Fix: Windows Update Error 0xc1900209

Error 0xc1900209 occurs when the windows fails to update, this is because another program or process is interfering with the upgrade/update process preventing Windows Update. You may also be notified which program is the cause of this error in the Windows Action Center. If you uninstall the application but the problem still persists, you use an 3rd party uninstaller such as Revo Uninstaller.

Most culprit applications for this error include Roxio Backup My PC, Microsoft Virtual PC 2007, Intel Dynamic Power Performance Management, and some outdated drivers. If you don’t have any of these applications installed, then this guide will teach you how to manually read the update logs and remove any problem-causing softwares in addition to other possible ways to fix this issue.

Method 1: Manually Identifying and Uninstalling the Application

1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to C:\$WINDOWS.~BTSourcesPanther. Since it’s a hidden folder, paste the path into Explorer and press Enter.
2. Search for the file using the parameter “*_APPRAISER_HumanReadable.xml”. You’ll find files which look like “mYxPKaDIJUCVCAlq.3.1.2.3.6.0.0_APPRAISER_HumanReadable.xml”.
3. Right click on the latest .xml file and open with Internet Explorer or Notepad.
4. Scan through the code and identify the following:
   • PropertyList with type “Decision Maker” with the character string “<Property Name=”DT_ANY_FMC_BlockingApplication” Value=”TRUE” Ordinal=”1″ />”
   • The XML node “<PropertyList Type=Inventory”>” under the entry“Asset” with the property name LowerCaseLongPath.

The property name LowerCaseLongPath contains the path to the troublesome application. Take note of the application and it’s path.

5. Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features and uninstall the application. For more efficient results, install Revo Uninstaller or Geek Uninstaller, select the application you want to remove and opt for a complete removal/deep clean.

Method 2: Performing a Clean Boot

If the first method looks too complex, you should try performing a clean boot to identify this problem-causing application. Clean booting allows you to disable non-windows services and startup application which are potential causes of this error. On Windows 8/10, follow this guide.

Method 3: Updating/ Fixing Windows Drivers

In minor cases, outdated or corrupted drivers can be a cause of Update Error 0xc1900209. Also, if you’re using a Mac, there’s a possibility that outdated boot camp drivers could be a cause of the error.

Using Intel’s Driver Update Utility

1. Click here to download Intel’s Driver Update Utility.
2. Open the installer and follow the prompts to install the software.
3. Launch the Intel Driver Update Utility to find the latest drivers and update them.
4. Reboot Windows and try updating again.

If you’re using a different processor like AMD, visit your vendor’s website to get the latest drivers from there.

Updating Boot Camp Drivers

1. Download Apple’s Boot Camp drivers for your Macbook from here.
2. Open the installer file and follow the prompts to install the drivers.
3. Reboot Windows and try updating again.