What is Windows Update Error 80080005 in Windows 7?

Windows Update error 80080005 in Windows 7 is a common issue that signifies a problem with a core software component on your system, which prevents Windows Updates from completing successfully. When this error appears, your computer is unable to download or install critical updates, potentially leaving it vulnerable or lacking the latest features.

Understanding Error 80080005

This specific error code (often displayed as 0x80080005) indicates that the Windows Update service is encountering an obstacle related to a system software component. This typically means there's an interference or corruption preventing the update process from running smoothly. A frequent cause for this error is the presence of recently installed third-party applications that conflict with essential Windows services or files required for updates.

Common Causes

The primary reasons you might encounter Error 80080005 include:

• Conflicting Software: Newly installed programs, especially security software, system utilities, or applications that deeply integrate with Windows, can interfere with update processes.
• Corrupted System Files: Essential Windows files required for updates might be damaged or missing.
• Windows Update Service Issues: The services responsible for fetching and installing updates might be stopped, misconfigured, or corrupted.
• Malware or Virus Infections: Malicious software can damage system components or block update mechanisms.
• Disk Errors: Problems on your hard drive can sometimes lead to corrupted system files or an inability to access necessary update data.

How to Fix Windows Update Error 80080005

Resolving error 80080005 often involves addressing the underlying software component issues. Here are several practical solutions you can try, starting with the simplest.

1. Uninstall Recently Installed Programs

Since conflicts with new software are a common cause, the simplest and often most effective first step is to remove any programs you've recently installed.

• Open the Control Panel.
• Go to Programs and Features (or "Uninstall a program").
• Sort the list of programs by "Installed On" date to see the most recent additions.
• Uninstall any programs that were installed just before you started experiencing the update error. Pay close attention to antivirus software, system cleaners, or any application that deeply modifies system behavior.
• Restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 7 includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically diagnose and fix common update problems.

• Open the Control Panel.
• Search for "troubleshooting" and click on Troubleshooting.
• Under "System and Security," click on Fix problems with Windows Update.
• Follow the on-screen prompts and allow the troubleshooter to complete its scan and apply any recommended fixes.

3. Check Windows Update Services

Ensure that the essential services required for Windows Update are running correctly.

• Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• In the Services window, locate the following services:
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
  • Cryptographic Services
  • Windows Update
• For each of these services, ensure that its Startup Type is set to Automatic (or Automatic (Delayed Start) for BITS) and that its Status is Running.
• If a service is not running, right-click on it and select Start. If it's already running, you can try restarting it by selecting Restart.

4. Perform a System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can prevent updates. The System File Checker (SFC) tool scans for and repairs corrupted Windows system files.

• Click the Start button, type cmd in the search box.
• Right-click on Command Prompt in the results and select Run as administrator.
• In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
• Allow the scan to complete. This may take some time. Do not close the window until the verification is 100% complete.
• If SFC finds and repairs errors, restart your computer and try Windows Update again.

5. Reset Windows Update Components Manually

This more advanced step clears and re-registers the core components of Windows Update.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator (as in step 4).
• Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:

  net stop bits
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop appidsvc
  net stop cryptsvc
  Ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
  Ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
  net start bits
  net start wuauserv
  net start appidsvc
  net start cryptsvc

• Restart your computer after running these commands and attempt Windows Update.

6. Scan for Malware

Malicious software can severely impact system functionality, including Windows Update.

• Perform a full system scan using a reputable antivirus program to detect and remove any threats. If you don't have one, consider using Windows Defender (though limited on Windows 7, other free options exist).

Solutions Summary

For a quick reference, here's a table summarizing the troubleshooting steps for error 80080005:

Solution	Description
Uninstall Recent Programs	Remove recently installed software that might conflict with updates.
Windows Update Troubleshooter	Use the built-in tool to diagnose and fix update problems.
Check Update Services	Ensure essential services (BITS, Cryptographic, Windows Update) are running.
System File Checker (SFC)	Scan and repair corrupted system files.
Reset Update Components	Manually reset the Windows Update system to clear any blockages.
Scan for Malware	Check your system for malicious software that could be interfering.

By systematically working through these solutions, you can often resolve Windows Update error 80080005 and get your Windows 7 system updating smoothly again.