How to Fix Windows Update Error 80004002?

Facing the Windows Update error 80004002 on Windows 10 can disrupt your system’s ability to download essential updates. However, this common issue can be resolved with the right troubleshooting steps. Our concise guide provides effective methods to fix this error, ensuring your Windows 10 system stays updated, secure, and performing at its best. Follow along to quickly get back on track.

How to Fix Windows Update Error 80004002

1. Check your system for software conflicts

To begin with, you should rule out software conflicts. The thing is, some of your apps might be on very bad terms with the Windows Update Agent.

So, does the code 80004002 appear only when a particular piece of software starts up on your computer? Are there any programs running in the background of your system while your Windows Update is having issues? 

These are the questions that may help you succeed in troubleshooting your problem.

Therefore, the first the thing you should do is visit your Task Manager:

• Press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete shortcut -> The Windows Security screen will open.
• Click on “Task Manager” -> Navigate to the Processes tab.
• Carefully review the list of running processes and temporarily disable those that are non-essential for system operation to see if the update issue resolves. Remember to enable them again after testing.

Another manipulation that is worth trying involves disabling your non-Microsoft antivirus software, as it may be behind your update issues. If it turns out to be true, you may need to look for another antivirus that is fully compatible with all Windows processes, such as Auslogics Anti-Malware. Moreover, the software can run alongside your other anti-malware programs.

2. Scan your PC for malware

Evil never sleeps, you know. That means some stealthy piece of malware might have sneaked into your system and caused your Windows Update to malfunction. To eliminate this kind of issue, you should run a system scan:

• Click on your Start button -> Move to the Settings gear.
• Navigate to the Update & Security section -> Select “Windows Defender” -> Click Full scan.

Bear in mind that fighting against malware takes a lot of skill and effort, so you need a reliable tool to do away with such a powerful enemy. For instance, Auslogics Anti-Malware is designed for such challenges: it will hunt down and remove even the most cunning threats, and there won’t be any confrontation or tug of war with your main antivirus product.

3. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft continually strives to enhance user experience and system reliability, recognizing that no operating system is without its flaws.

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter specifically designed to address common issues encountered with Windows Update.

To utilize this modern tool effectively, follow these steps:

On Windows 10:

• Navigate to the Settings app by clicking the Start menu and selecting the gear icon.
• In the Settings menu, go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Find and select “Windows Update” under the “Get up and running” section.
• Click “Run the troubleshooter” and follow the on-screen instructions to detect and resolve any problems.

On Windows 11:

• Click the Start menu and select the Settings icon (shaped like a gear) to open the Settings app.
• In the Settings menu, choose “System” on the left sidebar, then scroll down and select “Troubleshoot.”
• Click on “Other troubleshooters.”

• Find and select “Windows Update” by clicking the “Run” button next to it.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to allow the troubleshooter to detect and resolve any issues with Windows Update.

4. Troubleshoot your network

If the error 80004002 persists, this might mean you are having network issues. Fortunately, you can easily troubleshoot them, using the instructions below:

• Press the Windows logo key + S shortcut to open the search box -> Type “Network troubleshooter.”
• Select “Identify and repair network problems” and work your way through the troubleshooter.

5. Rename SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders

Reportedly, this maneuver has helped many users to get rid of the annoying Windows Update error 80004002. So, why not give it a try?

Here is what you should do:

• Press the Windows logo key + R shortcut and type “cmd” into Run -> Press Enter.

• Select “Command Prompt” and right-click on it -> Select “Run as admin.”

• Carefully type the commands below and make sure to hit Enter after each:
  • Net stop wuauserv
  • Net stop cryptSvc
  • Net stop bits
  • Net stop msiserver

Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

• Close your Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Try to use Windows Update to see if the issue has been fixed.

6. Reset your Windows Update components

No success so far? Then faulty Windows Update components might be at play. Try resetting them manually to make the notorious error code 80004002 disappear:

• Open your Command Prompt (use the instructions above) and input the following commands (remember to press Enter after each of them):
  • net stop bits
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop appidsvc
  • net stop cryptsvc
  • Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat”
  • cd /d %windir%\system32
  • regsvr32.exe atl.dll
  • regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll
  • regsvr32.exe mshtml.dll
  • regsvr32.exe shdocvw.dll
  • regsvr32.exe browseui.dll
  • regsvr32.exe jscript.dll
  • regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll
  • regsvr32.exe scrrun.dll
  • regsvr32.exe msxml.dll
  • regsvr32.exe msxml3.dll
  • regsvr32.exe msxml6.dll
  • regsvr32.exe actxprxy.dll
  • regsvr32.exe softpub.dll
  • regsvr32.exe wintrust.dll
  • regsvr32.exe dssenh.dll
  • regsvr32.exe rsaenh.dll
  • regsvr32.exe gpkcsp.dll
  • regsvr32.exe sccbase.dll
  • regsvr32.exe slbcsp.dll
  • regsvr32.exe cryptdlg.dll
  • regsvr32.exe oleaut32.dll
  • regsvr32.exe ole32.dll
  • regsvr32.exe shell32.dll
  • regsvr32.exe initpki.dll
  • regsvr32.exe wuapi.dll
  • regsvr32.exe wuaueng.dll
  • regsvr32.exe wuaueng1.dll
  • regsvr32.exe wucltui.dll
  • regsvr32.exe wups.dll
  • regsvr32.exe wups2.dll
  • regsvr32.exe wuweb.dll
  • regsvr32.exe qmgr.dll
  • regsvr32.exe qmgrprxy.dll
  • regsvr32.exe wucltux.dll
  • regsvr32.exe muweb.dll
  • regsvr32.exe wuwebv.dll
  • netsh winsock reset
  • netsh winhttp reset proxy
  • net start bits
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start appidsvc
  • net startcryptsvc

Then, visit the official Microsoft website and download the latest version of the Windows Update Agent from there. Install it on your computer and then restart your machine. No update issues are going to disturb you now.

7. Check your system registry

If all the methods above have been to no avail, your Windows Registry might be damaged or corrupt and therefore needs repairing. We warn you against modifying it by yourself, as the process is extremely risky. In fact, you can easily damage your system beyond repair. That is why we recommend using a free tool such as Auslogics Registry Cleaner to fix registry issues – this tool can do the job in no time without compromising your OS.

Also read: What Is the Windows Registry and Why Do You Need a Registry Cleaner?

Extra fix one: Update drivers and Windows system

It’s always a good idea to ensure that all your system drivers are up to date. Outdated drivers can sometimes cause conflicts with Windows Update. You can update drivers through Device Manager, by visiting the manufacturer’s website or using specialized tools like Auslogics Driver Updater.

Also read: [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

Additionally, if possible, manually download the latest Windows Update package from the Microsoft Update Catalog website and install it.

Extra fix two: Perform a clean boot

Performing a clean boot in Windows 10 is a troubleshooting technique that starts your computer with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This method helps you determine if a background program is interfering with Windows Update. By performing a clean boot, you can identify if third-party software conflicts with Windows Update, allowing for a smoother update process once the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

To swiftly resolve the Windows Update error 80004002 on Windows 10, our guide provides a selection of effective troubleshooting techniques. From initiating a clean boot, scanning for malware, to resetting Windows Update components, these steps are designed to tackle the root causes of update issues. By methodically applying these strategies, you can ensure your system remains updated, secure, and performing at its best. Overcoming this common error is crucial for the health and efficiency of your Windows 10 system, and our concise advice aims to help you achieve just that with minimal hassle.