Tea 0x80240034 The error with Windows 10 is because Windows Update is unable to download the various files that it requires to perform the updates that Windows requires.
The error is specifically known as “WU_E_DOWNLOAD_FAILED” error, which basically means that the system did not download the correct “Windows Update” files.
The resulting problem means that your system is unable to handle the updates that are required to run, causing the system to display erroneous behavior.
To fix the problem, you basically need to resolve any of the main issues that are preventing Windows Update from downloading the appropriate files; this comes in the form of having the ability to fix Windows Update service problems, as well as being able to repair any of the underlying software applications that integrate with Windows.
The error message will usually display as follows:
Failed to install – 0x80240034
The causes of the error will normally be:
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Internet connection problems
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Microsoft Update Server Errors/Issues
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Error with the update payload itself
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Other miscellaneous error with the update (perhaps a virus or a third-party software issue)
The way to resolve the error is to make sure that the various files that Windows Update requires to work are working properly. This can be done using the following steps:
1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The first step is to run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
This is a tool included with Windows 10 (and I believe Windows 7) that allows you to clean up any of the problems Windows may have with its underlying “update” processes.
To do this, you can use the following steps:
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Press the “Windows” + “I” keys on your keyboard (load “settings”)
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Click “Update & Security”
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In the left panel, select “Troubleshoot”
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From the list that appears, select “Windows Update”
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Click “Run this troubleshooter”
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Let the process run
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After completion, restart your PC
This probably won’t fix the error, but it should fix most problems with the update service.
2. Run SFC + DISM
After doing the above, you need to run SFC + DISM commands.
These are small command line based applications within the Windows system, designed to provide users with the ability to clean up most problems that form with Windows.
You can do this by following the steps outlined here:
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Press the “Windows” + “S” keys on your keyboard
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Type “CMD”
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In the first list that shows up, right click and select “Run as administrator”
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In the black box that appears, type the following commands:
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“SFC /scan now” + press “Enter”
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“DISM/Online/Cleanup Image/RestoreHealth” + press “Enter”
This will run a series of “scans” which will basically ensure that your system can run the various files/settings it requires correctly.
While this probably won’t fix the issue (although it should in about 40% of cases), it should resolve a large number of underlying issues that may be causing it to display.
3. Manually restart the Windows Update service
You will then need to manually restart the Windows Update service.
This is a bit tricky, but it should be the biggest contributor to a solution.
Basically, the way Windows Update works is with what’s known as a “service.”
This is an application that perpetually runs in the background of your system and allows other processes to use it at will.
The Windows Update service is responsible for continuously downloading, resuming, and updating the various elements required to perform updates in Windows.
Unfortunately, it often happens that the system will end up having problems with the service, which can be resolved by manually restarting it:
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Press the “Windows” + “S” keys on your keyboard
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Type “CMD” and in the first item that appears, right click and select “Run as administrator”
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In the black box that appears, type the following commands:
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‘net stop wuauserv’ + ‘Enter’
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‘net stop cryptSvc’ + ‘Enter’
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‘net stop bits’ + ‘Enter’
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‘net stop mserver’ + ‘Enter’
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‘Ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old’ + ‘Enter’
After doing this, you will need to start the various services again, which can be done by following the steps below (again in the same CMD panel):
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‘start wuauserv network’ + ‘Enter’
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‘net start cryptSvc’ + ‘Enter’
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‘network start bits’ + ‘Enter’
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‘net start mserver’ + ‘Enter’
You should then run the Windows Update “Check for updates” command again.
4. Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus
Finally, one of the most common causes of the problem is a “false flag” from your antivirus or firewall application.
This happens because your system basically thinks that (for some reason) the Windows update service is causing irregular (potentially harmful) internet connectivity and will therefore block it.
To resolve this, you can use the following steps:
- If you are using a THIRD PARTY antivirus
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Right-click on the security software icon at the bottom right of the Windows taskbar
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Select the equivalent of “pause” (can be “Game Mode” / “Temporarily stop”, etc.)
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Select “10 Minutes” or the equivalent
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Try running Windows Update again
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If WU is not working right now, please try step 3 again with your antivirus temporarily disabled
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Reboot your system after this attempt
- If you are using Windows Defender (default antivirus)
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Press the “Windows” + “I” keys on your keyboard
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Select “Update and security”
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In the menu on the left, select “Windows Security”
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Select “Virus & Threat Protection” and then “Virus & Threat Protection Settings”
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Change “Real-time protection” to “Off”
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Try to update the system and if it doesn’t work then try running step 3 again
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After this, re-enable Windows Defender service, restart your PC
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If the above doesn’t work, you probably have deeper problems with your system. Obviously, a generic internet article isn’t going to solve that.
To fix this, you’d better talk to someone who has specific or hands-on experience with your system. This can be accomplished by going to an online community (superuser etc.) or by talking to someone who will professionally repair the system. Fiverr has become a decent source for this type of service. In either case, the problem should be relatively simple to solve – the difference is trying to identify the core problem that causes it to show.
