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How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80240034 Update Failed to Download?

By: Author Alex Lim

Posted on  - Last updated:

Categories Troubleshooting

Problem

Windows 10 update failed with error code 0x80240034 when checking the Windows Update history.

Windows Update Error 0x80240034 Update Failed to Download

To fix Windows update error 0x80240034 with message update failed to download, perform the following steps:

Solution 1: Clear Windows Update Cache or Distribution Folder by deleting contents of Windows SoftwareDistribution folder

  1. Press Windows key once then type command prompt in the Windows Start Search.
  2. Right click Command Prompt from the search results and select Run as administrator.
  3. Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
  4. Type rmdir %windir%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q and press Enter.
  5. Type net start wuauserv and press Enter.

Solution 2: Update Windows 10 via ISO File

  1. Go to Windows 10 Disc Image (ISO File) and click Download Tool Now.
  2. Click the option Use the tool to create installation media (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)… and follow the instructions given in that section.
  3. Select the ISO file option.
  4. You should have an ISO file once you are done.
  5. Navigate to the location where you downloaded the ISO file.
  6. Right click Windows 10 ISO file and select Open with and then select File Explorer.
  7. Double click setup.exe
  8. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  9. Select either Nothing (clean install) or Keep personal files only option when asked.