How to fix
Windows update error 0x800f080a
on Windows

Hello. I tried to install the most recent Windows updates but they failed with a 0x800f080a error. How do I solve this issue and update my system?

Windows update errors are a common issue that many users experience when trying to install the latest updates for their operating system. One such error that has been reported by many users is the 0x800f080a error code. This error can impact users in a number of ways.

For one, it can prevent important security updates from being installed, leaving the system vulnerable to potential threats.[ref en-1] Additionally, it can also prevent feature updates from being installed, potentially leaving the system without important new features and improvements.

Given the importance of keeping a system up to date, it is important for users to address Windows update errors as soon as possible. There are a number of possible solutions to the 0x800f080a error, but some of the most common include clearing the Windows update cache, running the Windows update troubleshooter, and using the DISM tool to repair any corrupted files on the system.

It is also recommended to check for the Windows update service status and ensure it is running. Also, make sure that the system and Windows update-related services are running. The update error could also be caused by conflicting software installed on the system.

In this guide, you will find 9 steps that should help you fix Windows update error 0x800f080a. Keep in mind that the manual troubleshooting process can be lengthy. Instead, you can use a maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Method 1. Run the Update Troubleshooter

• Press the Windows + X keys and go to Settings
• Go to Update and Security
• Click Troubleshooter

• Select Additional troubleshooters
• Run the Update troubleshooter
• Restart

Method 2. Repair Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 3. Check Disk

Ensure that your disk is not damaged. You can perform checks using Administrative Command Prompt:

• If you are using an HDD as your main driver (where your operating system is installed - C: by default), use the following command and press Enter:
  chkdsk c: /f
• If you are using SSD, use this command:
  chkdsk c: /f /r /x

• If you receive an error, type in Y and hit Enter
• Restart your device to perform the check

Method 4. Restart Windows Services

• Press Windows + R to open the Run box
• Type in services.msc and press OK
• Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service
• If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK

• If the status is Running, right-click then select Restart
• Locate the Windows Update service and double-click it
• If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and OK. If the status is Running, right-click, then select Restart

Method 5. Reset Windows Update Components

• Open Command Prompt as administrator again
• Copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  net stop bits
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop appidsvc
  net stop cryptsvc
  Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*”
  rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
  rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
  regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh winsock reset proxy
  net start bits
  net start wuauserv
  net start appidsvc
  net start cryptsvc

• Restart your PC

Method 6. Download the Update Manually

Whenever Windows updates fail to install automatically, you can always try doing it manually. First, you need to find out which KB number is relevant to you.

• Right-click Start button and pick Settings
• Go to Update & Security
• On the right, locate and click View update history
• From the list, note the KB number that fails to install with the error code
• Go to Microsoft Update Catalog page, type in the KB number, and press Search

• Download the update and install it manually

Method 7. Update Drivers

Outdated drivers could be the cause of the error. In this case, you can fix it automatically by using [rev id="DriverFix"], which will scan your PC for missing and out-of-date device drivers. Or you can update them manually:

• In the search box on the taskbar, enter device manager, then select Device Manager
• Select a category to see the names of devices, then right-click the one you’d like to update
• Select Search automatically for updated driver software

• Select Update Driver

Method 8. Try Clean Boot

• Open the Search menu, type in system configuration, and press Enter
• Under the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services box
• Click on Disable all button
• Head over to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager
• Select a third-party program and click on Disable at the top

• Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs
• Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and see if the issue persists
• If Windows updates in the clean boot state, then you can be certain that a third-party app is causing the issue
• Go through all recently installed apps or programs and remove them one by one

Method 9. Upgrade Install Windows

• Download Windows 10 installation media or Windows 11 installation media from the official website
• Open the tool once it installed
• Agree to license terms
• Choose Upgrade this PC now

• Wait for the update to be installed