Windows Update Error 0x80096004

Error code 0x80096004 occurs when a user attempts to update Windows. The 0x80096004 error code are used by windows operating systems to alert programmers and system users to a trouble. This error mostly occurs in Windows 10 and can also occur in other versions of Windows OS. This error may occur due to:

• DNS conflict.
• Incompatibility of applications with Windows components.

Try the methods given below to troubleshoot Windows update error 0x80096004.

Method 1: Use Windows Troubleshooter

• Type troubleshooting in the search box and press Enter.

• Select view all when the troubleshooting window opens, select Windows update.

• Select Advanced and choose Run as administrator.
• Click Next and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Restart PC.

Method 2: Check Internet Connection and Turn Off VPN

• Disconnect network.
• Turn off VPN software > Run Microsoft Windows 10 Update > Restart PC.
• Reconnect network and turn VPN back on.
• Also, disable bandwidth hogging programs such as torrent client and download managers.

Method 3: Reset Windows Update Component

• Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
• Type the following commands, press enter after each of them:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

ren C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2 Catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

• Reboot your PC.

Method 4: Reset Windows Store

• Press Windows + R to open Run dialog box.
• Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.

• Wait for the process to get executed.