At this point, update errors are a common sight for Windows users. In older versions of the system, people can use different tricks to disable the updates. However, with Windows 10, there is only little you can do to stop the process. The best option you have is to postpone the installation.

One of the recurring update errors is the one with the code 0x80080008. When you see this error code, you will notice that the update process gets stuck or some of the files are 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 workarounds for this issue. While our solutions work best for Windows 10, they are also applicable for older systems like Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 7.

Before we learn how to fix Windows 10 update error 0x80080008, it would be best if we discuss some of the common issues related to it. In this way, you will gain a better idea of how to prevent the error from appearing again.

  • Windows update failed – The error 0x80080008 can cause the updates to stop working. You should be able to resolve this issue by disabling your third-party anti-virus. A good workaround would be to manually download the updates. We will discuss these solutions below.
  • 0x80080008 Server 2016 – A lot of users also reported problems with Windows Server 2016. Our methods are designed to resolve the error 0x80080008 on Windows 10, but some of them should apply to Windows 2016.

Method 1: Disabling your Anti-Virus

Some users reported that the update error 0x80080008 can appear due to problems with third-party anti-virus programs. If you have one, try disabling it and check if the update will push through. However, if that doesn’t work, we recommend removing your anti-virus entirely. If this solution gets rid of the error, then it is high time you switched to a different security tool.

There are several anti-virus programs on the market, but the one that will give you optimum protection without interfering with your system is Auslogics Anti-Malware. What’s more, this reliable tool can detect attacks and threats that Windows Defender might miss.

Protect your system from malicious threats with Auslogics Anti-Malware.

Method 2: Performing SFC and DISM Scans

If the error 0x80080008 keeps on coming back, there must be something wrong with your installation. It is possible that there are damaged or corrupted system files in your computer. Thankfully, this can be easily fixed by performing an SFC scan. You can do that by following these steps:

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+S.
  2. Type “command prompt” (no quotes).
  3. Right-click Command Prompt from the results, then select Run as Administrator.
  4. Once Command Prompt is up, type “sfc/scannow” (no quotes), then press Enter.

Type sfc/scannow into Command Prompt.

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:

  1. Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Run the following command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Run a DISM scan to fix the error 0x80080008.

  1. If the DISM scan can’t get the files online, you can use your installation media. Insert your USB flash drive or DVD, then run the following command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess

  1. Remember to replace ‘C:\RepairSourceWindows’ with your USB flash drive’s or DVD’s path.
  2. Once the scan is complete, check if the error persists.

If you’re going to use your installation flash drive or DVD in running the DISM scan, we recommend updating your drivers first. In this way, you will be able to resolve the issue and install the Windows updates without any problem. You can conveniently do this by using a reliable tool like Auslogics Driver Updater.

Method 3: Restarting the components of your Windows update

It is also possible that certain components of Windows update are causing the error 0x80080008 to appear. Simply restart them by following the instructions below:

  1. Right-click the Windows logo on your taskbar.
  2. Select Command Prompt (Admin), then run the following commands:

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

Method 4: Manually downloading the update

If the error 0x80080008 is blocking the update process, one of the ideal workarounds is to manually download and install the components. You can do that by following these steps:

  1. The first thing you have to do is acquire the KB number of the update you need to download. You can go to the Windows Update section in your system or visit the Windows Update History website.
  2. Once you’ve taken note of the KB number of the update, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Type the KB number of the update in the search field.
  3. You will see a list of downloadable updates. Look for the one that matches your system architecture.
  4. Click the Download button.

After following these steps, your system will be updated and your problem will be resolved. It is worth noting that this is just a workaround and it does not fix the core issue. So, if a new update is rolled out, the error 0x80080008 might come back.

Method 5: Restarting BITS services

Windows updates are successfully installed with the aid of various services, including the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS). In some cases, this service can crash and prevent you from completing the update process. What you’d have to do is restart the service. Just follow the steps below:

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+R. This should launch the Run dialog box.
  2. Type “services.msc” (no quotes), then hit Enter.
  3. Scroll down until you find Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS). Double-click it.
  4. If you notice that the service is set to ‘Stopped’, click the Start button.
  5. Go to the Recovery tab and ensure that First Failure and Second Failure are set to Restart the Service.Configure your BITS properties to resolve the error 0x80080008.
  6. Click Apply and OK.

Method 6: Using Safe Boot mode

It is possible for certain background processes to slow down or even interfere with an update. You can try to tweak your services to ensure that nothing will conflict with the update. To do that, follow these instructions:

  1. Press Windows Key+R on your keyboard.
  2. Type “msconfig” (no quotes), then hit Enter.
  3. Click the Services tab, then select the Hide all Microsoft Services option.
  4. Click Disable All, then click Apply.
  5. Click the Startup tab, then select Open Task Manager.
  6. Disable the Startup programs one by one.
  7. Restart your Computer and try installing the updates again.

Method 7: Performing an in-place upgrade

Some users reported that they had been able to get rid of the error 0x80080008 by performing an in-place upgrade. This method allows you to install the latest version of your operating system without touching your files and applications. Here’s how you do it:

  1. Go to Microsoft’s website and download the Media Creation Tool.
  2. Choose Upgrade this PC Now, then click Next. The setup will now prepare the necessary files.
  3. Select ‘Download and install updates (recommended)’, then click Next.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions until you reach the screen which says, ‘Ready to install.’ Click ‘Change what to keep’.
  5. Don’t forget to choose ‘Keep personal files and apps’, then click Next.

Doing these steps should update your Windows system to the latest version. What’s more, the process will permanently get rid of the error 0x80080008.

What Windows issue would you like us to solve next?

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