Instructions 0x8003F98 Cuckoo 23122012 rtemstermiosbaudtoindex IMFSSethandlers imfsevalc43 syncperthread syncc65 0x800409c rtemstermiosinitialize IMFSdumpdirectory Sandbox 0x8003760 0x80040d4 termiosinitializec55 0x8004090 0x800c05c Malwr 0x8006484 0x8003DEC SetCursorX 0x8003E14 ApplyColorsUnshadowedFont 0x8003D18 ApplyColorsShadowedFont 0x8003E7C EraseAtCursor 0x8003EBC AddToCursorX 0x8003E50 AddToCursorY 0x8003C7C free with 0x8000380 Malware Analysis Submit 23122016 0x8003C44 GetCursorTilemapPointer AgbMain 0x8000474 UpdateLinkAndCallCallbacks 0x80040866 UnsupportedType 0x80040831 ClassNotFound 0x8004086A CannotReadFromWriteonlyStream 0x8004088A CannotWriteToReadonlyStream 0x80040889 Interface MErrorEnum C12Adapter Opensource Class 0x8004082B EndOfStream Reference CannotModifyConstantOrReadonly DumpLine REFERENCED 2545 2433 This 0x800416b text 09022011 0x80040b4 0x80040899 asmpokenavo SocketClosedByPeer DataNotValidated Marijn 0x80040CC 0x80040DC Werf 0x80040AC