How to resolve the error code 0x80240031: Windows update encountered an unknown error in Windows 8

To address the error code 0x80240031, follow these steps:

1. Restart your computer: Often, a simple restart can fix the issue.
2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter: Use the built-in troubleshooter to find and fix Windows Update issues. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update.
3. Check your internet connection: Ensure your computer is online and your connection is stable. If on Wi-Fi, try connecting directly to your router with an Ethernet cable.
4. Disable your antivirus software: Temporarily turn off your antivirus to see if it’s causing the problem.
5. Clear the Windows Update cache: Corrupted cache files can hinder updates. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter:

 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

6. Reset Windows Update components: If previous steps fail, reset the update components. In Command Prompt as an administrator, enter:

 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
 wuauclt.exe /updatenow

After completing these steps, run Windows Update again to check if the issue is resolved.