Windows is constantly providing new updates for the systems which have been extremely beneficial to its users. One of the updates with the error 0x80080008 is commonly faced by few users. These kinds of errors are common issues faced by users from time to time.
These repetitive errors are followed by an identification code to sort out without much difficulty. This error usually arises when you are trying to update your windows but it’s either stuck or few update files and resources are left out without getting installed perfectly. Follow this article sequentially downwards to resolve your issue.
Windows Update error 0x80080008 Variations
This update error 0x80080008 will block your system from downloading the latest updates. We have also listed identical issues many users have disclosed:
- 0x80080008 Server 2016 – This is the most frequent issue users have reported along with windows server 2016. Through our solutions are convenient with windows 10, you are also free to implement them to any windows server.
- Windows update failed – Windows update error will block the updates from working smoothly. Yet, you can solve this issue by either disabling the antivirus application installed in your system or by downloading each update manually.
Steps to fix Windows update error 0x80080008
Here are the solutions
Solution 1 – Check Your Antivirus
As reliant, we are on the antivirus applications to safeguard our system from malicious resources and files. Sometimes it is the main cause for many of our errors.
In order to get rid of this error, it is advised that you disable specific features of your antivirus. If you don’t seem to locate any changes even after disabling then you should disable the antivirus completely and then update your windows.
Users don’t have to worry about the protection of system in the absence of the antivirus because windows systems originally are integrated with windows defender which will safeguard the system.
If you aren’t comfortable with working on a system which is devoid of antivirus application then we recommend you to change to a better antivirus app.
No doubt, our industry contains enormous antivirus application which protects your system without any restrictions, BullGuard is one among them.
Solution 2 – Perform SFC and DISM Scans
If you couldn’t resolve the issue even after disabling the antivirus application then the error 0x80080008 might be reoccurring because your windows installation is flawed as a result of which you keep seeing this error. Furthermore, this method can be implemented by the user to solve the issue.
Step-1: click on the start menu found at the bottom left corner of the taskbar. Now locate the Command Prompt in the menu and right-click on it.
Step-2: Select run as administrator from the drop-down menu. In windows 10 as soon as you search for command prompt you can find command prompt (admin) in the list menu, click on it.
Step-3: Now type the command “sfc/scannow” in the command prompt window and press enter.
Step-4: This command will make sure that the computer is thoroughly scanned for any corrupted or damaged files and it will repair them.
This command has come in handy for many users. If SFC couldn’t resolve your issue then the next step is to run the DISM scan by implementing the below steps:
Step-1: Like mentioned above, launch the command prompt with administrative privileges.
Step-2: Now input the command/copy and paste it on the command line – DISM.exe/Online/Cleanup-image/Restorehealth.
Step-3: The command mentioned above requires internet connection as it DISM is obliged to retrieve files online if this doesn’t seem to work then try using your installation USB or DVD. Insert the media in your system and type the following command:
DISM.exe/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth/Source:C:RepairSourceWindows/LimitAccess
Step-4: Here we have mentioned C: path but you make sure to replace it with your USB or DVD path.
Finally, check if the issue has been resolved if you couldn’t find a solution still then execute the SFC scan after running the DISM scan.
Solution 3 –Restart Windows Update Components
Restarting is one of the simple and most effective solutions for the majority of the windows errors. Many users have disclosed that the 0x80080008 error can also be caused due to windows update components. Restarting the Windows components might be an effective solution for your problem.
Users need to use Command prompt to restart the windows components as well, follow the steps listed below:
Step-1: Launch a command prompt and run as an administrator.
Step-2: Then input the commands given below one after the other (make sure to press enter after typing each command).
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop cryptSvc
- net stop bits
- net stop msiserver
- ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- ren C:WindowsSystem32catrrot2 Catroot2.old
- net start wuauserv
- net start cryptSvc
- net start bits
- net start msiserver
Executing these commands should resolve your error completely and your system should be ready to install any updates like usual.
In case you wish to automatically reset windows update components, there is a way to create a windows Updates reset script and run it automatically whenever necessary instead of typing the commands manually.
Solution 4 – Manually Download the Update
Many of you might not be aware of this but you can download windows update and install it manually each time. We have explained here how to do so
Step-1: Get hold of the KB (Knowledge Base) number of the update you need to download and install. It is available in the Windows Update section of the windows or Windows Update History website.
Step-2: As soon as you find the required KB number visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website and enter the KB number of the Update in the search field. Press enter.
Step-3: A List of options is displayed for you. Locate the update according to your system requirements and click the download button found next to it.
Step-4: Visit the location where you have downloaded the update and run the setup file to successfully install it.
Now you can use your system with the latest version of windows and hopefully your issue is resolved. Remember that this method helps you in educating how to install your updates manually and not resolve the core problem.
Solution 5 – Restart BITS Services
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is one of the necessary services for updates. It has been noticed that in some cases it stops working out of nowhere causing problems for the user. In order to resolve it, you need to restart the BITS.
Step-1: Launch your run utility by pressing windows key + R. A run dialog box is visible to you, now type services.msc in the search box and click open to start the services window.
Step-2: In the services window, a number of options are listed for you. Select Background Intelligent Transfer Service from the list and double click on it to open its properties.
Step-3: Now under the General tab, if the service status is labeled as Stopped click on the start button to proceed.
Step-4: Then move to the Recovery tab and check if the drop down menu(s) next to First failure and second failure has been selected as “Restart the service”.
Step-5: Confirm Your Choices By Pressing Ok.
Since this method has resolved the error for quite a few users we hope you have found your solution too.
Solution 6 – Boot in a Safe Boot mode
When none of the above methods works, you can rely on safe Boot mode. We all have noticed that sometimes our background programs and the processes related to it can slow down resulting in not being able to download an update. We have found a solution for this kind of issues.
Step-1: Start the run dialog box by pressing windows key + R and type msconfig in the search box. Click OK to proceed.
Step-2: As you can see System Configuration utility is displayed for you. Click on the Services tab and at the bottom you will find a checkbox next to Hide all Microsoft services. Select it and Click on the Disable All button. Then click on the Apply button to proceed with the changes.
Step-3: Now move to the Startup tab and select the Open Task Manager.
Step-4: Proceed to disable all the Startup programs one by one.
Step-5: Restart your system to apply the changes and download the updates.
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Solution 7 – Perform An In-place Upgrade
Few technicians have concluded that if any of the above methods didn’t seem fruitful to you then in-place upgrade is the ultimate solution.
An in-place upgrade will force your system to install windows 10 update while protecting your files and keeping your applications intact. Take a look at the procedure below to run a in-place upgrade:
Step-1: Download Media Creation Tool and install it.
Step-2: Choose the option Upgrade this PC now and then click on the Next button.
Step-3: you probably need to wait until the setup is ready with all the required files.
Step-4: Then choose Download and install updates (recommended) and click on the Next button.
Step-5: Give your system some time to download the updates.
Step-6: Follow the instructions until you find Ready to install screen. Click on Change what to keep button.
Step-7: From the options listed choose to keep personal files and apps and proceed by clicking Next.
Step-8: Finish the installation without any stops.
Conclusion
By the end of the article, you should have successfully updated your windows to the newest version and resolved the issue to work smoothly. We advise you to go through every method listed here until you find the one you require.
