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There are users who are having trouble installing the Windows 10 Anniversary Update. They find that the progress gets stuck at around 40%. This problem is usually accompanied by the Error Code 0x80240031. It can be frustrating to encounter this issue, especially when you are making an effort to upgrade your operating system. If you are one of the unlucky victims of this problem, just keep reading this article. By the end of this post, you will know how to fix the Error 0x80240031 on Windows 10 Update.

What Is the Windows 10 Error Code 0x80240031?

The Error Code 0x80240031 usually appears during an upgrade from older Windows operating systems to a newer one. Before, it only affected Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 updates. However, these days, it has also become a common issue for Windows 10.

In general, the Error Code 0x80240031 is caused by corrupted, damaged, or missing registry files, Windows update files, or system files. It is possible that somewhere along the update installation process, the software became corrupted. Consequently, the user will not be able to install the update successfully.

If you’re dealing with the same problem, do not worry. We have some tips that will help you fix the Windows 10 Insider Preview 14986 Error 0x80240031.

Solution 1: Performing a Clean Boot

One of the reasons why you can’t install the updates is because there are programs or system files that are interfering with the process. So, we recommend performing a clean boot to disable them. Here are the steps:

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key + S.
  2. Now, type “msconfig” (no quotes) inside the Search box.
  3. Press Enter to open System Configuration.
  4. Click the Services tab, then select the ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ option.
  5. Click the Disable all button.
  6. Now, you need to go to the Startup tab.
  7. Click Open Task Manager.
  8. The next step is to disable all the startup items in the Task Manager.
  9. Exit the Task Manager, then go back to System Configuration and click OK.
  10. Restart your PC.

Now, you can try to install the update again while you are in clean boot mode. If you complete the process successfully, you can restart your computer in regular mode. Here’s how to do that:

  1. Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
  2. Inside the Run dialog box, type “msconfig” (no quotes).
  3. Click OK to launch System Configuration.
  4. Once the System Configuration window is up, click the General tab.
  5. Select Normal Startup.
  6. Now, go to the Services tab, then deselect the ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ option.
  7. Go to the Startup tab, then click the Open Task Manager link.
  8. Once the Task Manager is up, click Enable All to activate all startup programs.
  9. Restart your computer by clicking OK.

Solution 2: Repairing Damaged System Files

As we’ve mentioned, one of the causes of the Error Code 0x80240031 is damaged system files. So, you must run a DISM scan to fix these files. To proceed, follow the instructions below:

  1. Go to your taskbar, then click the Search icon.
  2. Type “Command Prompt” (no quotes).
  3. Right-click Command Prompt from the results, then select Run as Administrator.
  4. Once Command Prompt is up, run the command below:

dism /online /Cleanup-image /restore health

The process will take a couple of minutes to complete. It is important that you avoid interfering with it.

Solution 3: Disabling Your Graphics Card Driver

Another reason why the update Error Code 0x80240031 shows up is because of issues with your graphics card driver. So, if you want to be able to upgrade your operating system successfully, we suggest that you disable your graphics card driver temporarily. Here are the steps:

  1. Launch the Run dialog box by pressing Windows Key+R on your keyboard.
  2. Now, type “devmgmt.msc” (no quotes), then click OK to proceed.
  3. Once the Device Manager window is up, expand the contents of the Display Adapters category.
  4. Right-click your graphics card, then choose Properties from the options.
  5. Go to the Driver tab, then select Disable.
  6. Click OK to proceed.
  7. Restart your PC, then try to upgrade your operating system again.

Once you’ve upgraded your OS successfully, we recommend installing the latest versions of your drivers. There are various ways to do this. For instance, you can go the manufacturer’s website and look for updates for your drivers. However, keep in mind that this option has real risks. If you install an incompatible driver, you might end up dealing with system instability issues. Moreover, you might need to dedicate a lot of time to complete the process.

As such, we recommend automating the process with the help of a powerful tool like Auslogics Driver Updater. This software program immediately recognizes your operating system version and processor type after you activate it. What’s more, it only takes a click of a button to update all your drivers to the latest versions recommended by the manufacturers. So, you will be able to fix the Windows 10 Insider Preview 14986 Error 0x80240031 and improve the performance of your computer.

Solution 4: Performing an Automatic Repair

If you’ve tried the solutions we shared above yet the Error 0x80240031 persists, we suggest resolving the problem by performing an automatic repair. Here are the steps:

  1. Click the Windows Logo on your taskbar.
  2. Now, click the Settings icon, which looks like a gear symbol. Doing so should launch the Settings app.
  3. Select Update & Security.
  4. Click Recovery from the left-pane menu.
  5. Go to the right pane, then click Restart Now under Advanced Startup.
  6. Follow this path:

Troubleshoot ->Advanced Options ->Automatic Repair

Solution 5: Performing an SFC Scan

You can also use the System File Checker to troubleshoot the Error Code 0x80240031. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  1. You need to run Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, click the Search icon on your taskbar, type “cmd” (no quotes), then right-click Command Prompt from the results.
  2. Select Run as Administrator from the options.
  3. Once Command Prompt is open, type “sfc /scannow” (no quotes).
  4. Press Enter to run the command line.

After the System File Checker is done locating and repairing issues, you can restart your PC. Try to upgrade your operating system.

These solutions should be enough to help you get rid of the Error Code 80240031. If there are other Windows 10 issues you’d like us to resolve, please feel free to ask your questions in the comments below.