At this point, update errors are a common sight for Windows users. In older system versions, users can use various tricks to disable updates. However, on Windows 10, there is little you can do to stop the process. The best option is to delay the installation.
One of the recurring update errors is code 0x80080008. When you see this error code, you will find that the update process was blocked or that some files were not successfully downloaded and installed. If you want to know how to fix Windows 10 update error 80080008, you’re in luck. In this article, we will discuss some of the best solutions to this problem. While our solutions work best for Windows 10, they also apply to older systems such as Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows.7.
Common Scenarios Related to the Error 0x80080008
Before we learn how to fix Windows 10 update error 0x80080008, it’s worth going over some of the most common issues with it. This will give you a better idea of how to prevent the error from happening again.
Windows Update Failed – Error 0x80080008 can cause updates to stop. You should be able to fix this problem by disabling your third-party antivirus. A good solution is to download the updates manually. We’ll cover this solution below.
0x80080008 Server 2016 – Many users have also reported issues with Windows Server 2016. Our method will fix error 0x80080008 on Windows 10, but some need to be applied to Windows 2016.
Method 1: Disabling your Anti-Virus
Some users reported that the 0x80080008 update error might be caused by a problem with a third-party antivirus. If you have it, disable it and see if the update works. However, if that doesn’t help, we are recommending you to completely uninstall your antivirus. If this solution fixes the problem, it is time to move on to a different security tool.
There are several antivirus programs out there, but the one that will give you the best possible protection without breaking your system is Auslogics Anti-Malware. In addition, this reliable tool can detect attacks and threats that Windows Defender might have missed.
Method 2: Performing SFC and DISM Scans
If error 0x80080008 persists, your installation must have encountered an error. Your computer may have corrupted or damaged system files. Fortunately, this can easily be fixed by running an SFC scan. You can do this by following the steps below:
Press Windows + S on the keyboard.
Enter the “command line” (without the quotes).
In the results, right-click the command prompt, and then click Run as administrator.
Once the command line starts, type “sfc / scannow” (without the quotes) and press Enter.
The tool will locate and repair corrupted files. The process may take a couple of minutes. So, it is important that you avoid interfering with it. However, if the SFC scan does not get rid of the issue, you can try running a DISM scan. You can do that by following these steps:
- Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the following command:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
If DISM scan can’t access the files online, you can use your installation media. Insert your USB flash drive or DVD and run the following command:
DISM.exe / Online / Cleanup-Image / RestoreHealth / Source: C: \ RepairSourceWindows / LimitAccess
Make sure to replace “C: \ RepairSourceWindows” with the path of your USB flash drive or DVD.
After the scan is complete, check if the error still persists.
If you used a flash drive or installation DVD when starting the DISM scan, it’s best to update your drivers first. That way, you can easily fix problems and install Windows updates. You can do this easily using a reliable tool like Auslogics Driver Updater.
Method 3: Restarting the components of your Windows update
It’s also possible that some Windows update components are causing error 0x80080008. Just restart it by following the instructions below:
Right-click the Windows logo in the system tray.
Select Command Prompt (Admin) and run the following command:
clean wuauserv stop
net stop cryptic
Clean stopping bits
server stopped clean
ren C: \ Windows \ SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C: \ Windows \ System32 \ catroot2 Catroot2.old
Start clean wuauserv
net start cryptic
The starting bits are clean
MSiserver starts clean
Method 4: Manually downloading the update
If error 0x80080008 is blocking the update process, one of the ideal solutions is to download and install components manually. You can do this by following the steps below:
The first thing you need to do is get the KB number of the update that you need to download. You can open the Windows Update tab on your system or visit the Windows Update History website.
After viewing the KB number for the update, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Enter the KB update number in the search box.
You will see a list of updates to download. Look for one that fits your system architecture.
Click the Download button.
After following these steps, it will update your system and fix your problem. It should be noted that this is a simple solution and does not solve the main problem. So when a new update is released, error 0x80080008 may return.
Method 5: Restarting BITS services
Windows Update is installed successfully using a variety of services, including Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS). In some cases, this service can crash and prevent you from completing the update process. All you have to do is restart the service. Just follow the steps below:
Press Windows + R on the keyboard, this will open the Run dialog box.
Type “services.msc” (without the quotes) and press Enter.
Scroll down until you find Smart Background Transfer Service (BITS). Double click on it.
When you find that the service is set to “Stop”, click the Start button.
Go to the Recovery tab and make sure First Failure and Second Failure are set to restart the service.
Method 6: Using Safe Boot mode
Some background processes can slow down or even affect updates. You can try changing your service to make sure nothing conflicts with the update. To do this, follow the instructions below:
Press Windows Key + R on the keyboard.
Type “msconfig” (without the quotes) and press Enter.
Click the Services tab, then select the Hide all Microsoft services option.
Click Disable All, then click Apply.
Click the Start tab and then select Open Task Manager.
Disable startup programs one by one.
Restart your computer and try to install the updates again.
Method 7: Performing an in-place upgrade
Some users reported that they were able to fix error 0x80080008 by upgrading in the field. This method allows you to install the latest version of your operating system without touching your files and applications. Here’s how to do it:
Head over to the Microsoft website and download the Media Creation Tool.
Select Update this PC now and then click Next. The installation now prepares the necessary files.
Select Download and Install Updates (Recommended) and click Next.
Follow the instructions on the screen until you reach the screen that says “Ready to Install”. Click “Change what you want to save”.
Make sure you select “Keep personal files and applications”, then click “Next”.
If you follow these steps, your Windows system should be updated to the latest version. Furthermore, this process will get rid of the 0x80080008 error forever.
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