Windows 8.1 Update Error Code: 0x80240031

Wow, I didn't expect to see it uniformly failing at 50% for everyone else as well.  Immediately after reaching 50% I get the error message.  I've tried 5 times so far with no success, and have done the sfc /scannow, chkdsk, clearing the store cache, running the update troubleshooter...

I am getting the same error at around 50%, tried many, many times, very consistent though ...

Microsoft. please explain what is this error about and please do something as this is a problem that occured also in the preview, judging by some old posts.

Thank you

Two update attempts from Windows 8 to 8.1 - via Verizon FIOS:

1. Older Thinkpad - Success. 
2. HP H9 - same failure as everyone else - at 50%. Tried all suggestions. No success.

Still looking for the magic fix.

I'm having this same problem and I don't know how many times I have to do wsreset and or restart my PC to get this to work BUT my problem is not only the Windows 8.1 update. NO NO NO, its every single "app" that I try to install or update...

my system updates are up to date (with no updates available)

my date and time are correct (because I'm one of those strange people that like having my date and time be correct...)

my internet connection is fine.

my anti Virus software is not the problem (nor does it exist)

currently have about 5 windows open trying to fix this problem and my hunch is that the problem is not in my machine!

I have been having these Windows 8 App Store installing/updating problems ever since I bought this Windows 8 PC. I should not have to be looking up resolutions to problems since DAY 1! Seriously Microsoft, Get your stuff together!

IMPORTANT _ My PC is up to date.

I just opened the "Store" to try for the 15th time and there was no 8.1 Upgrade there. A Link from MS stated the following:

""If your PC is currently running Windows 8 (or Windows RT), and you want to update to Windows 8.1 (or Windows RT 8.1), in most cases, you’ll see this free update prominently featured on the Windows Store home page. If you’ve opened the Store and you don’t see the update, it could be for one of these reasons:

Show all

You might need the latest updates from Windows Update

Although the Windows 8.1 update is downloaded and installed from the Store, your PC needs another update, KB 2871389, before Windows 8.1 becomes available to you in the Store.

After KB 2871389 is installed and you’ve restarted your PC, go to the Start screen, tap or click Store, and look for the Windows 8.1 update. For more complete info on installing Windows 8.1, see Update to Windows 8.1 from Windows 8.

You might be running an edition of Windows 8 that doesn’t support the free update from the Store ""

I Do Not have KB2871389 available as an update. WT.... ?

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/why-can-t-find-update-store

UPDATE - 5 minutes later: Back to the store and the update to 8.1 is back for me...WT...?

Now download for the 16th time.

UPDATE 2 - Downloaded surprisingly fast (5 minutes FIOS) and believe it or not it is installing, checking compatibility etc.  I am going to close this down while it hopefully completes its tasks. Bacfk soon.