Update Error ‘0x80080008’ in Windows 10

Windows users often face errors related to system updates. One such error is the error 0x80080008. This error code indicates that the update process was not successful. When this error occurs, the update process might either get disrupted or end without installing all necessary files.

Update Error 0x80080008 issue is encountered by users of all Windows versions – Windows 7, 8, 8.1 and 10. In earlier Windows versions, it was relatively easier to solve the issue by stopping the update process.

In Windows 10, however, updates happen automatically, and can at best be postponed to avoid the issue. Thus, other methods to deal with the issue need to be discussed, and this article intends to do precisely that.

Are you grappling with the 0x80080008 Windows Update error? Wondering what causes it and how to fix it? Look no further. This SEO-optimized article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on what the 0x80080008 error is, its potential causes, and how to clear the Windows Update Cache to solve this annoying problem.

What is 0x80080008?

The 0x80080008 error code usually occurs during Windows Update. It’s an error that prevents your system from checking for, downloading, or installing new updates.

This issue can affect various versions of the Windows operating system, including Windows 7, 8.1, and 10. Although it’s frustrating, understanding the underlying causes can offer insight into how to fix it.

Causes of 0x80080008 Error

Here are some common reasons why the 0x80080008 error might occur:

1. Corrupt System Files

Corrupted or missing system files can cause Windows Update to fail, triggering the error code.

2. Incomplete Previous Updates

If a previous Windows Update was incomplete or interrupted, it could lead to this error.

3. Software Conflicts

Sometimes third-party software, including security software, may conflict with Windows Update, causing the error to occur.

4. Windows Update Service Issues

If the Windows Update service is disabled or not functioning correctly, you may encounter this error.

5. Cache Problems

The cache of the Windows Update service can sometimes become corrupt or outdated, causing update issues.

Types of 0x80080008 Error

There are two ways in which the error 0x80080008 occur in Windows:

1. Windows Update Failed: This indicates that the updates have stopped functioning. It can be resolved by temporarily disabling the antivirus program and manually downloading the updates.

2. 0x80080008 Server 2016: This is another variant of the error, and can be addressed by trying the methods below. The given solutions are mainly for Windows 10 but can be used in other Windows versions as well.

How to Fix Update Error 0x80080008 on Windows 10, 8.1 and 7

Solution 1: Manually Download the Update

Our first method is to download and install the updates manually. This may enable the update process by avoiding the error 0x80080008. Follow the steps to manually complete the update process:

Step 1: Firstly, obtain the KB numbers of the pending updates. To find them, go to the Windows Update section by navigating to Settings → Update and Security → Windows Update. You may also find the KB numbers in the View Updates History section in Windows Update.

Step 2: Now, visit the website of Microsoft Updates Catalog. In the search box there, enter the KB numbers one by one to get the available updates.

Step 3: The catalog will reveal the list of updates available as per your KB number entry. Find the updates among them which are suitable for your system architecture. Then download them by clicking the Download button.

Step 4: Finally, open the setup file and run it to install the updates.

It should be noted that this method can be a momentary option to bypass the error. The main error cannot be resolved by it, and it will occur again at the time of a new update.

Solution 2: Check Your Antivirus

This error is often caused due to a third-party antivirus program hampering the update process. Thus, checking your antivirus software is the first solution. This involves three steps. Firstly, check if any particular features of the antivirus are blocking the update process. Disable those features, and check whether the update is successful.

If the update error persists, try disabling the antivirus itself. If the problem continues even after that, the last step is to uninstall the antivirus altogether. Before doing so, ensure that Windows Defender, the in-built antivirus of Windows, is functional. It will defend your system after you uninstall the third-party antivirus.

Of course, uninstalling the antivirus should be a temporary step. If the error stops after you have uninstalled the antivirus, you must install another one. However, If the error persists even after all these steps, the antivirus was not the cause. Now, you can reinstall the one you were using.

Solution 3: Boot In A Safe Boot Mode

While some background processes are essential for the update process, others might be causing a hindrance due to some problems. Thus, running the update after a safe boot, which involves restarting the system with bare minimum processes, may solve the error.

To do so, follow the steps below:

Step 1: In the Run dialogue box, type “msconfig” and press Enter.

Step 2: In the System Configuration window, enter the Services tab. In it, check the box next to the “Hide All Microsoft Services” option. Next, select Disable All, and then click Apply followed by OK.

Step 3: Next, go to the Startup tab. In it, click “Open Task Manager.”

Step 4: In Task Manager, right-click each startup program and select Disable.

