Best Ways to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80080005

Summary: Windows Update Error 0x80080005 can disrupt the operating system update process, leading to various performance and security issues. To fix the issue, you can try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter or resetting system components. We will guide you through each step to restore your PC’s normal functioning. If Error 0x80080005 results in data loss or instability, we will show you how to recover your lost data quickly.

Table of Content:

• How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80080005 – 5 Methods
• What is Windows Update Error 0x80080005?
• What Causes Windows Update Error 0x80080005? 
• How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80080005?

How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80080005 – 5 Methods

Windows OS regularly downloads updates and security patches to keep it running smoothly. However, the process is not always smooth, and you could be looking at any error message related to the Windows update process. The Windows update error code 0x80080005 is one such error that occurs frequently.

This article looks into what this error means and why it occurs. We have also provided detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to resolve it.

What is Windows Update Error 0x80080005?

Error 0x80080005 is an error code associated with Windows Update. The error code 0x80080005 is a generic error that signifies an unknown or unspecified issue within Windows Update. However, it often points to a problem with the Windows Update service and corrupted system files.

Here’s an example of the error message you can expect to see when error 0x80080005 occurs.

What Causes Windows Update Error 0x80080005? 

Windows update error 0x80080005 can occur for many different reasons. Here are the most common ones.

• Corrupted Windows Update Components

The files and services that manage Windows Update can become corrupted due to improper shutdowns, software conflicts, or malware infections.

• Conflicting Software

Security software such as antivirus or firewall programs could interfere with the update process.

• Insufficient Disk Space

Windows Update requires adequate disk space to download and install updates. The lack of sufficient space can halt the update process.

Also Read: How to Fix Install Error 0x80070103 in Windows 10/11?

• Corrupted System Files

Essential system files might be damaged or missing, preventing Windows Update from functioning correctly.

• Issues with Windows Update Services

If the services required for Windows Update are not running or are malfunctioning, updates cannot proceed.

Now that you know the principal issues that cause Windows Update Error 0x80080005, let’s turn to the solutions.

Also Read: What is Error 0x80070570 and How to Fix It?

How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80080005?

Windows Update Error 0x80080005 can be frustrating. However, with the right troubleshooting steps, it can be resolved. This section shares a detailed, step-by-step approach to fixing this error.

Method 1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix common issues related to Windows Update.

1. Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
2. Go to Update > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

3. Scroll down to find Windows Update.

4. Click Run next to Windows Update.

5. Follow the On-Screen instructions.
6. The troubleshooter will begin diagnosing the issue.
7. Follow any prompts to fix detected problems.

After completing the troubleshooting steps, restart your PC and try running Windows Update again.

If the troubleshooter identifies and fixes issues, the update should proceed without further problems.

Also Read: The Computer Won’t Wake Up From Sleep on Windows 11: How to Fix the Issue?

Method 2. Restart Windows Update Services

Restarting the Windows Update services can resolve issues where services are not functioning correctly.

1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Locate Update Services.
4. Find and select the following services:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Cryptographic Services

5. For each service

1. • Right-click and select Restart.
   • If Restart is not available, click Stop, wait a few seconds, then click Start.

6. Verify Startup Type

1. • Ensure each service is set to Automatic:
   • Right-click on the service.
   • Select Properties.
   • In the General tab, set Startup type to Automatic.

• Click Apply, then OK.
• Once all services are restarted, close the Services window.

7. Go to Settings > Windows Update and try checking for updates.

Restarting these services often resolves glitches that prevent updates from downloading or installing.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error 0xc1900208?

Method 3. Re-register Windows Update Components

Re-registering Windows Update components can fix issues caused by unregistered or incorrectly registered DLL files.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
2. Type cmd in the Start menu search bar.

3. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
4. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

1. • 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

5. Explanation of Commands

1. • Stopping Services: Halts Windows Update services to safely modify their settings.
   • Renaming Folders: This option renames the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders, forcing Windows to create new ones and potentially clearing corrupted data.
   • Starting Services: Restarts the services after making changes.

6. After executing all commands, type exit and press Enter.
7. Reboot your system to apply changes.
8. Go to Settings > Windows Update and attempt to download and install updates.

Renaming the Software Distribution and catroot2 folders effectively resets Windows Update components without deleting existing updates.

Also Read: Error 0x800701b1 Troubleshooting on Windows 11/10

Method 4. Reset Windows Update Components Manually

Manually resetting Windows Update components can address issues that automatic repair cannot fix.

