Fix: Error Code 800f020b when Installing a Windows Update

Several Windows users are encountering the Error Code 800f020b when trying to install one or more Windows updates. The issue is not exclusive to a certain Windows version since it’s encountered on Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. But by far, the highest frequency of reported issues with this particular error code is on Windows 10. Some affected users that have run the diagnostic tool in relation to this issue have reported that are saying that there are multiple issues that remain unsolved.

What is causing the 800f020b error code?

We investigated this particular issue by looking at various user reports and the repair strategies that are commonly being used to fix this problem. Based on our investigations, there are several common scenarios that will trigger this error code:

If you’re currently struggling to resolve this exact error code, this article will provide you with several troubleshooting steps. Down below, you’ll find a collection of methods that other users in a similar situation have successfully applied to resolve the 800f020b error.

Since the methods below are ordered by efficiency and severity, we encourage you to follow them in the order that they are presented. Eventually, one of the methods should resolve the issue regardless of the culprit that is causing the issue.

Method 1: Switching to a wired printer connection (if applicable)

If you’re getting this error while Windows Update is attempting to update your printer firmware, chances are the issue is encountered because the printer driver is not comfortable to be updated over a wireless connection. This typically occurs with HP printers.

If this scenario is applicable to your current situation and you’re printer is connected to your wireless network, switch to a wired connection and see if the issue is still occurring.

After you switch to a wired connection, attempt to install the update that was previously failing and see if the issue has been resolved. If you’re still encountering the 800f020b error or this method wasn’t applicable,move down to the next method below.

Method 2: Inserting the pocket media drive (if applicable)

If you previously used a Pocket media drive (particularly HP’s version) chances are the 800f020b error code gets thrown because Windows Update is unable to communicate with the device in order to update its firmware.

Several other users that encountered this issue have reported that the issue was resolved and the update installed normally after they connected the pocket media drive and completed the update installation.

Note: This particular method might also be applicable to another type of devices.

If this method wasn’t applicable or you’ve connected the pocket media drive with no results, move down to the next method below.

Method 3: Hiding the Windows Update

In some cases, the error code 0x800F020b is indicative that the device instance does not exist. Under certain conditions, Windows might try to install optional drivers that don’t necessarily apply to your system.

Several users that had to deal with a similar problem have reported that they managed to deal with the issue by simpling hiding the update that was triggering the error code. This procedure is not permanent since you can always download the driver manually (from the manufacturer’s website) if you ever decide to give it another go.

Here’s a quick guide on ensuring that Windows update will not trigger the issue once again:

1. Download & install the Microsoft Show or Hide troubleshooter package from this link (here).
2. Once the utility is downloaded, double-click on it to open it and start by clicking on Advanced button. Then, check the box associated with Apply Repairs Automatically.

   

3. Click on Next to advance to the next menu. Wait until the utility finishes to scan for updates, then click on Hide Updates.

   

4. Check the box associated with the update that you want to hide, then click on Next to advance to the next screen.

   

5. Wait until the procedure is complete, then restart your computer and check if the error code is resolved.

If you’re still encountering the 800f020b error code, move down to the next method below.

Method 4: Using a System Restore Point

Several affected users have reported that they only managed to resolve the 800f020b error code after they used an older System Restore point to bring their machine to a healthy state before the bad update ended up producing the issue.

System Restore is a utility that will restore your whole Windows installation back to a working state. A restore point contains a snapshot of Windows system files, hardware drivers, registry settings and program files. Although restore points can be created manually, you can also create them manually.

Here’s a quick guide on performing a System Restore from a point:

1. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run dialog box. Then, type “rstrui” and hit the Enter key to open up the System Restore wizard.

   

2. On the initial screen of System Restore, click on Next to advance to the next menu.
3. Next, make sure that you start by checking the box associated with Show more restore points. Then, select a restore point that is older than the date you first encountered the 800f020b error code and click on Next.

   

4. Now that the utility is correctly configured, all that’s left t do is click the Finish button to restart your machine. At the next startup sequence, the older machine state should be enforced.