This post features solutions to try if you face Error Code 3 0x80040154 in Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge. Edge and Chrome are among the best browsers available for Windows. Like any other application, they receive constant updates featuring performance upgrades and bug fixes. But while downloading the update, some users have reported facing this error:
An error occurred while checking for updates. Update check failed to start (error code 3: 0x80040154 – system level).
Fix Error Code 3 0x80040154 in Chrome or Edge
Below is a list of effective solutions to try if you face Error Code 3 0x80040154 in Chrome or Edge.
- Restart Google Chrome or Edge
- Close Google Chrome or Edge from the background
- Clear Google Chrome or Edge cache
- Turn off VPN and proxy
- Start the Google Update Service
- Whitelist Google Chrome in Windows Firewall
- Reinstall Google Chrome or Edge
Now let’s check out all these solutions in detail.
1] Restart Google Chrome or Edge
Before trying any of the technical solutions mentioned below, the first step you should take is to restart Google Chrome or Edge. A temporary error in the browser may be causing the issue. The best thing you can do in this situation is to restart the browser. So, go through the process and check if it solves the problem. If yes, you are good to go. But if the problem continues, try the solutions below.
2] Close Google Chrome or Edge from the background
One of the effective solutions in the situation is to close Google Chrome or Edge from the background, followed by restarting it. You can do it using the Task Manager. Here are the steps you need to follow.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut key to open the Task Manager.
- Right-click on all the processes related to Google Chrome or Edge and choose the End Task option.
- Now, open Google Chrome or Edge and try to download the update.
Check if the problem continues. If yes, try the next solution.
See: Chrome update failed with error codes 3, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, etc.
3] Clear Google Chrome or Edge cache
Like any other application, Google Chrome stores cache data. These help to offer a faster and smoother user experience. But if these data have been corrupted, you will most likely face different issues, including error code 3: 0x80040154. You will have to clear the cache data to solve the problem. Here are the steps you need to follow to remove the Google Chrome cache manually.
- To begin with, launch Google Chrome on your system.
- Click on the three-dots present at the top right corner.
- Select Settings.
- Click on the Privacy and security option present on the left final of the screen.
- Select Clear browsing data.
- Checkmark Cached images and files > Clear data.
Once the process is complete, relaunch the browser and check if the problem continues.
Similarly, you can clear the Edge browser cache.
4] Turn off VPN and proxy
If you are using a VPN or proxy on your system, you will most likely face this error message. To solve the problem, you will have to disable the VPN or proxy. So go through the process and check if it resolves the issue.
5] Start the Google Update Service
The next solution is to forcefully enable the Google Update Service. If the update service is disabled, you will most likely face an error message. You can enable it with the help of the Services window. Here are the steps you need to follow.
- Open the Run dialogue box by pressing the Windows + R shortcut key.
- Type services.msc and press the enter key.
- Locate and double-click on Google Update Services (gupdate).
- Change the Startup type to Automatic ( Delayed Start ).
- Click on Start.
Click on Apply > OK. Repeat the same with Google Update Services (gupdatem) present on the Services menu.
Read: Error code 7, 0x80072EE7 while installing or updating Chrome
6] Whitelist Google Chrome in Windows Firewall
If Google Chrome Update Service is blocked under the Windows Firewall, you will face the problem. To eliminate the issue, you will have to whitelist the service from Firewall. Here’s how to do it.
- Search for Windows Defender Firewall in the search box on the taskbar.
- Select Allow apps and features Windows Defender Firewall.
- Search for tools.google.com and dl.google.com, and allow them to run through the Firewall.
Once done, reboot your system and check if the problem continues.
Edge, being a Windows default browser, is already whitelisted in the Windows Firewall.
7] Reinstall Google Chrome or Edge
If none of the steps were helpful, you could reinstall Google Chrome or Edge. Reinstalling also ensures that you have the latest Google Chrome or Edge version installed on your system.
Read: Fix Error 0x80040902 during Google Chrome update
How do I fix error code 3 on Google Chrome?
Error code 3 occurs when Google Chrome fails to check for an available update. To solve the problem, you can try these solutions: ensure the software isn’t blocked under the Firewall settings, reboot your system, and disable VPN. If none of the steps were helpful, you could reinstall Google Chrome.
Why am I denied access to a website on Google Chrome?
If you see Access denied, You don’t have permission to access on this Server error while opening a website in Chrome or Firefox; then you should turn off or disable any VPN extension. If you are not using any VPN extension, you need to disable the proxy and try again. Also, delete all the website data and use a premium VPN service (if possible).
Read Next: Fix Google Chrome Update Error Code 7: 0x80040801
