how to fix error (0x8000ffff) windows 10

Question

I have been struggling with this issue for months now, searching through every YouTube video and forum; using every command imaginable to try and fix this. there are a lot of things I am unable to do on my computer and I'm guessing it all stems back to one singular problem which I cant seem to pinpoint. when trying to do a windows update I am met with the error code (0x8000ffff) I have been stuck on windows 10 because of this issue, I have tried fully reinstalling windows with the Microsoft tool, it does pretty much the whole process and then fails. The same thing happens when I try to fully reset my pc. it does almost the whole process and says 'There was a problem when resetting your PC. No changes were made' I have no clue if any of these things are related but hopefully the information can be helpful. also recently every time I start up my computer, after logging in it just loads a black screen but fixes after a restart. if anyone can help id seriously appreciate it! I have tried using every command prompt I've found online but the process is either denied or cancels half way as mentioned before.

Answer 1

Hi, from the following procedures I would recommend point 2 to try first. As you say you have tried a lot of other commands already. And I would make sure that the antivirus if it isn't the Defender is uninstalled at the time of this problematic update. Disabling does not work as it embeds itself in the registry.

You can always install any Antivirus afterwards again.

Error code 0x8000ffff is a common error that occurs during Windows updates or when trying to install new software. This error is usually caused by a corrupted Windows update file, conflicts between the system files, or issues with the Windows registry. Here are some steps you can take to fix this error:

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter: Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can help identify and fix common issues. To run the Windows Update troubleshooter, follow these steps:

• Click on the Start button and type "troubleshoot" in the search bar.
• Click on the "Troubleshoot settings" option and select "Windows Update" from the list of troubleshooters.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooter.

1. Check for disk errors: Corrupted files on your hard drive can cause errors during the update process. To check for disk errors, follow these steps:

• Open File Explorer and right-click on the drive where Windows is installed.
• Click on "Properties" and select the "Tools" tab.
• Under "Error checking", click on "Check" and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

1. Disable antivirus software: Antivirus software can interfere with the update process and cause errors. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus software before attempting the update.
2. Reset the Windows Update components: Sometimes, resetting the Windows Update components can fix the error. To reset the Windows Update components, follow these steps:

• Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:

net stop bits

net stop wuauserv

net stop appidsvc

net stop cryptsvc

ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old

net start bits

net start wuauserv

net start appidsvc

net start cryptsvc

• Close the Command Prompt and try to update Windows again.

If none of the above steps work, you may need to consider a clean install of Windows. However, before doing so, ensure that you backup all important data and files to an external hard drive or cloud storage service.

Stefan

Answer 2

thanks again Stefan!
I don't own a USB stick or any external drive to use for this. are there any other options? :(

Answer 3

Hi Stefan,
Thank you for the reply! I have tried all of the listed options. at the moment I'm now struggling to even run CMD as an admin, I click the run as administrator button and it just does nothing. I also have tried to install a clean install of windows but as mentioned before it just fails. I have had this problem for months and months now and its seeming to be impossible to fix and is causing me trouble, I really appreciate any help!

Answer 4

Hi, none which will exclude using the existing corrupted operating system.

You wrote that you tried installing new with the tool before. If you tried with keeping files and apps, which was a repair install or also called inplace upgrade, but it failed, you could try without keeping anything, if you have not tried that as well already.

Stefan

Answer 5

If you have saved all the data from the device, and don't mind installing apps again you should install clean from scratch.

On the MCT page there is explained how to make a USB stick and have it general for any device and not optimized for the downloading one. That means all drivers will come which they have and not just the ones for the downloading device.

With that USB stick which the program creates bootable, you boot and install fresh, keeping nothing. That would take care of any software problem.

That way the existing Windows is never asked anything, it goes straight from Bios into install.

To boot from the stick, you may have to change the boot order in Bios. Have a look how that is done on the hardware support pages of the manufacturer of the device.

Download Windows 10 (microsoft.com)

Read all on that page as it holds a lot of information also in the fly outs.

We could find out in tedious work what is causing it at the moment, but honestly, you tried a lot as you said already and in the end is starting fresh faster.

Stefan

Edit: If you install fresh, you need no key. The system remembers that it is activated in the hardware. Don't change the motherboard. If it asks, click I have no key.