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Windows Update Error 0x80080005 [Solved For Good]

The error code 0x80080005 stretches across all OS versions, including Windows 11.

11 min. read

Updated onJuly 18, 2024

updated onJuly 18, 2024

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Resolve multiple Windows PC issues and speed up your PC effortlessly with specialized software.

Windows 10’s performance and security are largely dependent on Windows Update, especially the radical upgrades that enhance system stability.

However, even if you want to skip updates, it’s not possible since Windows Updates are obligatory. This means that you will inevitably be exposed to an abundance of error codes.

Not all errors are alike, but some pesky ones keep re-appearing for a variety of users with different system configurations.

There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. if you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x80080005).

The error code 0x80080005 frequently appears in forms likethe installer encountered an errorordownload error. It typically indicates issues with installing updates, and while we’re experienced inaddressing such errors, this specific code can be challenging as it often blocks new updates.

To help, we compiled a list of workarounds that should be useful while addressing this issue.

What does error code 0x80080005 mean?

During a Windows Update, if certain system services malfunction, the 0x80080005 error can arise. This error is prevalent across various versions, including Windows 8.1, 7, 10, and 11. It can also manifest in different contexts like the Microsoft Store, Xbox, and browsers like Chrome. Variations of this error include 0x80080005 – 0x90017 and 0x80080005 – 0x90018.

Main Causes:

These are the primary culprits, but other factors can also trigger the 0x80080005 error. The solutions provided aim to address these root causes.

How do I fix error code 0x80080005?

1. Fix error code 0x80080005 automatically

Installing anadvanced third-party programto automatically scan your PC and fix Windows tweaks is recommended. System stability issues are caused by various factors, but most of them are connected to the Windows registry.

An updated OS and a registry cleanup performed on a regular basis will improve your computer’s performance and protect it against malware.

2. Reset the Software Distribution Folder & Windows Update components

The error 0x80080005 appears often due to issues with Windows Update components. To fix that, you need to reset the necessary components manually.

After running these commands all the necessary components will be restarted and you’ll be able to download updates again.

If you don’t want to run all these commands manually, you can alwayscreate a Windows Update reset scriptand use it to reset the necessary components automatically.

3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Sometimes a minor glitch can occur and prevent you from downloading the latest updates. If you’re having an update error 0x80080005, you might be able to fix the problem using the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Windows comes with a wide range of troubleshooters, and you can use them to fix many common problems. To use Windows Update troubleshooter, check the steps above.

If you’re having trouble opening the Settings app, we have a great guide that will show youwhat to do if the Settings app is not starting.

4. Scan your system for issues

4.1 Run SFC scan

4.2 Run the DISM scan

The process may be lengthy, so make sure not to interfere until it’s done, or you won’t benefit from the results.

Once the DISM scan is finished, check if the problem is still there. If the issue is still present, repeat the SFC scan and check if that solves the issue.

4.3 Run a chkdsk scan

This command with chkdsk will fix all the possible corrupted files on your drive so it might also take care of the error 0x80080005 so it wouldn’t hurt to try it.

5. Take ownership of the System Volume Information directory

Some of our readers got the error 0x80080005 while Windows was trying to access the System Volume Information directory.

It seems that Windows can’t access this directory for some reason, but you can fix that by changing system permissions.

After running this command, you’ll have full access to the System Volume Information directory and the problem with Windows Update will be resolved.

Taking ownership of a file or folder in Windows 10shouldn’t be too complicated, and could prove useful when dealing with issues like this one.

6. Use the Registry Editor

According to users, sometimes update error 0x80080005 can appear due to issues with your registry. To fix the problem you need to create a single value in your registry as shown in the steps above.

After saving the changes, check if the problem is still there. We also provide a very helpful guide onwhat to do if the Registry Editor is not openingif you find yourself in that unpleasant situation.

7. Disable the Windows Update service

Some of our readers found out that sometimes you might be able to fix update error 0x80080005 simply by disabling the Windows Update service as indicated in the steps above.

8. Upgrade with the Media Creation Tool

Besides a clean reinstallation of the OS, the Media Creation Tool can be used for updates as well.

Even though we advise you to perform a clean install to fix update issues, you can preserve your files, apps, and settings this way.

Once the installation process is finished, you’ll have the latest version of Windows installed, and the issue should be resolved.

9. Disable the third-party antivirus software

If you’re having issues with error 0x80080005 on your PC, the cause might be third-party antivirus software. They may prevent some updated files from downloading or even deleting and corrupting them.

To fix the problem, you should try disabling certain antivirus features or completely disabling your antivirus before trying to install updates.

This of course depends on the antivirus software you have installed, as in some cases, you might be able to use the built-in option to simply pause the protection for a specific amount of time.

Because we use Eset NOD 32, we have the option to pause the protection at will, choosing from a specific list of options regarding when to re-activate the software’s protection.

To enable this option in Eset antivirus software, follow these steps:

In case you’re using other antivirus software, the exact steps will be different. There might be cases in which your antivirus doesn’t offer you the possibility to pause the protection, in which case you will need to remove it from your PC by uninstalling it.

There are many great antivirus tools on the market, and you could try out the powerfulEset NOD32, or you can check out a great list includingthe best antiviruses for Windows 10.

How to prevent error 0x80080005 from occurring again

Considering that the error code 0x80080005 appears when you’re trying to update your OS, there are a few precautions that you can take to avoid it.

However, there are some general steps to take if you want to avoid Windows Update errors and this one in particular.

Windows is updated regularly but not all updates are installed automatically. There are also optional updates for drivers that are not installed by default.

If you want to get them, you need to Go toSettings, then click onWindows Updates, and select theView optional updatesoption like in the screenshot below.

Then, clicking on theDriver updatessection will reveal the available drivers. You just need to select the ones you want to install and hit the Download and install button below. You can alsotry dedicated PC optimizer softwarefor the same effect.

Installing too many programs can clutter your system and that’s an invitation for corrupt system files to appear and mess up with your updates.

So, try to keep your system as clean as possible by uninstalling any necessary programs by visiting yourAppssection fromSettingsand clearing some of the old, unused apps.

You just need to select the app that you want to get rid of and hit the uninstall button, just like in the screenshot below.

We hope you managed to fix the Windows 10 update error 0x80080005 by using one of our solutions above.

However, if you run into other such issues, you can also consult our article abouthow to fix common Windows update problems.

Updating your system is extremely important and that is why we also recommend checking out thelatest Windows security updateand staying up to date.

If you have any alternative solutions or questions regarding the ones presented, feel free to tell us in the comments section below.

Windows Update Error 0x80080005 [Solved For Good]#

What does error code 0x80080005 mean?#

How do I fix error code 0x80080005?#

1. Fix error code 0x80080005 automatically#

2. Reset the Software Distribution Folder & Windows Update components#

3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter#

4. Scan your system for issues#

5. Take ownership of the System Volume Information directory#

6. Use the Registry Editor#

7. Disable the Windows Update service#

8. Upgrade with the Media Creation Tool#

9. Disable the third-party antivirus software#

How to prevent error 0x80080005 from occurring again#