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How do I fix windows update? It gives me the error code 0x80080005

Anonymous
2025-01-30T12:02:03+00:00

I have tried a few suggested fixes from a few threads:

When I opened the services using the Services App, the windows update service says that its status is stopping.. and it wont let me change it, how do i fix this?

I can't run the update trouble shooter (Windows Update Troubleshooter - Microsoft Support) because I don't have the 'get help' app and when I try to download it it gives me the same error code, 0x80080005

I tried to do the system recovery in settings but it failed and it's giving me the error code 0x800700aa

I have also tried the System File Checker (Using System File Checker in Windows - Microsoft Support) but i waited a while and nothing happened so I've just closed it

Please could i get some help?

I have a Surface Pro 9, and Windows 11 Pro.

Surface | Surface Pro | Install and update

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  1. Anonymous
    2025-01-31T07:12:26+00:00

    Hello Aalia,

    Welcome to Microsoft Community.

    I noticed that you have two surfaces, so can I understand that the error code will appear when you update the system on both of your surfaces?

    The error code 0x80080005 usually indicates an "Access denied" problem during the installation of the update. This means that the system is experiencing permission issues while trying to access or modify certain files or registry keys, causing the update to fail.

    So my most direct advice is to temporarily shut down some services with a command and then reset the Windows Update component:

    Open the command prompt as an administrator. Then type the following commands and press Enter after each command to stop BITS, encryption, MSI installer, and Windows Update services: 

    net stop wuauserv 

net stop cryptSvc 

net stop bits 

net stop msiserver

    Then rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders: 

    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old 

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

    Finally, restart the corresponding service: 

    net start wuauserv 

net start cryptSvc 

net start bits 

net start msiserver

    When you're done, restart your Surface and check to see if you can finish the update.

    If the above steps do not work, then I can give you an additional solution, using the Windows system ISO file, directly overwrite the system to achieve the purpose of upgrade.

    Visit the following URL to get the tool and click Download Now under Create Windows 11 Installation Media:

    Download Windows 11

    Then follow these steps:

    1. Run the tool, select Create media for another computer, and then select an ISO file to save to your local computer.
    2. Right-click the downloaded ISO image file, select Open as Explorer, and run the setup program.
    3. Select "Change windows installer" - "Not now" - "Next" - "Next", and finally will be prompted to keep your files and applications will do a system replacement repair.

    After all this is done, when the Surface reboots into the desktop, the system version will have been updated to the latest version.

    Best Regards,

    Mitchell | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

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