Question
Issue: How to fix Windows update error 0x80188309?
Hello. When I try to install Windows updates I get the 0x80188309 error code. Is there a way to fix it?
Solved Answer
Windows users frequently experience the unpleasant Windows Update error 0x80188309 when trying to keep their operating system up to date. Typically, this error code indicates issues with the Windows Update cache files or inconsistencies with the services connected to the Windows Update process.
The primary cause of error 0x80188309 is often attributed to corrupt or damaged Windows Update cache files. These cache files are used by the Windows Update service to hold temporary information needed for obtaining and installing updates. The update procedure may be interfered with by these corrupted files, resulting in the error in question. This problem can also be caused by inconsistent or broken Windows Update services, including the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) or Windows Update Service.
This Windows Update error might have a large negative effect on users. Users are unable to apply crucial updates and patches, leaving their systems open to security risks and potential stability issues. Additionally, it may make it difficult to employ new features and enhancements made by Windows upgrades, reducing the overall user experience. Users may also encounter system stutters or crashes as a result of problems that the upgrades are supposed to fix.
There are a number of potential fixes for error 0x80188309, but it's crucial to remember that the best one will rely on the unique conditions and underlying reasons of the error. In order to automatically identify and fix problems, users can typically try to clear the Windows Update cache, restart related services, and use built-in troubleshooting tools.
In this guide, you will find 7 steps that should help you fix Windows update error 0x80188309. You can also run a maintenance tool like FortectMac Washing Machine X9 that can fix most system errors, BSODs, corrupted files, registry issues, or clear cookies and cache automatically. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.
Method 1. Fix Corrupted System Files
Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:
- Open Command Prompt as administrator
- Use the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- Reboot your system
- If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Method 2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Press the Windows key + I to open Windows Settings.
- Within the Windows Settings, navigate to the System tab.
- Scroll down the options in the System tab and locate Troubleshoot; click on it.
- Inside the Troubleshoot screen, find and select the Other troubleshooters option.
- A list of various troubleshooters will be displayed.
- Look for the Windows Update troubleshooter in the list.
- Click on the Run button associated with the Windows Update troubleshooter.
- Allow the troubleshooter to complete its process.
- Once the troubleshooter finishes, check your computer to determine if the issue has been resolved.
Method 3. Start the Windows Installer Service
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type services.msc in the Run dialog's message box.
- Click OK or press Enter.
- The Services window will open.
- Scroll down to locate the Windows Installer service in the list.
- Right-click on the Windows Installer service.
- Select Start from the context menu that appears.
- Close the Services window.
- Try running Windows Update again to check if the issue is resolved.
Method 4. Restart the Windows Update Service
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type services.msc into the Run dialog's input box.
- Click OK or press Enter.
- The Services window will appear.
- Scroll through the list of services to locate the Windows Update Service.
- Right-click on the Windows Update Service from the list.
- Choose Restart from the context menu.
Method 5. Delete the Software Distribution Folder
- Open File Explorer and navigate to the C: drive.
- Open the Windows folder.
- Find the folder named Software Distribution and open it.
- Inside the Software Distribution folder, locate the Data Store and Download folders.
- Access the Data Store folder and the Download folder.
- Delete all the files and folders contained within the Data Store and Download folders.
- Restart your computer to apply the changes.
- After restarting, run Windows Update again to check for updates.
Method 6. Install the Update Manually
Whenever Windows updates fail to install automatically, you can always try doing it manually. First, you need to find out which KB number is relevant to you.
- Right-click Start button and pick Settings.
- Go to Update & Security.
- On the right, locate and click View update history.
- From the list, note the KB number that fails to install with the error code.
- Go to Microsoft Update Catalog page, type in the KB number, and press Search.
- Download the update and install it manually.
Method 7. Try Clean Boot
- Open the Search menu, type in system configuration, and press Enter.
- Under the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services box.
- Click on Disable all button.
- Head over to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
- Select a third-party program and click on Disable at the top.
- Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.
- Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and see if the issue persists.
- If the issue disappeared in the clean boot state, then you can be certain that a third-party app is causing it.
- Go through all recently installed apps or programs and remove them one by one.
Repair your Errors automatically
ugetfix.com team is trying to do its best to help users find the best solutions for eliminating their errors. If you don't want to struggle with manual repair techniques, please use the automatic software. All recommended products have been tested and approved by our professionals. Tools that you can use to fix your error are listed bellow:
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Gabriel E. Hall is an expert troubleshooter who has been working in the information technology industry for years.
