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How to fix error 0x80080008 on Windows 10, Windows 8 and Windows 7

Error BE GONE!

Reviewed By: Kevin Pocock

Last Updated on July 15, 2024
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Ah Windows errors, they are like that family member who comes round to see you when least expected. You know the one you don’t really like.

Here at PCguide we will be looking at a variety of Windows nasties and showing you how to fix them, or at very least, get past them.

Error 0x80080008

In the main, this error is tied to Windows update and prevents the Operating System from carrying out its updating duties to keep you safe.

It is caused by third-party anti-virus software getting in the way of proceedings and disabling your software should resolve the issue, but also leave you unprotected from viral nasties. Not ideal.

Not all anti-virus programs cause the issue so if you have only just started seeing it, think back to when you last updated your virus software.

Start by disabling your antivirus software to see if that allows you to download updates.

Now turn it back on to see if the problem returns.

You can also run some simple scans to rule out file corruption as a problem.

We will start with an SFC scan:

On your keyboard, press Windows Key+S.

Type “command prompt” (no quotes).

Right-click Command Prompt then select Run as Administrator.

Once Command Prompt is up, type “sfc/scannow” (no quotes), and hit Enter.

Any corrupted files should now be fixed. Go and make a coffee and come back in ten minutes.

If you are still having issues, the next thing to try is a DISM scan. To do that follow these steps:

Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.

Run the following command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

The next thing to try if the error persists is to restart the various components of Windows that might be causing it.

Again, right-click your Windows logo and select Command Prompt (Admin). Now you need to enter the following commands.

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

Have a quick reboot and see what’s going on.

Manually downloading the update

This way should enable you to at least get the update, but the error may come back when the next update comes around.

You will need the KB number of the update you require – all Windows updates start with this. Have a look in the Windows Update section in your system and make a note of the number that is failing.

Now head to the Windows Update Catalog and search for the KB number you just wrote down.

Find the correct one for your Windows version and hit Download and it should all work fine.

If you are still having issues, leave a comment below and we will see what we can do to help.

Paul is a contributor to PC Guide, having covered news coverage, Raspberry Pi, Windows releases and peripherals - among other things - across the site.