Windows 10: Error Code 0x80080008 [SOLVED]

Microsoft’s recent updates for Windows 10 came with issues that have compromised the stability of the platform. Amongst those is an error code 0x80080008. Users have reported that this Error is preventing them from updating their systems to the newest versions of Windows, and there is a general outcry from people for authorities to look into this matter.

This issue was unexpected from a well-established and well-experienced company like Microsoft. Many eyebrows are raised as the public looks for a solution.

What Is Error 0x80080008, And What Causes It?

Error 0x80080008 is a Windows error code displayed during a regular Windows update’s downloading and installing phase. It sabotages the whole process and stops Windows from completely updating while, in some cases rendering the system unusable for some time.

Until now, it has proven to be generally unharmful for your system, except for the fact that an older windows version doesn’t equip your system with the required protection to fight off ever-evolving malware and viruses.

The Error is said to be caused by a windows file named Wups2.dll that is included in the new version of Windows 10. If the file has not been installed correctly or there are any issues inside the downloaded file, the error is displayed.

How To Fix Windows 10 Error 0x80080008?

1. Deactivating 3rd party antivirus software.
2. Activating Automatic Updates.
3. Recommencing  Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
4. Carrying out an in-place upgrade.
5. Running an SFC scan.
6. Updating device drivers of your peripherals.

Although this article is mostly focused on windows 10, however, most of the methods and actions present can also easily be implemented on Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 (32 and 64-bit OS).

Deactivating 3rd Party Antivirus Software.

3rd party antivirus software has been reported to interfere with Windows updates. A possible reason for error 0x80080008 can be such applications.

The antivirus might recognize the file Wups2.dll as harmful and not allow it to be correctly installed or might be interfering with its functions. Deactivate all such software and then try to update your system again.

To deactivate, simply go into the settings of the software and click on ‘disable’ or ‘deactivate’. Do not worry, as all versions of Windows come equipped with a capable Windows defender and will be able to fend off more threats than these 3rs party apps do anyway.

Nonetheless, if the Error remains, it is advisable to completely delete such software as even when deactivated, it may still affect the upgradation process. After deleting, check again for the Error while updating your device.

Activating Automatic Updates.

When automatic updates are turned off for a system, there is a possibility that then there are some complications in the windows updating process which could cause error. Even aside from this Error, it is wise to keep automatic updates on as when they are on; your system is automatically updated. To turn on the automatic update feature if it is off, simply follows these steps:

1. Search settings in the screen’s Window search bar at the bottom left.
2. 
   Settings option in the search bar
3. Click on settings; once it opens, select the ‘Update and Security option at the end.Update and Security option highlighted
4. Once there, scroll down and choose ‘Advanced Options.Advanced options highlighted in Windows Update
5. Select the following option and make sure it is turned on.Highlighted option to be activated

By following these steps, you may have eliminated error code 0x80080008. To check, allow the update to download automatically and monitor if the error code shows up again during the process. If it does, remain following the other mentioned steps.

Recommencing  Background Intelligent Transfer Service.

To successfully install an update, Windows requires the support of many additional services. One such service is the Background Intelligent Transfer Service. This component uses small amounts of bandwidth to allow file transfers inside a system.

In case of an update failure, this service crashes and turns off. Provided that this takes place, you have to manually restart it again. It is a fairly easy thing to do if the mentioned steps are followed correctly.

Using your keyboard, press the Windows key and R key simultaneously. A run dialogue window will be opened.

1. In the search bar, enter “services. msc” and press Enter.
2. service.msc text added in Run tab
3. Double click on the Background Intelligent Transfer Service option, which is at number 11 at the top of the options.

Images show Background Intelligent Transmission Service highlighted

1. After the new Window
2. opens, check the ‘service status’; if it is at “stop”, select the start option.Image shows Start Stop option in Background Intelligent Transmission Service
3. Then go to the recovery option and make sure that the First Failure and Second Failure have been calibrated to “Restart the Service”.
4. After doing this, try to download the update again, hopefully, this time around, error code will not return, and your issue will be permanently resolved.

Carrying Out An In-place Upgrade.

Error code 0x80080008 can also be possibly removed by carrying out an in-place upgrade. An in-place upgrade is a process in which a user manually downloads a needed update through Microsoft’s website. As the update is not through a 3rd party app, it is a completely secure and safe process. To download it, just follow these steps:

1. Head out to Windows 10 Download page using this link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10/
2. Select the ‘Download tool now’ option present at the centre of the page in blue colour. Doing this will install a specific ‘ Media creation tool’ file.

   

3. After that file is installed completely, open the file by clicking on it. This should open up ‘Microsoft Software License Terms. Once that happens, choose the Accept option.

   

4. This will lead to another window where you will be given two options:

• Upgrade this PC now.
• Create Installation media for another PC.

1. Choose the first option and then click ‘Next’.

   

2. This will initiate the Downloading process, which may take a few minutes.
3. After the download is complete, a Windows 10 Setup window will be shown where you have to select ‘Keep personal files and apps and then go to Install.

   

4. During the update, there will be multiple restarts to your PC as in a normal update and once fully installed, you will be back at the home screen of your PC.

This method has been appreciated by many affected users who have praised this as  Error code 0x80080008 was removed, and they were finally able to use their systems with its new and improved features.

Running An SFC Scan.

SFC is an abbreviation for Safe File Scan. It is a function performed by windows to detect corrupt files in your system. The reason for using it in the case of Error code 0x80080008 is that this error code might be faced due to the presence of a corrupt file(s) in your system.

These files may be hijacking your update process and not allowing it to complete or settle down. An SFC is an efficient method to rule out this possibility and it just takes minimal time to completely run it. It is a fairly effortless process and can be easily done by carefully following these steps:

1. Press the Windows and X keys simultaneously to launch the start menu.
2. Select the 10th option from the top of the list named ‘Windows PowerShell (Admin).’
3. This will escort you to a User Account Control tab, where you will have to accept the ‘Yes’ option.
4. After accepting the yes option Command prompt will open up, and once it fully loads up exactly, type this command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth. and then press Enter.
5. Once the process due to this command is completed, exactly type: SFC/scannow and hit Enter again.
6. During the entirety of the process, all of your systems will be scanned, so be patient as it can take some time, do not interrupt the process in the middle as it can have adverse effects.
7. Once the scan is complete 3 either outcomes will be displayed:

1. Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations. ( Showing that your system is completely safe and no harmful files were present.)

2. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. 

3. Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

If the first or second option is displayed, you just need to install the update again. As the corrupt files have been removed, there is a high chance that now your update will be installed without the Error, and that update will be installed successfully.

Updating Device Drivers Of Your Peripherals.

Updating device drivers of your connected devices such as headphones, mice, or components such as Graphic cards may also help get rid of Error code 0x80080008.

This may be causing the Error as an older version of the device driver may not be compatible with the newer version of Windows, causing an internal issue within the system not allowing the update to be installed fully.

If this may be the case, you should consider individually checking whether every one of your device’s device drivers is up-to-date or not. If it is not up-to-date, kindly update them and then recheck if Error code returns by downloading the update again.

Conclusion

Hopefully, this article has helped you better understand Error code 0x80080008, and the solutions in these articles have successfully aided you in overcoming the problem.