How to Fix the Windows Update Error 80243004

Everybody knows that Windows updates are being rolled out to introduce new features and to resolve any bugs and issues with the previous versions. However, what if these updates are causing the problem itself? Such is the case with the Windows Update error 80243004.

The sad thing about most Windows Update-related errors is that they cannot always be resolved in manual means. Most of these issues only show an error code that does not even tell what’s wrong. As a result, affected users often turn to the web for solutions, the reason why you’re here.

To hopefully shed some light about the Windows Update error 80243004, we’ve created this article. Read on to find out more about this particular problem.

What Causes the Windows Update Error 80243004?

This error may occur when system changes happen, triggering issues on the Windows operating system. Although the error is not fatal or dangerous, it will keep you from updating Windows itself. This means you are unable to try new features, not even get rid of previously reported bugs of your current Windows version.

In addition, those who have just installed new apps and modified registry entries may encounter this error. Malware entities and viruses can also trigger the appearance of error 80243004.

Other known causes of the error include the following:

• Incompatible software or program
• Damaged registry entries
• Windows firewall issues
• Ransomware or malware entities

Regardless of what’s causing error 80243004 to appear, know that you can do something about it.

6 Windows Update Error 80243004 Fixes You Should Try

So, what to do about the Windows Update error 80243004? We’ve listed solutions below that worked for some affected users. Work your way down the list until you find a fix that works for you, too!

Solution #1: Switch off Windows Firewall

If you suspect that your Windows firewall is triggering the error code to appear, then switch it off temporarily. You can do so by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run utility.
2. Next, input the firewall.cpl command and hit Enter. This will open the Windows Defender Firewall.
3. In this window, click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off link.
4. Go to Private Network Settings and Public Network Settings and click the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) option.
5. Hit OK to apply the changes.
6. Try to update Windows again and check if the error code 80243004 still appears.

Solution #2: Check your proxy server’s settings

If you are using a proxy server, there is a chance that it is keeping you from installing any Windows Update. So, check its settings and make the necessary changes to keep the error code from showing.

To check and fix your proxy server’s settings, do the following:

1. Go to the Start menu and input cmd into the Cortana search field.
2. Right-click on the most relevant search result and select Run as Administrator. This will launch Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
3. Next, into the command line, input the netsh winhttp show proxy command and hit Enter.
4. After that, close the Command Prompt and update Windows.
5. If the error code persists, proceed to the next solution.

Solution #3: Restart the Windows Update service

You may also try to restart the Window Update service and check if it resolves the problem. To do so, follow the steps below:

1. Press the Windows + R keys to launch the Run utility.
2. Input services.msc into the text field and hit OK.
3. At this point, the Services window should appear. Scroll down the list and find the Windows Update service. Right-click on it and select Restart.
4. Reboot your PC and try to install the Windows update once again.

Solution #4: Try Microsoft’s recommended fix

Microsoft has created a thread on their website that deals with this issue. And according to them, the solution requires managing the Group Policy and the icon to be turned on.

For a detailed guide on what to do, refer to the steps below:

1. In the taskbar, click on the Show hidden icons option.
2. Select Customize.
3. Go to the Icons tab and locate Windows Update.
4. Click on the drop-down menu and select Show icon and notifications.
5. Hit OK to proceed.
6. Next, go to the Windows Update option in Control Panel. Try to update Windows again. Hopefully, this will resolve the error.

Solution #5: Download and install the Windows Update manually

If you haven’t changed anything on your PC, not even installed an application recently, then you may try to download and install the Windows Update manually.

Follow these steps for more info:

1. Visit the official Microsoft website to check the most recent update released for your operating system version. You should be able to identify it quickly because it is located at the top-most part of the website.
2. Take note of the KB or Knowledge Base number.
3. Go to the official Microsoft Update Catalog and do a quick search using the search button.
4. Hit the Download button and select the architecture of your device (32-bit or 64-bit).
5. Run the installer and follow the onscreen prompts to complete the update process.
6. Once the update is done, restart your PC and check if the same error persists.

Solution #6: Run a malware scan

Although malware entities are less likely to cause this error, we should not eliminate the fact that they can affect Windows Updates, too. So, in this case, you need to run a malware scan.

For this, you may use a third-party antivirus solution. Once you have downloaded and installed one, run a complete scan to ensure your device is free of any threats that could trigger error codes to show.

Wrapping Up

We hope that the solutions above have helped you get rid of the Windows Update error 80243004. If none of them worked, do not hesitate to reach out to Windows professionals for help. They can suggest better options that may work for your case.

If you think this article is useful, please share it with your colleagues or friends who might need it. Better yet, share your suggestions or comments below!