How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80080005

Windows Update helps keep your computer secure and reliable by delivering security patches, bug fixes, feature updates, and other improvements. However, the update process can sometimes fail and display an error code.

Windows Update Error Code 0x80080005 can prevent updates from downloading or installing correctly. The problem may be related to corrupted system files, Windows Update components, security software, or services that are not running properly.

Fortunately, you can try several troubleshooting methods before considering a Windows reset.

What Causes Error Code 0x80080005?

Several issues can cause this update error. Common possibilities include:

• Corrupted or missing Windows system files
• Problems with Windows Update services
• Damaged update components or cache files
• Antivirus or security software interference
• Incorrect service configuration
• Problems with the Windows Update database

Start with the simpler solutions first. If the error remains, continue with the more advanced methods below.

Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

Security software can sometimes interfere with Windows Update. If you use a third-party antivirus application, temporarily disable its real-time protection and check for updates again.

Before disabling security protection, make sure you understand the risks. Turn it back on after testing Windows Update.

How to Temporarily Disable Antivirus Protection

The exact steps depend on your antivirus application. Generally:

1. Open your antivirus application.
2. Go to Settings or Protection.
3. Find the Real-time protection option.
4. Temporarily disable the protection.
5. Try checking for Windows updates again.
6. Re-enable your antivirus after testing.

If the update works after disabling the software, check the antivirus settings for features that may be blocking Windows Update.

Run SFC and DISM

If system-file corruption is causing repeated update failures, you can also review our guide to Windows Update Error Code 0x800F0900 for related troubleshooting.

Corrupted Windows system files can interfere with the update process. The System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management tools can scan Windows and repair certain system problems.

Run System File Checker

1. Right-click Start.
2. Select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
3. Enter the following command:

sfc /scannow

4. Press Enter.
5. Wait for the scan to finish.
6. Restart your computer after the process completes.

If SFC reports that it could not repair some files, run DISM.

Run DISM

Open Terminal (Admin) again and run these commands one at a time:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Then run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Finally, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Allow each command to finish before running the next one. Once the process is complete, restart your computer and check Windows Update again.

If system-file corruption is causing repeated update failures, you can also review our guide to Windows Update Error Code 0x800F0900 for related troubleshooting.

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes built-in troubleshooting tools that can identify common update problems. The steps vary slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Click Troubleshoot.
4. Select Other troubleshooters.
5. Find Windows Update and click Run.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click Troubleshoot.
4. Select Additional troubleshooters.
5. Choose Windows Update.
6. Click Run the troubleshooter.

After the troubleshooter finishes, restart your computer and check for updates again.

After the process finishes, restart your computer. Then open Windows Update and check for updates again.

Check Windows Update Services

Windows relies on several background services to download and install updates. If an important service is stopped or incorrectly configured, the update process may fail.

Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Press Enter.
4. Find Windows Update.
5. Double-click the service.
6. Set Startup type to Automatic.
7. Click Start if the service is not running.
8. Select Apply and then OK.

You can also check related services such as Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Cryptographic Services.

Restart your computer after making the changes and try Windows Update again.

Reset Windows Update Components

If updates still fail to download after resetting the components, see Windows Update Error Code 0x8024A206 for additional troubleshooting steps.

If the update cache or related components have become corrupted, resetting them can help.

Open Terminal (Admin) and run these commands one at a time:

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

Next, rename the update cache folders:

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

Now restart the required services:

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

Restart the computer after completing these commands. Then open Windows Update and check for available updates.

Check Your Internet Connection

If Windows Update continues to experience network-related problems, our guide to Windows Update Error Code 0x8024402C covers related connection, proxy, firewall, and update-service issues.

A reliable internet connection is important when Windows downloads update files. If your connection is unstable, the download may fail or become incomplete.

Try restarting your router or connecting to another network. If Windows Update continues to experience network-related problems, our guide to Windows Update Error Code 0x8024402C covers related connection, proxy, firewall, and update-service issues.

Reset Windows Only as a Last Resort

If none of the troubleshooting methods work, you can consider using the Reset this PC option.

Before proceeding, back up important documents, photos, and other personal files. Depending on the reset option you select, applications and settings may be removed.

Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Choose Recovery.
4. Select Reset PC.
5. Follow the instructions on screen.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Choose Recovery.
4. Under Reset this PC, select Get started.
5. Follow the instructions provided by Windows.

Use this option only after trying the less disruptive troubleshooting methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does error 0x80080005 mean?

The error indicates that Windows Update has encountered a problem that prevents the update process from completing normally. Corrupted system files, services, update components, and security software can contribute to the problem.

Can SFC fix this update error?

SFC can repair certain corrupted or damaged Windows system files. If SFC cannot resolve the problem, running DISM can provide another way to repair the Windows component store.

Should I disable my antivirus permanently?

No. Disable third-party antivirus protection only temporarily for troubleshooting. Re-enable it after testing Windows Update.

Do I need to reset Windows?

Usually, a reset should not be the first solution. Try repairing system files, checking services, running the troubleshooter, and resetting Windows Update components first.

Conclusion

Windows Update Error Code 0x80080005 can prevent your computer from installing important updates, but several troubleshooting options are available.

Start by checking your security software and internet connection. Next, run SFC and DISM, use the Windows Update troubleshooter, and verify that the required services are running. If the problem continues, resetting the Windows Update components may help.

A Windows reset should be considered only as a final option after you have backed up your important files.