1. Follow the steps as in the previous section to open an elevated Command Prompt.
2. Stop Windows Update Services:
3. Enter the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptSvc
• net stop bits
• net stop msiserver

4. Delete Temporary Update Files:

• Execute the following commands individually:
• del /q /f /s %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\*.*
• del /q /f /s %systemroot%\System32\catroot2\*.*

5. Reset Network Settings:
6. Input the following commands:

• netsh winsock reset

• netsh winsock reset proxy
• ipconfig /release
• ipconfig /renew
• ipconfig /flushdns

7. Re-register DLL Files:

• regsvr32 /s atl.dll
• regsvr32 /s urlmon.dll
• regsvr32 /s mshtml.dll

• regsvr32 /s shdocvw.dll
• regsvr32 /s browseui.dll
• regsvr32 /s jscript.dll
• regsvr32 /s vbscript.dll
• regsvr32 /s scrrun.dll
• regsvr32 /s msxml.dll
• regsvr32 /s msxml3.dll
• regsvr32 /s msxml6.dll
• regsvr32 /s actxprxy.dll
• regsvr32 /s softpub.dll
• regsvr32 /s wintrust.dll
• regsvr32 /s dssenh.dll
• regsvr32 /s rsaenh.dll
• regsvr32 /s gpkcsp.dll
• regsvr32 /s sccbase.dll
• regsvr32 /s slbcsp.dll
• regsvr32 /s cryptdlg.dll
• regsvr32 /s oleaut32.dll
• regsvr32 /s ole32.dll
• regsvr32 /s shell32.dll
• regsvr32 /s initpki.dll
• regsvr32 /s wuapi.dll
• regsvr32 /s wuaueng.dll
• regsvr32 /s wuaueng1.dll
• regsvr32 /s wucltui.dll
• regsvr32 /s wups.dll
• regsvr32 /s wups2.dll
• regsvr32 /s wuweb.dll

8. Restart Windows Update Services:

• net start wuauserv
• net start cryptSvc
• net start bits
• net start msiserver

9. Type exit and press Enter to close the Command Prompt
10. Restart to apply all changes.
11. Navigate to Settings > Windows Update and check for updates.

This method ensures a thorough reset of all Windows Update components, eliminating potential corruption or misconfiguration.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070057?

Method 5. Check for Corrupted System Files

Corrupted or missing system files can prevent Windows Update from functioning correctly. Running system file checks can repair these issues.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
2. As before, open an elevated Command Prompt.
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

4. Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time.
5. Analyze SFC Results:

1. • If SFC finds and repairs corrupt files, it will display a message accordingly.
   • If SFC is unable to fix some issues, proceed to the next step.

6. Run Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM):
7. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

8. Press Enter and wait for the process to complete. This can take several minutes.
9. After DISM completes, run sfc /scannow once more to ensure all issues are resolved.
10. Close Command Prompt and Restart:
11. Type exit and press Enter.
12. Reboot your system to apply changes.
13. Check for Updates:
14. Go to Settings > Windows Update and attempt to download and install updates.

Note: If the above methods fail or your system becomes unstable during the process, you risk losing important files. This is a problem if you haven’t backed up your data recently.

In such a scenario, you need reliable data recovery software to retrieve your valuable data. We strongly recommend trying out Stellar Data Recovery for Windows to recover your lost data.

Here’s why:

• It lets you preview your recoverable files before purchasing the software license.
• It can restore data from formatted, encrypted, and corrupted drives.
• It supports over 1000 file types and formats, including documents, photos, videos, audio files, and archives.

This makes Stellar Data Recovery software the first choice for users who value security, reliability, and peace of mind.

Of course, data recovery using software, such as the one from Stellar, works when your data loss is linked to a logical error or because of a human error, such as accidental file deletion. In case there is a physical malfunction with your storage media at the root of the issue, you will need to speak with an expert at Stellar Data Recovery Services, and they will help you decide the right next steps.

Now, we shall answer a few FAQs on the topic. If you have any questions, you are welcome to write in the comment box below or send us an email.

Also Read: How to Reset HP Laptop Without Losing Data?

FAQs

1. How to check manually for Windows Updates?

Although most users prefer Windows Update to run as a background service it is possible to download and install updates manually.

To check for Windows updates, do the following:

1. Right-click on the Start button.
2. Select Settings.
3. Select Update & Security.
4. Select Windows Update.
5. Select Check for updates.

Your PC will reboot after all the updates are completed.

Also Read: How to Fix Blank White Screen of Death on Windows 11/10?

2. What happens if my internet connection drops during a Windows update?

Two possible scenarios can happen.

• Internet connection fails while downloading package

Windows will pause the download and wait for the internet connection to resume.

• Loss of internet during the installation phase

Windows may roll back to the previous version or display a “Failed to install” message.

If you find Windows is not booting, enter Windows Recovery Environment and restore it to an earlier point.

Also Read: Windows 11 PC Keeps Crashing

3. My computer works fine. Do I have to download Windows updates?

Yes, absolutely. You must install updates. Not only will you not receive new features and drivers, but most importantly you will not receive security patches. Your computer will be unable to withstand malware attacks without regularly installing patches.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error 0xc1900401?