Even after trying different troubleshooting methods, they still get the update error 0x80080008. Fortunately, there are a few possible workarounds that can fix the Windows update error, and this article explains all those workarounds thoroughly.

What Causes Windows Update Error 0x80080008

Windows update error 0x80080008 shows up when you try to install a new version of Windows 10, especially version 1903. There could be several causes behind that. But here are some of the common reasons for the Windows update error 0x80080008. 

Third-Party Antivirus Software Issues With Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) Unnecessary Drivers Corrupted Registry & System Files Faulty Modules like Wups2.dll Improper Functioning Of Windows Update Components

Fix Windows Update Error 0x80080008

There are several working methods to fix Windows update error 0x80080008. We have listed more than ten workarounds in this section to eliminate the error. 

1. Disable Third-Party Antivirus Program

One of the common causes of the Windows update error 0x80080008 is the third-party antivirus program. Many users reported that they were facing the error because of the antivirus program installed on their PC. The program was blocking the Windows 10 1903 version update. Due to this, they were repeatedly getting the update error 0x80080008.  Sometimes, antivirus software counts Windows updates as viruses and does not allow them to be installed. As a result, you may get Windows update error 0x80080008. However, uninstalling the antivirus software installed on your PC can fix the error. So, uninstall the antivirus program and try to install the update again.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

One of the easiest ways to find the cause and resolve the Windows update error 0x80080008 is using the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Windows Update Troubleshooter lets you scan for errors and fixes them automatically. Follow the below steps to use the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool and fix the error 0x80080008.

  1. Press Windows + I key to open Settings. 
  2. Scroll down and head to Troubleshoot settings. 
  3. Click on Other troubleshooters. 
  4. Look for Windows Update in the Most frequent section. 
  5. Click on the Run button next to the Windows Update troubleshooter to start troubleshooting. 
  6. Wait a few seconds to let the troubleshooter scan the entire system and find and resolve issues automatically. 
  7. You will see a popup with a completed message stating all the issues with your Windows Updates. 
  8. Lastly, try to update your Windows 10 PC again to see the status of the error. 

3. Restart Windows Update Components

Windows updates components ensure that your PC receives and downloads all the updates without any flaws. Yet, sometimes these update services get corrupted and lead to this error. Several Windows 10 users reported that the error occurred due to the improper functioning of Windows update components. It could be possible that there is any kind of issue with your update components. However, the error can be fixed by restarting all Windows update components. You can simply restart all Windows update components by following the below steps. 

  1. Press Win + R to open the Run program. 
  2. Type cmd in the search box. Don’t press the Enter key now. 
  3. Then, press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter simultaneously to run Command Prompt as Administrator. 
  4. Execute the below-mentioned commands one by 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

  1. Once done executing all commands, reboot your PC. Now, try installing the updates and check if the issue is resolved. 

4. Try to Re-Register Wups2.dll

Windows Update Client Proxy Stub 2 (Wups2) is one of the core files of Windows that contains the most important code that helps in the machine’s proper functioning. If the Wups2.dll stops functioning, it could create errors, like Windows update error 0x80080008. It could be possible that Wups2.dll present on your system isn’t functioning properly. You can make it work properly by re-registering Wups2.dll. Here’s how to do it. 

  1. Press the Win + R key to open the Run window. 
  2. Now, type cmd in the search box. 
  3. After that, press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter at the same time to run Command Prompt as Administrator.
  4. Execute the below-mentioned commands one by one to restart each component associated with the Wups2.dll. 

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

  1. After executing the above-mentioned commands, reboot your PC and try updating Windows to see if the issue is fixed. 

5. Force Restart the BITS Services

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is an essential service responsible for receiving and downloading Windows updates. Microsoft uploads the latest updates to different servers, and BITS downloads those updates from the server and installs them in our system. Hence, it is essential to ensure that the BITS services are working properly. Otherwise, it could undoubtedly lead to the Windows update error 0x80080008. You can ensure that BITS services are running correctly by following these steps.

  1. Press the Windows + R to open the Run program. 
  2. Type services.msc to open the Services window. 
  3. Press the Enter key. 
  4. Look for Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS). 
  5. Double click on BITS to open the Properties window.
  6. Check the Service Status and click Start if it’s not working. 
  7. Click OK to save all the changes. 
  8. Head to the Recovery tab. 
  9. Select First Failure and Second Failure to Restart the Service.
  10. Then, click on OK to close the Properties window. 
  11. Reboot your PC.  Once you reboot it, head to the Windows update settings and try updating your PC again. 

6. Perform DISM Scans & SFC 

Sometimes Windows corrupted system files cause the update error 0x80080008. Windows lets you quickly and easily repair all your damaged or corrupted files using SFC and DISM scan. DISM scan is a way to fix Windows 10 image files. Whereas SFC scan helps you fix corrupted registry files. 

Run DISM Scan. 

  1. Press the Windows + X. 
  2. Select Terminal (Admin) from the given options. 
  3. Copy and paste the mentioned command and press the Enter key.
  4. Wait a few minutes to let the scan complete.
  5. Once you see the ‘The Operation Completed Successfully’ confirmation message, close the Terminal.
  6. Reboot the PC and try to install the new Windows update again. 

Run SFC Scan

  1. Re-open the Terminal app and type: SFC /scannow
  2. Wait a few minutes to let the scan complete and fix all corrupted files. 
  3. Once the scan completes, restart the PC. 
  4. Now, try to update the PC to see the issue’s status. 

7. Remove Any Unnecessary Drivers

Sometimes unnecessary drivers create issues like Windows update error 0x80080008. You can try removing all the unnecessary drivers and check if the issue is fixed or not. You can remove unnecessary drivers on Windows 10 by following the steps.

