Resolving Windows Update Error 0x80240034

The Windows Update error 0x80240034 occurs when users try to update their Windows 10/11. This error pops up when you click the "Check for Updates" button, preventing you from updating your Windows. Here are six simple methods to help you fix the Windows Update error 0x80240034:

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Windows Update Error 0x80240034

Microsoft is aware of the issue and believes it's mainly caused by failed updates. Another reason for this error is corrupted system files. The good news is that you can fix the problem using several methods. By reading our article, you'll be able to update your Windows again. Also, data loss might occur during the Windows 10/11 update process, so you can refer to this article to recover your lost files.

6 Ways to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80240034

Encountering the error code 0x80240034 while updating Windows might seem unfamiliar and daunting to users. Fortunately, fixing this error isn't as complicated as the error name suggests. Let's go through the solutions below, each accompanied by a detailed step-by-step guide.

Solution 1: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

A common cause of this error is a failed Windows update. So, it's wise to start by running the Windows Update troubleshooter to fix any update issues.

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that you can run without installing anything. To use the Windows Update Troubleshooter, do this:

1. Open Settings. You can search for “Settings” in the Start menu, then press Enter to open Settings.

Step 2. Go to the “Update & Security” section and click on “Troubleshoot.”

Step 3: Run the troubleshooter.

The "Troubleshoot" window will display several options. Click on "Windows Update," which will display a "Run the troubleshooter" button. Click it to run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Step 4. You can continue with the troubleshooter using the default settings and follow the on-screen instructions. After it's done, restart your computer and see if the error still exists.

Fix 2: Run the SFC command to fix Windows Update error 0x80240034

Due to file system or registry errors, Windows Update might run into issues. If that's the case, using the SFC (System File Checker) command is the best way to fix the Windows Update error 0x80240034.

Follow these steps to run the SFC command and fix the Windows Update error 0x80240034:

Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box, type cmd in it, and hit Enter.

Step 2: Type the command sfc /scannow in CMD and press Enter.

Run System File Checker to fix Windows Update error 0x80240034

Step 3: After running the command, SFC will repair your files. When it's done, restart your computer and try to update Windows again.

Fix 3: Run the DISM command to fix error 0x80240034

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line tool in Windows used for managing and servicing Windows images. Running DISM commands in CMD can also help repair your Windows image and fix the Windows Update error 0x80240034.

Please run the DISM command as follows:

Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run window, type CMD in it, and then press Enter.

Step 2. Type the command DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Running this command will initiate the DISM service to scan and clean your Windows image. You can then check for updates to fix the Windows Update error 0x80240034.

If DISM can't find the Windows image, run the DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\Repair\Source\Windows /LimitAccess command.

Before running this command, make sure that your Windows installation media (USB or DVD) is connected to the computer. Change C:/Repair/Source/Windows to the path of your Windows installation media.

Solution 4: Download the update manually

The Windows Update error 0x80240034 occurs only when you try to update Windows via the Windows Update settings. If none of the above solutions worked for you, you can also download the Windows update manually.

Once you've downloaded the update from Microsoft's website, you can install it manually. Here's how to download Windows updates manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog website:

Step 1: Open any web browser on your computer, such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or others.

Step 2: Visit the website Microsoft Update Catalog

Step 3. Enter the KB number of the update you want to download and install manually in the search box on the website.

Step 4: Find and update from the search results.

Please make sure you are downloading the version that is appropriate for your system architecture. The most common ones are x86 and x64. So, double-check that you are getting the correct update.

Step 5: Click the Download button to its right to download the update.

Step 6. Run the downloaded update installer and go through the regular setup routine.

Step 7: Restart your computer.

After the update installs successfully, restart your computer to see if it's working.

Fix 5: Reset Windows Update components

The Windows Update components are responsible for checking and automatically updating your Windows operating system. Thus, you can also reset these components to fix the Windows Update error 0x80240034. Follow the steps below to reset the Windows Update components and fix the Windows Update error 0x80240034:

Step 1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run window, type CMD in it, and then press Enter.

Step 2. Run each of the following commands in turn.

Stop the following services: ``` net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits ``` Rename the following folders: ``` ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old ```

Step 3. Restart your computer after running all the commands.

This should reset the Windows Update components. You can now check if the issue is resolved for you.

6. Run a full system scan

Most Windows users have successfully fixed the Windows Update error 0x80240034 by following the methods above. However, if all the methods fail, then it is very likely that your system is infected with malware and viruses. Such malware can prevent your system from updating automatically. Hence, you end up encountering the Windows Update error 0x80240034.

The best way to remove malware and viruses from your computer is by using an antivirus program. Run a full system scan with the antivirus software. A full system scan can take a while, depending on how much data you have on your computer, so be patient and perform a full system scan when you don't need your computer for anything important.

How to Recover Data After Updating to Windows 11/10

If you managed to install the Windows update without any issues, consider yourself lucky. One common problem people encounter when updating Windows 11/10 is data loss. Users often report that some of their files are missing after the update. Fortunately, you can use free data recovery software to restore lost data.

It helps you recover data freely from Windows 11/10/8/7 efficiently. No matter what the reason for data loss is, this software can assist you in restoring data in various data loss situations.

• Recover Permanently Deleted Files
• Easily recover lost partitions
• Quickly retrieve data lost due to Windows updates
• Restore data from any external media, such as SD cards

It is highly recommended to download and use this software to recover data lost due to Windows update.

Step 1. Select the drive and start scanning

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard and hover the mouse over the partition where you lost your data. This can be an internal hard drive, an external disk, a USB, or an SD card. Click “Scan.”

Select the location to scan

Step 2: Check and Preview the Scanned Files

Narrow down the scan results using the file type filter on the left or in the top-right corner until you find the needed file. If necessary, click the "Preview" button or double-click the item to preview its content.

Step 3: Recover the lost data to a secure location

Check the box next to the file and click “Recover” to restore your lost data to a secure location. We recommend that you do not save recovered data to the same disk where it was lost.

Conclusions

When you attempt to update your Windows via the Windows Update menu, you might encounter the error code 0x80240034. This issue usually occurs due to file system corruption, registry file issues, problems with Windows Update, or malware. You can fix the Windows Update error 0x80240034 using six straightforward methods outlined in this article. However, if these don't work, your best option is to manually update your Windows using the Windows Update Catalog.

Moreover, you might lose some data during the Windows update process. In this case, the most recommended data recovery method is to use the Data Recovery Wizard tool.