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[Solved] Windows Update Error 0x80240034 Update Failed to Download

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

Windows Update Error 0x80240034 Update Failed to Download

Content Summary

Solution 1: Clear Windows Update Cache or Distribution Folder by deleting contents of Windows SoftwareDistribution folder
Solution 2: Update Windows 10 via ISO File

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

Step 1: Press Windows key once then type command prompt in the Windows Start Search.

Step 2: Right click Command Prompt from the search results and select Run as administrator.

Step 3: Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.

Step 4: Type rmdir %windir%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q and press Enter.

Step 5: Type net start wuauserv and press Enter.

Solution 2: Update Windows 10 via ISO File

Step 6: Go to Windows 10 Disc Image (ISO File) and click Download Tool Now.

Step 7: 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.

Step 8: Select the ISO file option.

Step 9: You should have an ISO file once you are done.

Step 10: Navigate to the location where you downloaded the ISO file.

Step 11: Right click Windows 10 ISO file and select Open with and then select File Explorer.

Step 12: Double click setup.exe

Step 13: Follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 14: Select either Nothing (clean install) or Keep personal files only option when asked.

Alex Lim is a certified IT Technical Support Architect with over 15 years of experience in designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex IT systems and networks. He has worked for leading IT companies, such as Microsoft, IBM, and Cisco, providing technical support and solutions to clients across various industries and sectors. Alex has a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the National University of Singapore and a master’s degree in information security from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He is also the author of several best-selling books on IT technical support, such as The IT Technical Support Handbook and Troubleshooting IT Systems and Networks. Alex lives in Bandar, Johore, Malaysia with his wife and two chilrdren. You can reach him at [email protected] or follow him on Website | Twitter | Facebook

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