  1. Press the Windows + R to open the Run program. 
  2. Type devmgmt.msc to open Device Manager. 
  3. Move to the Other Devices section in the Device Manager window.
  4. Right-click on the Device Name and click Uninstall device.
  5. Reboot the PC. 

8. Rebuild The BCD store

BCD refers to Basic Configuration Data. It is a component that includes basic configuration data of Windows, including hardware and software. Sometimes, BCD gets damaged which leads to Windows Update error. Fortunately, rebuilding Basic Configuration Data (BCD) can resolve the error 0x80080008. Following the below-mentioned steps, you can rebuild the Basic Configuration Data (BCD) on Windows 10.

  1. Press Win +R to open the Run program. 
  2. Type cmd in the search box. 
  3. Then, press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run Command Prompt as Administrator. 
  4. Execute the mentioned command:
  5. Reboot the machine once again.

9. Boot Windows 10 Into Safe Mode

Booting Windows into Safe Mode is one of the best ways to solve all kinds of errors, including Windows update error 0x80080008. Safe Mode shuts all the slow processes and only runs essential drivers and components needed for the proper functioning of your PC. Hence, there is a high possibility that booting your PC into Safe Mode can fix the error. Follow the steps to boot your Windows 10 PC into Safe Mode.

  1. Press the Windows + R.
  2. Type msconfig and press Enter.
  3. Move to the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
  4. Click on Disable All and click Apply. 
  5. After that, head to the Startup tab.
  6. Click on Open Task Manager.
  7. Disable all the programs in the Task Manager one by one.
  8. Now, press the Windows + I key to open Windows Settings. 
  9. Head to the Recovery section from the left pane and click Restart. 
  10. Then, click Troubleshoot and select Startup Settings.
  11. Once you see Startup Settings, click on the Restart button. 
  12. Now, press 5 to enable Safe Mode with networking.  Once your PC enters Safe Mode, try updating your Windows 10 PC again and check whether the issue is fixed or not.

10. Manually Download the Windows Update 

If none of the above-mentioned methods work, you can try manually downloading the Windows update. Manually downloading the Windows update will remove the error. Follow the below steps to download the Windows update manually. 

  1. Open your Windows Update settings and note the KB Serial Number written next to the update. 
  2. Head to the Microsoft Update Catalog website. 
  3. Paste your KB Number in the Search Bar and press Enter. 
  4. Find the update matching your Windows update that you are unable to download. 
  5. Then, click Download.
  6. After downloading the update, install it as you install other programs and applications. 

11. Install Windows Update Using ISO Image 

Another easy way to remove error 0x80080008 is to install the new Windows 10 update using the Media Creation tool. Many users reported that they solved the error with the help of the Windows Media Creation tool. You can do the same and install new updates conveniently. Follow the steps to install Windows updates using ISO Image. 

  1. Download the Windows Media Creation tool and open it.
  2. Select Upgrade This PC and click Next.
  3. Wait a few seconds to let the process complete. 
  4. Select Download and install updates and click on it.
  5. Wait a few minutes to let the update download. 
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the Ready to install screen. 
  7. Select Change What to Keep.
  8. Then, select Keep personal files and apps.
  9. Click Next. 
  10. Keep following the on-screen instructions until it shows that the update has been downloaded and installed. 

12. Install Windows Update Using ISO Image

Many users also suggested installing Windows updates manually using the ISO image file. Manually installing the update using the ISO image file fixed the issue. You can follow the steps to install Windows updates using the ISO image file. 

  1. Download Windows 10 ISO Files. 
  2. Click Update Now. 
  3. Once the Windows 10 upgrade file downloads, install it. 
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to install new Windows 10 updates.  That’s it. You have now installed the new update using Windows 10 ISO image file. 

13. Rest the PC

Resetting the PC will restore all your Windows settings and will indeed fix the Windows update error 0x80080008. Notably, resetting the PC will restore all settings and necessary system files. You should only try this method if none of the above-mentioned methods work. Follow the steps to reset your PC without losing the system files.

  1. Press the Windows + I. 
  2. Head to Recovery settings. 
  3. Click on the Reset PC button.
  4. Select Keep My Files to prevent your data from deleting while performing the Reset.
  5. Wait until the process completes and follow the on-screen instructions. 
  6. Once the PC resets, you will slowly start receiving new updates; this time, you should be able to download them without any issues. 

Why Does My Windows 10 Version 1903 Not Install?

One of the reasons for not being able to install Windows 10 Version 1903 is the third-party antivirus program installed on your PC. Other possible reasons could be the improper functioning of the Windows update components and Wups2. 

How Do I Fix a Windows 10 Update Error?

One of the ways to fix Windows 10 update errors is restarting Windows update components. You can also try to install the Windows 10 latest updates manually to eliminate this error instantly. 

How Do I Force Windows 1903 To Update?

Open Settings and move to the Windows Updates settings. Then, click Check For New Updates to search for new updates. If you see any updates, click Download. Once the updates download, click on the Install button to install those updates. 

How Do I Update My 1803 to 1903?

Open the Settings and then move to the Update & Security settings. Click Check For New Updates and wait a few seconds to let the Windows search for new updates. Click Install if the latest updates are available. 

How Can I Update Windows 1903 to 2004?

Download the Windows Media Creation tool from Microsoft’s Official Website. Run the Media Creation tool and click Upgrade This PC. After that, click Download and install updates and follow the on-screen instructions to install Windows 10 2004 update. 

Conclusion

Windows update error 0x80080008 could be very irritating as it prevents you from installing the latest Windows 10 updates. You can try the above-mentioned methods to resolve the errors and install new updates. All of the methods are found after hefty research, so we assure you they will indeed fix the error. Try all the methods one by one and let us know which one worked for you.

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