Solved: Troubleshooting Guide for Windows Error 0x80040590

Error Code 0x80040590 Summary

The error code 0x80040590 is commonly encountered when dealing with Windows Update or other Microsoft update services, indicating an issue related to the Windows Update Agent. This specific error often occurs during the installation of updates on a computer running Windows operating systems and can be attributed to various underlying causes such as corrupted files, outdated drivers, or issues within the Windows Update service itself.

Users typically face this problem when attempting to install critical or optional updates through the Windows Update feature or when using third-party applications that rely on accessing update services provided by Microsoft. This error may also arise in scenarios involving attempts to repair or reinstall certain components of Windows, particularly those related to system files and drivers.

To resolve this issue, follow these detailed steps:

1. Restart the computer and press F8 during startup to enter Safe Mode with Networking.
2. In Safe Mode, try running a System File Checker (SFC) scan by opening Command Prompt as Administrator and executing the command: sfc /scannow
3. If the SFC does not resolve the issue, perform a DISM tool cleanup to repair corrupted Windows components. Open Command Prompt as Administrator again and run:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   

4. Reboot the computer in normal mode after completing these scans.
5. If issues persist, check for outdated or conflicting device drivers that may be causing conflicts with Windows Update. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install any necessary updates.
6. Consider resetting the Windows Update component through PowerShell commands:

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop bits
   Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   Rename C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
   net start wuauserv
   net start bits

Description of Error Code 0x80040590 and Common Scenarios Where It Appears

The error 0x80040590 is predominantly encountered in environments where Windows Update services are actively being utilized for software and driver updates. It may manifest during the update process itself or when repairing system files that rely on Windows Update’s infrastructure.

This issue can affect users attempting to manually install updates through the Windows Update UI, automatically scheduled updates running behind the scenes, or scenarios where third-party applications interact with Microsoft’s servers for patch management purposes. For instance, organizations leveraging System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) might run into this error if there are network issues preventing communication with Microsoft’s update servers.

The problem can also arise during troubleshooting activities such as running Windows Update Troubleshooter or when using tools like DISM to repair system image files. Users attempting to reinstall or repair corrupted system components, particularly those involved in the servicing stack and deployment of updates, might face this error code if there are discrepancies with how these services interact.

Additionally, developers working on applications that interface with Windows Update APIs might encounter 0x80040590 under certain conditions. This can be due to incorrect handling of requests sent to Microsoft’s servers or issues within the environment where the application is being tested and deployed.

Lastly, the error may occur when trying to resolve other update-related problems like certificate errors or when attempting to install Windows Features via PowerShell cmdlets that rely on updates for their operation. This highlights how interconnected various aspects of Windows Update are with system health and functionality across different use cases.

Howto solve error code 0x80040590

1. Ensure your internet connection is stable.
2. Open the Command Prompt as Administrator.
3. Type sfc /scannow, press Enter, wait for the scan to complete, then reboot.
4. If necessary, run DISM tool cleanup:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   

   Reboot after completion.

5. Check and update drivers from reputable sources if they are outdated or conflicting with Windows Update.
6. To reset the Windows Update component, open PowerShell as Administrator and execute the following commands in sequence:

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop bits
   Rename-Item C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   Rename-Item C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
   net start wuauserv
   net start bits

Similar questions

What does error 0x80040590 mean and why is it appearing on my computer?
How can I fix the error 0x80040590 that keeps popping up when trying to update Windows?
Is there a specific software or hardware issue causing the error 0x80040590, and if so, how do I identify it?
Can you give me step-by-step instructions on how to troubleshoot the error 0x80040590 without having to reinstall my operating system?
What are some common causes of the error 0x80040590 and what can I do to prevent them in the future?
When I try to run a program, an error message says “0x80040590”. Can you explain what this means for me as a user?
Is there any particular system file that gets corrupted causing the 0x80040590 error and how can I replace it if needed?
Can running a disk cleanup or checking my hard drive for errors help resolve the error 0x80040590 issue?
What tools are available to scan and fix issues that might be causing the error 0x80040590 on my computer?
Is there any specific registry setting change I should make to address the error 0x80040590, or is it best left untouched for non-technical users?