Fix Windows Update Error 0x80080008 on Windows 10 Now

Encountering the Windows Update Error 0x80080008 on your Windows 10 device can be frustrating. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to fix this issue and get your updates running smoothly again.

How Can I Fix Windows Update Error 0x80080008?​

1. Check the Antivirus​

• Disable Antivirus: Turn off your antivirus software temporarily to see if it is causing the issue.
• Check Settings: If disabling works, check the antivirus settings for any conflicts with Windows Update.

Disabling your antivirus can help determine if it's causing the update error. Once identified, you can adjust settings without disabling it completely.

2. Run SFC and DISM Scans​

• Open Command Prompt:
  • Press Windows Key + X or right-click on Start.
  • Select Command Prompt (Admin).
    
• Run SFC Scan:
  • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • Wait for the scan to complete.
• Run DISM Scan(if SFC doesn't fix it):
  • Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
    

Running these scans can automatically detect and fix corrupted system files that may be causing the update error.

3. Restart Windows Update Components​

• Open Command Prompt as Admin:
  • Press Windows Key + X or right-click on Start.
  • Select Command Prompt (Admin).
• Enter Commands:
  • Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    • net stop wuauserv
    • net stop cryptSvc
    • net stop bits
    • net stop msiserver
    • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
    • net start wuauserv
    • net start cryptSvc
    • net start bits
    • net start msiserver

Restarting these components can clear any glitches in the Windows Update process, allowing updates to install properly.

4. Download and Install the Update Manually​

• Find KB Number:
  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Note the KB number of the failed update.
• Visit Microsoft Update Catalog:
  • Go to Microsoft Update Catalog.
  • Enter the KB number in the search box.
  • Download the update matching your system architecture.
• Install the Update:
  • Run the downloaded setup file and follow the prompts to install it.

Downloading and installing updates manually can bypass the error screen.

5. Restart BITS Services​

• Open Run Dialog:
  • Press Windows Key + R.
  • Type services.msc and press Enter.
• Find BITS:
  • Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
    
  • Right-click and select Restart.
• Set to Automatic:
  • If BITS is not running, double-click it.
  • Set Startup type to Automatic.
  • Click Start under Service status.

Restarting BITS ensures that updates transfer smoothly.

6. Boot in Safe Mode​

• Access Safe Mode:
  • Hold Shift and click Restart from the Start menu or sign-in screen.
  • Select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.
  • Press F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
• Try Updating:
  • Once in Safe Mode, try running Windows Update again.

Booting in Safe Mode minimizes background processes that might interfere with updates.

7. Perform an In-Place Upgrade​

• Download Media Creation Tool:
  • Go to the Microsoft website.
  • Download the Media Creation Tool and run it.
• Select Upgrade:
  • Choose Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
  • Follow on-screen instructions to download and install updates.
• Keep Files and Apps:
  • On the Ready to install screen, click Change what to keep.
  • Select Keep personal files and apps.

Performing an in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows without losing your data, ensuring the latest updates are applied correctly.

8. Re-register DLL Files​

• Open Command Prompt as Admin:
  • Press Windows Key + X or right-click on Start.
  • Select Command Prompt (Admin).
• Enter Commands:
  • Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    • regsvr32 WUPS2.DLL /S
    • regsvr32 WUPS.DLL /S
    • regsvr32 WUAUENG.DLL /S
    • regsvr32 WUAPI.DLL /S
    • regsvr32 WUCLTUX.DLL /S
    • regsvr32 WUWEBV.DLL /S
    • regsvr32 JSCRIPT.DLL /S
    • regsvr32 MSXML3.DLL /S
• Reboot Your PC:
  • After entering the commands, restart your computer and check for updates again.

Re-registering these DLL files ensures all necessary components for Windows Update are correctly registered.

9. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter​

• Open Settings:
  • Press Windows Key + I.
• Navigate to Troubleshoot:
  • Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
  • Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

Running the troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix common issues with Windows Update.

10. Clear Windows Update Cache​

• Stop Windows Update Service:
  • Open Command Prompt as Admin (Press Windows Key + X or right-click on Start and select Command Prompt (Admin)).
  • Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
• Clear Cache:
  • Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
  • Delete all files and folders in this directory.
• Restart Windows Update Service:
  • Open Command Prompt as Admin again.
  • Type net start wuauserv and press Enter.

Clearing the update cache removes corrupted files that may be causing the issue.

Trying these solutions should help you resolve the 0x80080008 error and ensure that your Windows updates install properly.