Step 5: Finally, restart the computer and check if the update can be done successfully now.

Solution 4: Perform SFC and DISM Scans

The error may be occurring due to corrupted system files. This might be the case if the updates installation process went wrong in some way. Thus, conducting SFC and DISM scans may detect corrupted files and repair them.

Follow the instructions below to implement these tools:

Step 1: First of all,  search “cmd” in the Windows search bar. Then right-click on the Command Prompt option and select “Run as administrator.” It can also be opened by pressing Windows + X. Then select Command Prompt (Admin) on the menu.

Step 2: In the Command Prompt window, type the command “sfc /scannow,” and press Enter to run it. The scan may take several minutes.

Note: The SFC scan will detect corrupted files and repair them. However, It may fail to resolve the error by itself. Thus, conduct a DISM scan as per the next steps.

Step 3: To conduct a DISM scan, input the following command and Press Enter to execute the command and wait for the process to be concluded.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Step 4: Restart the computer and check whether the error has been fixed.

In case the DISM scan is unable to detect any corrupted file, insert the media (flash drive or DVD), which you had used for installing system updates. Then enter the following command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth /Source: C:\RepairSourceWindows/LimitAccess

The path C:\RepairSourceWindows may be different for your device. Type the correct path in its place before running the Command.

Solution 5: Restart Windows Update Components

The error may also be caused due to certain faults with the update components. In such a case, the Windows update components need to be restarted. While it can be done manually, a more time-saving way of restarting the update components is to use Command Prompt.

Proceed as per the instructions below:

Step 1: Firstly, open Command Prompt with administrative privileges, in the way described under the previous solution.

Step 2: Secondly, type the following commands and press Enter after each one:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Wait for the process to conclude, and check if the error has been rectified.

Solution 6: Restart BITS Services

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is a background process of Windows that enables the Windows update process, among other things. If due to some problem, the BITS crashes, the update error can occur.

In such case, BITS can be restarted by following the steps below:

Step 1: At first, open the Run dialogue box by pressing Windows + R. In it, type “services.msc” and press Enter.

Step 2: In the Services window, locate the BITS option among the listed services. Then double-click it and select Properties.

Step 3: In the Properties window, check if the service is running. If it has stopped, click the Start button.

Step 4: Next, go to the Recovery tab. And in the First Failure and Second Failure categories, select the option “Restart the service.” Then click Apply and OK.

Now resume the update process and check if the Update Error 0x80080008 has stopped.

Solution 7: Perform An In-Place Upgrade

In case none of the given methods work, as a last resort, you may conduct an in-place update. It involves installing the latest version of your Windows OS while protecting all your files and programs. To perform this task, proceed as per the steps below:

Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.

Step 2: Next, select the option “Upgrade this PC now,” then click Next. Wait while the setup readies the required files.

Step 3: Once the setup is ready, select the option “Download and Install Updates (Recommended).” Then click Next.

Step 4: Wait for the download process to conclude. Then, proceed as per the displayed instructions until you arrive at the screen saying, “Ready to install.” In it, select the “Change what to keep” option.

Step 5: At the last select, “Keep personal files and apps” option and click Next. Follow any subsequent instructions displayed to complete the installation.

After you have implemented this method, the Windows update must not face the Update Error 0x80080008.

How to Clear Windows Update Cache

Clearing the Windows Update Cache is one effective solution to resolve the 0x80080008 error. Below are the steps to perform this task:

Step 1: Stop Windows Update Service

1. Open “Run” dialog by pressing Win + R.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Locate “Windows Update” in the list, right-click on it, and select “Stop.”

Step 2: Delete Cache Files

1. Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
2. Delete all the files in the “Download” folder. (Note: You may need administrator permissions to do this.)

Step 3: Restart Windows Update Service

1. Return to the “Services” window.
2. Locate “Windows Update” in the list, right-click on it, and select “Start.”

Step 4: Run Windows Update

After clearing the cache, run Windows Update again to check if the error has been resolved.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

If clearing the cache doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to:

• Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
• Disable third-party security software temporarily
• Perform a System File Check (SFC)

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Conclusion

Thus, the different ways to fix the Windows update error 0x80080008 have been discussed. Depending on the exact cause of the issue, anyone of the given methods should yield results. These methods apply to Windows 10 as well as Windows 7 and 8.1.

The 0x80080008 Windows Update error can be a nuisance but understanding its causes can guide you towards effective solutions. Clearing the Windows Update Cache is a proven method to resolve this error. It’s always a good idea to take precautionary measures like backing up important files before performing any troubleshooting steps.