How To Fix ‘0x80240034’ Windows Update Error

Windows users face many errors on their operating system, and the Windows Update Error 0x80240034 is one of them. A point to note here is that not only specific Windows users are facing this issue, in spite of it, but users of all the Windows versions from Windows 7 to 10 are also facing the same.

You can check your Installed Update history where you will find this error, and it will specify to you that the update has failed to install or download. In most of the cases, while updating the Windows, the system either reboots itself unexpectedly, or the whole installation process rolled back automatically.

Sometimes, the process halts just at the beginning, and then it fails after some time. All this will make you unable to install the Windows update every time you will try it.

If you’re a Windows user, chances are you’ve encountered a variety of error codes and issues, leaving you scratching your head. Among these, the error code 0x80240034, drive errors, and file system errors are particularly common yet perplexing.

This SEO-optimized, detailed article aims to provide insights into the causes of these errors and how you can get rid of them effectively.

Causes of 0x80240034 Error in Windows Update

Windows error code 0x80240034 often pops up during a Windows Update, preventing the process from completing successfully. Let’s delve into its common causes:

Incomplete or Corrupt Update Files

If the update files aren’t completely downloaded or are corrupted, Windows Update will fail, resulting in this error code.

Unstable Internet Connection

An unstable or slow internet connection during the update can cause incomplete file downloads, leading to the 0x80240034 error.

Software Conflicts

Sometimes, third-party software, especially antivirus programs, can interfere with the Windows Update process, resulting in this error.

Outdated Drivers

Outdated or incompatible hardware drivers can also lead to failure in the Windows Update process, causing this error to appear.

How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80240034 in Windows 10

Have you encountered the same and don’t have any idea about how to fix it? If yes, then there is no need to bother about it as it is trouble-free to get rid of this issue, and here you will get to know every possible cause behind the 0x80240034 error and troubleshooting steps of the same.

Solution 1: Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Undoubtedly, the issue is related to Windows update, and running the Windows Update Troubleshooter is the most effective method for you in order to fix the issue. It will detect the problem, isolate the cause, and will fix it. For using the Troubleshooter, go through the steps below:

Step 1: Press Windows key + I hotkey to open the Settings. Select the option Update and Security. From the left panel, select the option Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Now, scroll down to search for the Windows Update option, click on it, and select Run the Troubleshooter option.

By applying all these steps, the troubleshooting process will begin, and it will resolve all the problems preventing you from updating the Windows.

Now, after completion of the process, you need to check whether you are still facing any trouble in updating your Windows or the problem has been resolved.

Solution 2: Run SFC

Running the SFC works best in fixing most of the issues, and the same is with Windows errors too. Corrupted and damaged files can restrict Windows from updating and hence, leads to the Windows Update Error 0x80240034; you can troubleshoot it by executing the sfc /scannow command.

The sfc/scannow is a Command Prompt command which scans all the system files, detects them, and removes the corrupted ones. Make sure that the Command Prompt is running as an administrator. Now, for executing the sfc /scannow command, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Firstly, Go to the Start menu. Type cmd in the search tab and press Enter. Right-click on the Command Prompt option and choose Run as administrator from the menu.

Step 2: Command Prompt window will open up. Type the sfc /scannow command and then hit Enter. The system scan will start.

After the scan gets completed, try updating the Windows again and checking whether the error still shows up or has been resolved.

Solution 3: Run DISM

If the SFC /Scannow command fails to resolve the error or cannot fix the corrupted files, then the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool can solve the underlying Windows update system and make the SFC command run properly.

Now, for using the DISM tool, try out the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Go to the Start menu and search for cmd. Right-click on the Command Prompt option and select the Run as administrator option from the context menu.

Step 2: Now, in the command prompt window, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth and press Enter to execute it.

Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete, it will take about ten minutes to complete. Now, restart your PC and check whether the issue still persists or it is resolved.

Solution 4: Download the update manually

So, if you are stuck with the error even after trying all the above methods, then, in this case, performing the download manually may help you in resolving the issue.

Before proceeding, you need to get the update code, which generally begins with KB, and then it is followed by numerical digits. Proceed with the steps below to manually download the update:

Step 1: Browse to Microsoft Update Catalog and then type your Update code in the Search box and hit Enter.

Step 2: You will find a list of updates. Choose the one which matches your system, and then click on the Download button. After the download finishes, run the setup file and follow the onscreen instructions. Restart your system after the update process gets completed.

