How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80080005

0x80080005 is a Windows Update error that commonly prevents your system from downloading or installing updates. This issue often arises due to system file corruption, misconfigured update components, or interference from third-party software like antivirus programs.

In this guide, we will show you how to resolve this specific issue and get your Windows updated as soon as possible.

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Most of the time, this error can be resolved by running the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter, which automatically detects and fixes update-related problems.

1. Press the Windows Key and type Troubleshoot settings, and press Enter.
2. Click on Additional troubleshooters.

   

3. Select Windows Update and click Run the Troubleshooter.
4. Follow the instructions, and after finishing the troubleshooting, restart your PC if prompted.

2. Disable Third-Party Antivirus or Firewall Temporarily

Antivirus and firewall programs are crucial for protecting your system from threats, but third-party versions can sometimes interfere with Windows Update processes by blocking necessary files or connections. This can be particularly problematic when updates involve critical system services.

Temporarily disabling or uninstalling third-party security software can help determine if they are causing the update issue. After successfully completing the update, re-enable your third-party security program, or activate the built-in Windows Defender to maintain system protection.

3. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot is a troubleshooting technique designed to start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This process helps identify and eliminate issues caused by third-party software or services that may conflict with Windows Update.

Programs running in the background or non-Microsoft services could interfere by locking important files or consuming system resources needed for updates, thereby triggering error 0x80080005.

By performing a clean boot, you can disable these non-essential services and startup items temporarily, allowing you to install updates without interference and identify the specific application or service causing the conflict.

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab and check (✓) Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
3. Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.

   

4. Close Task Manager, click OK, and restart your computer.

4. Manually Download and Install the Update

When a specific update keeps refusing to install, one handy workaround is to grab it directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This catalog is like a library where you can directly search, download, and manually install the exact update you need.

Doing this bypasses the usual automated update process, giving you more control over what’s being installed and potentially ironing out issues that may have caused it to fail repeatedly.

1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.
2. Search for the KB (Knowledge Base) number of the update.
3. Download the appropriate update package for your system and install it manually.
   This error is not necessarily tied to a specific KB update, so while downloading or installing the update, ensure that you are downloading the correct KB code related to the update you’re trying to install.

5. Reset Windows Update Components

Update components are essential system elements that manage the downloading, installation, and configuration of Windows updates. These components include services like the Windows Update service (wuauserv), Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), and Cryptographic Services (cryptsvc).

When these components become corrupted or misconfigured, often due to incorrect shutdowns, software conflicts, or malware, they may get stuck in a loop or stall, resulting in error 0x80080005. Resetting these components using Command Prompt (CMD) can effectively resolve the issue by restoring them to their default state, allowing updates to proceed normally.

1. Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
2. Stop the required services by typing the following commands one by one and hitting Enter.

   

   net stop bits 
   net stop wuauserv 
   net stop cryptsvc

3. Rename the update-related folders by typing:

   ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

4. Now, after the above commands, it’s time to restart the services:

   net start bits 
   net start wuauserv 
   net start cryptsvc

5. Restart your computer after these commands. This will hopefully resolve your problem.

6. Repair Corrupted System Files

If none of the above methods work, repairing corrupted system files can indeed resolve the issue. Corrupted or missing system files can also trigger this error. Running the System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) can repair these files:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the following commands one at a time and press Enter.

   

   sfc /scannow 
   dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

3. Once the processes complete, restart your computer.