It is crucial and essential to keep our windows updated for the better functioning of our laptop and computers. But every good thing comes at a price. If you have recently updated to Windows 10 and are facing the error 0x80080008 then you are not alone. It is a common problem faced by many other users all over the world.
Error Code 0x80080008 is displayed only when some of your updates are stuck or when some of the update files are not completely downloaded. But you do not need to panic because every lock has a key and every problem a solution. Therefore, the error can also be fixed by quite a few measures.
If you try them one by one then one of them is sure to hit the mark. We are here today with a few solutions to the above-mentioned error. So without much further ado, let’s get right into the list of possible solutions.
Windows Update Error 0x80080008 in Windows 10
1. 0x80080008 Server 2016: Many people have come across this error in Windows Server 2016. However, the title says that the solutions are for Windows 10 but you can apply and try this solution for this particular error on the operating system too.
2. Windows Update Failed: This stops your Windows update from functioning. This can be easily solved by making a few changes in your antivirus or you can download the update manually too.
7 Ways to Fix Error Code 0x80080008 in Windows 10
Unfortunately, the 0x80080008 error stuck some of the files while you are updating them. Here, is the list of solutions that can fix the issue and are reliable. All the fixes are trustworthy, safe, and hassle-free. Do give these solutions a try if you also have a similar issue. Let’s go ahead.
Solution 1: Check Your Antivirus
First and foremost it has been reported by several users that the 0x80080008 error can be caused due to the antivirus in your computer or laptop. You need to make a few changes to go through the error.
If that does not work then you can also try disabling your antivirus on your device until the update is completed but if that still shows the error then the next step will be to remove the antivirus completely from your device.
If you are worried about the viruses and malware that might enter your device through that small window frame then you do not need to lose your calm at all because there is no need to worry. While your update is being completed, the Windows Defender will sufficiently hold the fort. If you are insecure then you can redownload the antivirus after the update is completed.
If your problem is solved by this solution then it is good and well but you should consider changing your antivirus software. There are hundreds of good antivirus out there. One-click on the net and you can find hundreds of them but do not rush it. Do your research and choose one that fits your needs and your style.
Solution 2: Perform SFC and DISM Scans
If the above method did not work and it still displays the error 0x80080008 then there might be some problem with your Windows Installer. You can also fix this one by following a few simple steps–
Step 1: Right-click and open the Start menu.
Step 2: Navigate to Command Prompt (Admin).
Step 3: To start the SFC scan you need to type in sfc/scannow in the command box and press Enter.
Step 4: This will start the SFC scan you need and it will solve all the corrupted files after searching and finding them.
This can solve the corrupted files but if that is not the problem that you are facing then you can try other methods like the DISM scan. It is also a very simple process and you can perform it by following the following steps:
Step 1: Right-click and open the Start menu.
Step 2: Open the Command Prompt (Administrator) by clicking on the option.
Step 3: Type DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
Step 4: But if files can not be obtained online then try using your USB or DVD. Insert the media and type in the command prompt ‘DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess’
Step 5: Replace the path to your DVD or USB.
If the problem is solved through this method then it’s great but if not then read on to the following solutions.
Note: In case you were unable to run the SFC scan before, try running the SFC scan after the DISM scan. Check if the error still persists.
Solution 3: Restart Windows Update Components
Another solution that has been said to work is to Restart the Windows Update Components because sometimes it is required. It is a very lengthy and tedious process to perform manually but you will be fine as long as you use the command prompt. To restart the windows update components follow the step by step procedure given below-
Step 1: Click on the start menu and open the Command Prompt (Administrator).
Step 2: Run the following list of commands.
- 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
Running the above-mentioned commands should solve the error if you had any problem with the Windows Update Components but if the problem lies elsewhere then you have to look and read on further to the next solutions but don’t lose hope or give up yet.
There are several other solutions that you have not tried yet. So if the error 0x80080008 is still persisting then let’s move on to the next solution.
Solution 4: Manually Download the Update
If you keep getting the error 0x80080008 then you can manually download the update. This is a pretty simple process that can be accomplished by following the mentioned steps–
Step 1: You need to find the KB number of the update you are downloading. You can do that either by visiting the Windows Update History Website or from the Windows Update section.
Step 2: Once you have done that and figured out the KB number of your desired update you need to visit the Microsoft Update Catalogue Website.
Step 3: Enter the number of the update in the search field of that website.
Step 4: A list will appear. Find the update which matches the most with the architectural pattern of your system and then download it.
Step 5: After the update is completely downloaded you need to install it.
This will remove the hassle and your system will be updated to the latest version. However, it won’t solve the core problem. So keep that in mind if you are going for this solution.
Solution 5: Restart BITS Services
BITS stands for Background Intelligent Transfer Service. It plays a vital role in processing updates. At times it can malfunction which can ultimately cause the error 0x80080008. But this problem can be easily fixed by restarting the service. You just need to follow the steps to do so–
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R. The search box will open. Type in ‘services.msc’ and hit enter.
Step 2: Navigate to Background Intelligent Transfer Service and click on it to open it.
Step 3: If you find that the service is crashed and not currently running then press the start button.
Step 4: Confirm the selection and check for updates.
This can solve your error hit but in case it fails and the error still persists then please calmly move on to the next solution.
Solution 6: Boot In a Safe Boot Mode
At a given time, several programs are running in the background. This can slow down your device and prevent that update. Booting the computer in a safe Boot mode can solve your problems. Therefore follow the following steps to do so:
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R and enter misconfig. Click on OK.
Step 2: Navigate to the Services tab. Find the ‘Hide all Microsoft Services’ and check that box by clicking on it. Then disable the app by clicking on ‘Disable all’ and hitting apply.
Step 3: Go to the Startup tab next. Navigate to Open Task Manager and disable all the Startup programs individually. This will help in not slowing down your device for the update to carry on.
Step 4: Restart your device.
This can solve your problem and remove the error 0x80080008. You need to check of after Restarting your device the update is actually getting completed or not. If you are able to then the problem is solved then great otherwise proceed to the next solution.
Solution 7: Perform an In-place Update
For all the novices out there, an In-place update is one where Windows is forced to update to the latest version while keeping your files intact. This is taken as a last resort because it is not so good for your system. Follow the following steps to perform an in-place update–
Step 1: Download Media Creation Tool if you already do not have it.
Step 2: Open it and select the option ‘Upgrade this PC now’. Click on next. It may take a while so wait for a little.
Step 3: Click on ‘Download and Install Updates’ and select next. Wait for the updates to be downloaded.
Step 4: After the download is completed you need to follow the instructions on the screen until you reach the Ready to Install screen. At this point click on the ‘Change what to keep’ Option.
Step 5: Click and select ‘Keep personal files and apps’ and click on next.
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
This will solve your error 0x80080008 by force. The update will be installed and you can rest your mind. This option is kept as a last resort. So try the above-mentioned solutions before jumping the gun on this one.
Conclusion
We hope that you have this article useful and that you were able to resolve your Error 0x80080008 by any of the above-mentioned solutions given.
