How to resolve the error code 0x80240031: Windows Update failure in Windows 8.1

Here are several methods to resolve the error code 0x80240031 in Windows 8.1:

1. Restart your PC: Often, a basic restart can resolve the problem.
2. Check your internet connection: Ensure your internet connection is stable and functioning correctly.
3. Use the Windows Update troubleshooter: Windows has a built-in tool to help diagnose and fix issues with Windows Update. To run the troubleshooter, navigate to Control Panel > Troubleshooting > System and Security > Fix problems with Windows Update.
4. Clear the Windows Update cache: At times, the Windows Update cache can get corrupted, causing update problems. To clear the cache, open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter the following commands:

    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

5. Disable antivirus software: Sometimes, antivirus programs can interfere with Windows Update. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus software to see if it resolves the issue.
6. Manually download and install the update: If none of the above steps work, you can manually download and install the update from the Microsoft website.