How to fix Windows Update error 0x80190001

Windows Update error code 0x80190001 is one such error that appears when you try to install a system update. In this article, look at what causes Windows Update Error 0x80190001 and how to fix it.

What causes Windows update error 0x80190001?

Windows Update error 0x80190001 occurs most often when trying to download and install Windows updates. It can make your computer outdated, slow, and unresponsive because it doesn't receive important security updates.

Common causes of this error can include incorrect date and time settings, corrupted or corrupted system files, and incompatible third-party security software. In this article, we will discuss each of these issues in more detail so you can get your Windows updates running again.

How to fix Windows Update error 0x80190001

Here are a few things you can try if you encounter this error.

1. Restart the computer

Corrupt system files are often the cause of Windows Update errors. To fix problems and get your system running normally again, restarting your computer is always a good start.

It is important to note that simply clicking Restart in Windows will not reset all processes and caches. You may need to do a hard reboot instead. For this, you will need to hold the power button on your device for 3-4 seconds until it turns off completely.

You should then wait for 30 seconds and then press the power button again to turn on the computer. On reboot, check if Windows Update has started working properly.

2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter is an important tool to have. This program works to detect, diagnose and resolve any potential system update problems, ensuring that your computer runs smoothly and safely.

To use this tool, follow these steps:

1. Press Win + I on your keyboard to .
2. Select System from the left side of the screen.
3. Then go to Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters .

How to fix Windows Update error 0x80190001 Picture 1

1. Click the Run option next to Windows Update.

It may take some time to complete the troubleshooting, so don't worry if it takes longer than expected. After completing the above steps, try to install updates on Windows.

3. Check date and time

Incorrect date and time can affect Windows Update, so make sure your system date and time are correct. Here's how to do this:

1. Right-click Start and select Settings from the menu list.
2. From the left pane, select the Time & language option .
3. Click Date & time .
4. Turn on the switch next to "Set the time automatically" .

You should also double-check your time zone so Windows knows when to install updates - if not, it might ignore them.

4. Run SFC and DISM . scans

If you're still having problems installing Windows updates, chances are your system files are corrupted or missing. To resolve this issue, you must first run SFC and DISM.

The SFC (System File Checker) scan will detect any corrupted system files and attempt to repair them, while the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan will check for any damaged Windows components that need repair. .

Both scans are relatively quick and simple processes that do not require any advanced technical knowledge.

5. Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder

Deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder will delete all temporary files created when Windows updates are downloaded and installed. This will free up space on your computer and potentially resolve any errors you're having. Here's how to do this:

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.

2. Type "cmd" in the text box and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter on your keyboard.

3. When UAC appears on the screen, click Yes to continue. This will open Command Prompt with admin rights.

4. In the Command Prompt, type these commands and then press Enter each time:

net stop wuauserv net stop bits net stop cryptSvc net stop msiserver

5. After executing those commands, open Windows File Explorer.

6. Browse to the following path: C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution.

7. Delete all content inside the SoftwareDistribution folder. Now you need to restart any services that were stopped before.

8. To do this, run the following commands from the Command Prompt with admin rights.

net start wuauserv net start bits net start cryptSvc net start msiserver

Restart your computer after you have completed the above steps. You can now update Windows.

​6. Perform a clean boot

Performing a clean boot eliminates software conflicts and can be an effective way to resolve Windows Update errors like 0x80190001. So try this if none of the above solutions work.

Windows Update Error 0x80190001 can be a difficult problem to deal with, making your system unsafe and outdated. Fortunately, this article contains several strategies to help you identify and resolve this issue.

Kareem Winters

Update 17 February 2023