A Guide to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80080005 on Windows 10

Windows Update is a necessary process for all Windows computers. It introduces new features, fixes bugs, and enhances system stability. But the Windows 10 users have been reporting an error that prevents them from downloading the new updates on their computers. Whenever they try to download the updates, a message pops up with an error code 0x80080005 and notifies the users to try again later.

The reasons for the error haven’t been specified in the error message. So we have to consider all the possible reasons that can create this Windows Update error 0x80080005. If you are also struggling with this same issue, then don’t worry. In this article, we will show you some quick solutions that will help you resolve this error.

What causes Windows Update error 0x80080005?

A list of possible causes that can create the error-

Interference by a third-party Antivirus software
Issue with the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
Your computer is unable to access the System Volume Information folder.
Update files are damaged.

Now that you have become familiar with the reasons that can produce the Windows Update error 0x80080005, work your way through the solutions. See which one works for your computer.

Solutions to solve the Windows Update error 0x80080005:

Solution 1: Uninstall or disable the third-party Antivirus software

Sometimes the third-party Antivirus software becomes overprotective and starts interfering with the Windows updating process. Suppose you have any third-party antivirus software installed on your computer. In that case, it’s time to uninstall them or disable them temporarily. Your computer already has an inbuilt security program Window Defender that is enough to protect your computer from viruses. So, you don’t need external security software for that. After you uninstall or disable the third-party Antivirus software, check for the error. If the error is resolved, then consider changing your third-party security programs.

Solution 2: Run the SFC and DISM tools

The Windows Update error 0x80080005 can also arise due to damaged update files. To fix this issue, you have to use the built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool. Follow these steps.

First, right-click on the Start menu and choose the Command Prompt (admin) option.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command line.

sfc/scannow

Press Enter.
After the process is over, check for the error.

If you were unable to run an SFC scan, follow these steps to run the DISM tool.

You have to right-click on the Start menu.
Now, choose the Command Prompt (admin) option.
Run the following command line and press Enter.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

You can also use this alternative command-line- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:SourcesInstall.wim:1 /LimitAccess

(Where “X” is the drive letter where your Windows 10 ISO is present)

Wait for the process to complete and then check if you can install the Windows updates.

Solution 3: Use the Windows Update troubleshooter

The error can also be produced due to some messed up Windows Update components. To reset or repair those components, you have to run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Press Windows key +I.
Open the Settings app option.
Go to the Update & Security tab.
In the left pane, choose the Troubleshoot option.
In the right pane, locate the Windows Update option and click on the Run the troubleshooter button.
Follow the on-screen instructions.
After the process is over, see if you can download the updates

Solution 4: Fix the system volume information folder access issue

Sometimes your computer fails to access the system volume information folder, which creates the Windows Update error 0×80080005. In order to fix this issue, follow these steps, and make your computer access the system volume information folder.

Right-click on the Start menu to open the WinX
Choose the Command Prompt (Admin) option.
Now, type the following command line in the Command Prompt window, then press Enter.

cmd.exe /c takeown /f “C: System Volume Information*” /R /D Y && icacls “C: System Volume Information*”” /grant:R SYSTEM:F /T /C /L

After the process is complete, close the Command Prompt window and restart your PC.
See if the error continues to come while you update your Windows.

Solution 5: Reset the security descriptors of BITS

In some cases, the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) security descriptors start creating problems leading to the Windows Update error 0x80080005. To fix this issue, you have to follow these steps and reset the BITS security descriptors.

Press Windows key +R.
Type “cmd” and click “OK.”
Open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
Now, type the following command lines in the Command Prompt window and press Enter after each command line is successfully executed.

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

pause

After the process is over, restart your computer and check for the error.

Solution 6: Disable the Windows Update Service temporarily

It is possible the error is happening due to some problems present in the Windows Update Service. So, to fix the error 0x80080005, you have to disable the Windows Update Service and then restart the service to check for the error.

Press Windows key +R.
Type “Services.MSC” and press Enter.
After the Service Management window opens up, find the Windows Update option.
Double-click on it to open its Properties.
Then, choose its startup type as “Disabled.”
Choose “Apply” and click “OK” to save changes.
Now, restart your computer.
Go to the Services window and open the Windows Update service properties.
Set its startup type as “Automatic.”
See if you can find the error again.

Solution 7: Make changes to the Group Policy Settings

The option to download certain repair content directly from the Windows Update servers remains disabled by default. But to solve the Windows Update error, you need to enable this option by making changes to the group policy settings.

Press Windows key +R.
Type gpedit.msc and press Enter.
In the left pane, double-click on the Administrative Templates and open the System folder.
Then, in the right pane, double-click on the “Specify Settings for Optional Content Installation” option.
You have to check the “Enabled” option.
You also have to check the “Download Repair Content and options features directly” option.
Then, you have to click on “Apply” and click “OK” to save changes.
See if the error persists.

Solution 8: Registry Editor

If none of the above-mentioned solutions worked for you, then you have to try making changes to the registry. The Windows Update error can be a result of some registry issues. So, To fix the problem, follow these steps.

Press Windows key +R.
Type “regedit” and press Enter.
After the Registry Editor opens up, go to the following folder.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Current\Control\SetControl

In the right pane, right-click on an empty space.
Choose the “New” option to create a new DWORD with 32-bit Value.
Name the new DWORD RegistrySizeLimit.
Double-click on the RegistrySizeLimit DWORD and change its value to 4294967295.
Close the registry editor window.
Then, check for the error.

To increase the performance and security of your Windows 10 computer, you need to keep it updated. But the Windows Update module of Windows 10 is known to be associated with many errors. Out of those many errors, we have covered the Error 0x80080005 for you.

The error looks a bit scary, but thankfully it is fixable. You just need to follow our solutions and perform the steps carefully. We hope that one of our solutions will save your computer from this error, and you will be able to install the new Windows Updates. If you have any queries or feedback, please write down the comment in the below comment box.