Keeping our Windows updated is crucial for maintaining our operating system’s security, stability, and performance. But sometimes it gets stuck or fails due to errors, one such error is 0x80240034. This error can disrupt the update process, preventing you from installing critical updates and leaving your systems vulnerable to security threats. Error 0x80240034 occurs due to issues with downloading or installing updates, such as network connectivity problems, corrupted update files, or misconfigured system settings.

While Windows updates provide essential patches, and bug fixes for the computer’s smooth performance, such disrupting errors can cause frustration among users, if you too are facing this error, we are here to help. In this blog, we will share all the possible troubleshooting ways to fix the 0x80240034 error from basic steps to advanced fixes.

Without more delay, let’s get into the solutions!

Basic Steps to Take Before Trying the Fixes

Let’s see some basic steps that help you solve the Windows  0x80240034 error without getting into extensive troubleshooting.

• Check your internet connection and ensure that you have a stable internet. A weak or unstable internet connection might interfere with the update installation causing errors.
• Sometimes a simple restart can resolve some minor issues with Windows updates.
• Ensure you have enough free disk space to install the latest Windows update.

If you encounter the 0x80240034 even after trying these steps, proceed with the below-shared ways to fix it.

How to Fix Windows Error 0x80240034?

Fix 1 – Run Windows Troubleshooter

Windows offers an in-built update troubleshooter that resolves various issues related to Windows updates. You can run the Windows troubleshooter to install updates without encountering errors like 0x80240034. Follow these steps to run Windows troubleshooter:

• Press the ‘Windows + I’ keys to open Settings on your computer.
• Go to the ‘Update & Security’ tab and choose the ‘Troubleshoot’ option.
• Here, you will find ‘Windows update.’
• Click on it and select ‘Run the troubleshooter’ option.

• You will be recommended some fixes, apply them, and restart your computer.

This is the primary and most effective way to fix the 0x80240034 Windows update error.

Fix 2 – Repair Files by Running SFC AND DISM Scans

One of the common reasons behind encountering the error 0x80240034 is damaged and corrupt system files. You can perform SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management ) scans to repair them and retry installing the Windows update. Both these options are easy to execute, here is what you need to do:

SFC Scan

• Press the ‘Windows + S’ keys to go to the search bar.
• Here, type ‘cmd’. You will see the Command prompt in the results.
• Right-click on the result and choose the ‘Run as administrator’ option.
• Now, a new command prompt window will appear. Type the ‘sfc /scannow’ and hit the Enter

• Now, wait until the scanning is done and the repairing is completed.

DISM Scan

• While in the command prompt window, type the following commands and press the Enter key after each.

                         dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

                         DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

                         DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• After all commands are executed, close the command prompt and restart your computer.

Running these commands will ensure that any corrupt or damaged system files are repaired and you can retry installing the Windows update smoothly without facing errors.

Read More: – Your Device ran into a problem- Error Fix It

Fix 3 – Download the Update Manually

Another way to install the Windows update is by downloading the update manually. It helps in bypassing the network and server issues ensuring uninterrupted and complete updates. When manually downloading the update, you have the opportunity to check for compatibility, which could be the potential reason behind the error 0x80240034. Follow these steps to download the Windows updates manually:

• Go to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website.
• On the home page, you will see a search box. Enter your update code in that box and click on the search button.
• You will get a list of matching updates, from this list choose the one that fits your system architecture.

• Once you find the right update, click on ‘Download’ next to it.
• After the download is completed, locate that file and run the setup file.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to download the update.
• After the update is successfully downloaded, restart your computer.

Fix 4 – Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting Windows update components is another way to resolve the 0x80240034 error by fixing problems like corrupted files or misconfigured settings. Here is how you can reset Windows update components:

• Press the ‘Windows + S’ keys to go to the search bar.
• Here, type ‘cmd’. You will see the Command prompt in the results.
• Right-click on the result and choose the ‘Run as administrator’ option.
• Now, a new command prompt window will appear. Type the following commands and press the Enter key after each one:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

• Now, open the File Explorer and go to the following locations to delete the data from them:

C:\Windows\System32\catroot2

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

• After deleting all files and folders from these locations, again go to the command prompt and enter the following commands.

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

• After executing these commands, restart your computer.

This solution should help you with fixing the  0x80240034 Windows updating error.

Also Read:- 0x8024401f Windows Update Error – 9 Ways to fix it

Fix 5 – Perform In-Place Upgrade to fix 0x80240034

With the above-shared fixes, you should be able to fix the 0x80240034 error. But if it persists, performing an in-place upgrade is your last option. Performing an in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows while keeping your files safe.

Note – Before proceeding with this step, ensure you have created a backup for all your important data and files as a safety measure.

• Go to the official Microsoft website.
• Download the Windows installer media creation tool as per your Windows version.
• After the download is completed, locate and double-click on the installer.
• When UAC is displayed on the screen, select ‘Yes.’
• Agree to the terms and click ‘Next’ to proceed.
• Now, select the ‘Upgrade this PC now’ option.
• Wait until Windows downloads all the necessary files.
• Ensure you check the ‘Keep your files and settings’ options.
• Click on the ‘Install’ button to complete the upgrading process.
• Once done, restart your computer.

By implementing these solutions you can fix various issues leading to the 0x80240034 Windows update error

Conclusion

Here we conclude this blog. We hope it helped you understand the potential reasons behind encountering the 0x80240034 error and what you can do to fix it. Starting with the basics like checking the internet connection, restarting your PC, and freeing up the disk space for installing the Windows update. If that doesn’t help, then run Windows update troubleshooter.

You can also try to repair any corrupt and damaged files by running SFC and DISM tools. Another way is to reset your Windows update components. If none of that works, try the in-place upgrade as a last resort. Remember to back up your important data and files before performing the upgrade. Try these fixes and let us know which one worked for you!

Know More:- ‘This PC can’t be upgraded’ error while upgrading to Windows 10? Let’s Fix it

FAQs

1. Why am I seeing error 0x80240034?

You may see error 0x80240034 due to various reasons, including network issues, corrupted update files, or misconfigured system settings.

2. Why do I keep getting error 0x80240034 after installing updates?

If you continue to encounter error 0x80240034 after installing updates, it may indicate that the updates were not installed correctly or that there are underlying issues with your system. Retry installing the updates or try the troubleshooting tips shared above.

3. Does error 0x80240034 indicate a critical system issue?

Error 0x80240034 is not a critical system issue but it can prevent you from installing important updates and security patches.

4. Can error 0x80240034 result in data loss?

Error 0x80240034 itself is unlikely to result in data loss, but it can prevent you from installing critical updates that are necessary for system stability and security.

5. What should I do if error 0x80240034 persists after applying fixes?

If error 0x80240034 persists after applying fixes, we recommend you reach out to Microsoft support for further assistance.