Solution 5: Reset Windows Updates Components

Many users have noticed that resetting the Windows Update component has helped in resolving the issue. This is simple as well as an effective method, and you are recommended to try it once. So, go through these steps to do the same:

Step 1: Press Windows key + X or right-click the Start menu, from the list of options, select Command Prompt (Admin), and then click Yes to give it the permission to run with administrator privileges.

Step 2: The Command Prompt window will open up, copy and paste these commands, and press Enter after executing each command.

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop  msiserver

rmdir %windir%SoftwareDistribution /S /Q

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

If the process stops in between with an access denied message, then you can type NET HELPMSG 3521 for further help.

After executing all the commands successfully, exit the command prompt and then try to update again. Hopefully, the 0x80240034 error will not pop up again.

Solution 6: Run a full system scan

If none of the above solutions worked, then your PC needs a full system scan since the Windows Update Error 0x80240034 error can also be caused by viruses, malware, or third-party security software in your system.

In such a case, performing a full system scan can detect and delete all the malicious and infected files from your PC, which might be the root factor of the issue.

For performing the full system scan, proceed with the instruction provided below:

Step 1: Open the Windows Defender Security Center. From the left panel, select the option Virus & threat protection. Now, click on the Scan options link.

Step 2: You will find different scanning options. Choose the Full scan option. Remember that this scan can take longer than one hour. Further, click on Scan now button to begin the process.

After the scanning process completes, it will show you the threats, if any, and you need to fix them. Finally, restart your computer and try to download the Windows update to check whether the error still persists or not.

Solution 7: Update Via ISO File

If you have reached so far and are still unable to solve the 0x80240034 issue, then there is only one alternative left, i.e. Updating the Windows via ISO file. Many users have found it effective in resolving the issue, and you are also recommended to try it once. Follow this procedure to do so:

Step 1: Browse to the Microsoft Software Download Centre. Click on Download Tool Now option in order to download the Media Creation Tool.

Step 2: After downloading, open it, and accept the software license terms to continue. Choose the option Create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file) for another PC and then click Next.

Step 3: Now, customize the language, edition, and architecture settings, or leave them. It will then ask you to choose the media, choose ISO file, and click Next. Finally, click on the Save option to save the settings.

Step 4: Wait for the Windows 10 ISO file to download, and after completion of the process, turn off your Internet connection as well as your third-party antivirus software.

Step 5: Go to the location where your ISO file is saved. Right-click on the ISO file and select Open With and then File Explorer. Now, open the setup.exe file to start the setup and hence, upgrade the system.

Step 6:  Choose the Keep personal files and apps option if you want to keep your applications and files. Further, follow the on-screen instructions to proceed.

Hopefully, this method would have helped you, and you would be able to update via ISO file.

How Do I Get Rid of Drive Errors?

Drive errors can severely impact the performance and reliability of your system. Here’s how to resolve these issues:

Use CHKDSK Utility

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type chkdsk /f and press Enter. This command will find and repair disk errors.

Run SFC (System File Checker)

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This will scan for and attempt to repair corrupted system files.

Update Drive Drivers

Updating your hard drive’s drivers can sometimes fix drive errors. Go to Device Manager, right-click the problematic drive, and choose “Update driver.”

Replace Hardware

If the above solutions don’t work, your hard drive might be failing, and replacing it could be the only option.

Why Do I Keep Getting File System Errors?

File system errors usually point to issues with your operating system’s ability to read or write to a disk. Here are common reasons:

Corrupt System Files

Corrupted system files can result in file system errors. Running utilities like chkdsk and sfc /scannow can be helpful.

Bad Sectors on Drive

A hard drive with bad sectors can also result in file system errors. Tools like CHKDSK can identify and isolate these bad sectors.

Malware or Virus Infection

File system errors can also be caused by malware or virus infections corrupting system files.

Outdated OS

An outdated OS can also result in file system errors. Ensure your Windows system is updated to the latest version.

How to Fix File System Errors

1. Run CHKDSK: This tool can fix a variety of file and disk-related issues.
2. Run SFC / Scannow: This will attempt to repair corrupted system files which may be causing the error.
3. Update Windows: Keeping your system up-to-date can resolve compatibility issues that lead to file system errors.
4. Perform a Clean Boot: This helps in identifying if third-party applications are causing the file system errors.

Conclusion

Finally, we have discussed all possible solutions for resolving the issue you were facing in downloading or installing the Windows update. Hopefully, you would be able to resolve the issue after trying the above solutions one after the other and find the one that works best for you.

Moreover, if you are still unable to fix the 0x80240034 issue, then it is recommended to contact Windows support to assist you further.