Windows Error Code 80092004: What Is It, What Causes It, and How to Fix It?

In August 2019, Microsoft released security and non-security updates for supported Windows versions. However, some users encountered issues, including the infamous update error 80092004.

What Is the Windows Error Code 80092004?

The error code 80092004 is an error that is associated with the August 2019 Windows security update. It comes with the CRYPT_E_NOT_FOUND error message that suggests that the Windows Update utility cannot proceed with the update you are trying to install because the cryptographic values required by the update package are not available or are nowhere to be found.

The Causes of the Windows Error Code 80092004

So, what are the causes of the Windows error code 80092004?

On March 12, 2009, Microsoft released a servicing stack update and SHA-2 code signing support update. This aim of the move was to further improve the components that make up the Windows Update software. Because of these two updates, new Windows updates require digital signatures created with the SHA-2 hashing algorithm.

Though the release was in March, the company did not immediately issue new updates for the devices and apps that rely on it. Perhaps they wanted to give users enough time to download and install the updates. It was only in August 2019 when Microsoft required the use of the infrastructure on Windows-supported devices.

Now, because the more recent Windows updates require the servicing stack infrastructure and the SHA-2 code support, users who haven’t installed the March 2019 Windows update are likely to encounter the 80092004 problem.

Other possible causes of the error are the following:

• Corrupted or damaged Windows system files
• System file errors
• Incomplete Windows update installations
• Improper deletion of hardware and apps
• Adware or spyware
• Not shutting down your PC properly

How to Fix the 80092004 Error Code on Windows

If you are getting the Windows Update error 80092004, fret not. Simply follow the solutions below to resolve the error:

Solution #1: Remove Recent Windows Updates and Packages

To remove the most recent Windows updates and packages, go to Windows Update History and check what KB updates have been installed. After identifying these updates, use the DISM tool to remove them.

To remove Windows updates, follow the steps below:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt. To do so, click on the Search bar. Type Command Prompt and hit Enter. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator. If asked for an administrator password, enter your password and hit Allow.
2. Execute the command below to see a list of recently installed Windows packages:
   DISM /online /Get-Packages
3. Find the name of the most recent Windows package. It may look like the name below. Remove the package by running the Remove Package program:
   dism.exe /online /remove-package /packagename:Package_for_RollupFix_Wrapper~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~16299.248.1.17
   /packagename:Package_for_RollupFix~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~16299.125.1.6
   /packagename:Package_for_RollupFix_Wrapper~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~16299.192.1.9
   /packagename:Package_for_RollupFix~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~16299.192.1.9
   /norestart
4. Reboot your computer.
5. Run this command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Then let Windows scan for updates and update your system.

Solution #2: Repair Corrupt System Files with SFC and DISM

The System File Checker (SFC) tool usually comes preinstalled on your Windows device. Its primary purpose is to scan your Windows system files for any signs of corruption or damage. If a file has been changed or modified and that has resulted in its corruption, the tool will automatically replace the problematic file with the correct version. To repair corrupt system files with SFC, open an elevated Command Prompt window, input sfc /scannow, and click Enter.

In case the SFC tool does not work, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can be run to get replacements for the damaged Windows system files. Enter the DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command and hit Enter. Take note that this may take a few minutes to complete, so patience is required. Once the process is over, run the sfc /scannow command again. When the scan is over, restart your PC to get your corrupted files replaced with good copies.

Solution #3: Delete Problematic Update Files from the Software Distribution Folder

It is worth noting that in the event of a Windows update failure, your system will just roll back to the previous Windows version and clean up everything behind. If it doesn’t, it is your job to perform a clean-up manually.

When new Windows updates are downloaded, they are automatically saved in the Software Distribution folder. If you suspect that a faulty update is present, you can manually delete it from the said folder. Don’t worry about doing so because Windows is designed to redownload updates automatically.

Solution #4: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Your Windows device has a built-in troubleshooter that may be used to fix any stuck updates or Windows Update-related errors. It’s called the Windows Update Troubleshooter. When this tool is run, it will:

• end all active Windows Update services,
• rename the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.old to clear the Windows Update download cache and force it to start over again, and
• restart the Windows Update services.

To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Search bar and type troubleshooting.
2. Click on Windows Update Troubleshooter.
3. Navigate to the System and Security section and select the Fix problems with Windows Update option.
4. You will then be taken to the Windows Update troubleshooting window. Here, click Advanced.
5. In the new window that appears, be sure that the Apply repairs automatically option is enabled.
6. Click Run as Administrator.
7. Hit Next.
8. Wait as the troubleshooter identifies the problem. When problems are detected, it will recommend possible fixes. Most of the time, the tool should be able to successfully fix any Windows Update-related issues. But if it couldn’t, try the next solution.

Solution #5: Install the Required Windows Update Manually

To resolve the 80092004 error, you may manually download the KB update you need from the official Microsoft Update Catalog. Simply search for the update from the Catalog and download it. Once the download is complete, double-click on it to run the update.

Solution #6: Ensure That the Most Recent Servicing Stack Update Is Installed

If the CRYPT_E_NOT_FOUND error keeps on popping up on your screen every time you download a Windows update, it may mean that your system is rejecting the update due to cryptographic value mismatch. In that case, make sure the recent Servicing Stack Update is installed. Search for the latest Servicing Stack Update on the official website of Microsoft Support and install it on your PC.

Wrapping Up

Yes, Microsoft keeps patching and polishing Windows. However, we cannot deny the fact that it is still vulnerable to errors. The Windows Update error 80092004 is a clear example of this.

While Microsoft is continuously working on more fixes for the error, we suggest that you do your homework, too. Scan your Windows computer for malware since it might be the reason for the annoying Windows Update error. To scan your computer, you can utilize the built-in Windows Defender tool. If you are using a Mac, consider using Mac repair app. This reliable tool will get rid of all sorts of malicious entities and ensure your system remains fast and efficient.