If you got an error message saying, “Windows Update failed to install error 0x80240034” when trying to update your Windows 10 then it’s probably due to some update services that are failing at some point. In addition, you might also see Error constant WU_E_DOWNLOAD_FAILED with the description that “Update has failed to download”.
The Windows Update failed to install error 0x80240034 might be caused by some connection problem or there might be a duplicate update or that installation is not allowed and so on. And so to fix the problem, we’ve prepared some options that could help. Make sure to follow them accordingly but before you proceed, you need to verify if you have a stable internet connection.
Option 1 – Restart your computer and try installing the Updates again
Restarting your computer can also help in fixing the Windows Update failed to install error 0x80240034. There are cases where the issue resolves on its own as it could just be some simple network or PC error.
Option 2 – Try to disable your antivirus program
The Windows Update failed to install error 0x80240034 might be caused by the antivirus program installed in your computer which is why disabling the antivirus program or any security software installed in your computer is always a good idea you can try when the Windows Update process does not go smoothly. So before you try updating your computer again, make sure to disable the antivirus or security program and once the Windows Update is done, don’t forget to enable the antivirus program back again.
Option 3 – Clean up temporary and junk files
- Open Setting > System > Storage from the WinX Menu.
- From there, you will see a list of all the local and connected storage devices along with the details on the free space.
- Now make sure that the Storage Sense feature is turned On then go find a link that says “Free Up Space” and click it to open.
- After that, a screen which is the built-in program in Windows 10 will appear and will scan your computer for the following junk files so you can free up disk space:
- Windows Upgrade Log Files
- The system created Windows Error Reporting Files
- Thumbnails
- Temporary Internet Files
- Previous Windows Installation Files
- Delivery Optimisation Files
- DirectX Shader Cache
Note: Once you’re done freeing up space on your drive, try to run the setup file again.
Option 4 – Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Running the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter is one of the things you can first check out as it is known to automatically resolve any Windows Update errors like error 0x80240034. To run it, go to Settings and then select Troubleshoot from the options. From there, click on Windows Update and then click the “Run the troubleshooter” button. After that, follow the next on-screen instructions and you should be good to go.
Option 5 – Delete Files from Software Distribution Folder & Catroot2 folders
The downloaded Windows Updates are placed in a folder called “SoftwareDistribution”. The files downloaded in this folder are automatically deleted once the installation is completed. However, if the files are not clean up or if the installation is still pending, you can delete all the files in this folder after you pause the Windows Update service. For complete instructions, refer to the steps below.
- Open the WinX Menu.
- From there, open Command Prompt as admin.
- Then type in the following command – don’t forget to hit Enter right after typing each one of them.
net stop wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
- After entering these commands, it will stop the Windows Update Service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic, and the MSI Installer
- Next, go to the C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution folder and get rid of all the folders and files thereby tapping the Ctrl + A keys to select them all and then click on Delete. Note that if the files are in use, you won’t be able to delete them.
After resetting the SoftwareDistribution folder, you need to reset the Catroot2 folder to restart the services you just stopped. To do that, follow these steps:
- Type each one of the following commands.
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
- After that, exit Command Prompt and restart your computer, and then try to run Windows Update once more.
Option 6 – Run the DISM tool
If the first five options didn’t work, then running the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management tool might help as it can repair the Windows System Image as well as the Windows Component Store in Windows 10.
- After you access the Advanced Startup options, select Command Prompt by using the arrow keys on your keyboard.
- Next, type in this command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Do not close the window if the process takes a while as it will probably take a few minutes to finish.
Option 7 – Run System File Checker
Running the SFC scan or System File Checker might also help in fixing error 0x80240034.
- Tap Win + R to launch Run.
- Type in cmd in the field and tap Enter.
- After opening Command Prompt, type in sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
- Restart your PC.
Option 8 – Try to use the Media Creation tool
The Media Creation tool in Windows allows you to use the ISO installation file to make a bootable device that you can use to install Windows on your PC. Note that this is kind of different from the usual installation process as it could erase your computer’s current settings and data on the primary drive. Thus, before you proceed, you need to backup all your data into some removable drive and then use the Media Creation Tool to make a bootable drive.
- After making the bootable drive, you need to plug it into your computer and then reboot.
- Next, tap the F10 or Esc key to open the boot options.
- Now set the boot priority of the removable drive the highest. Once the setup comes forth, follow the next onscreen instructions and install Windows without any problems.