How to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x8000FFFF on Windows 10/11?

Updating your computer is important for a smooth user experience and security. However, updating newer versions of Windows may cause issues, such as the 0x8000ffff error on Windows 10/11.

Some users have reported that the Windows 10 version 1903 fails with the 0x8000ffff error. Fortunately, you can resolve it if you have the right guidance and tools.

What Is the Error Code 0x8000FFFF?

The Windows 10/11 error 0x8000ffff usually occurs when Windows is unable to download essential updates . Sometimes, it also appears when you try to install new applications, run Windows Update, or restore a system whose process has file conflicts.

There are different causes of this error, but the main culprit is corrupted drivers or malware infections. A defective application cannot be ruled out as a suspect in this case. Here are other potential causes of the 0x8000ffff error on Windows 10/11:

• Incorrectly loaded drivers
• Windows Update errors
• Incorrect date and time settings
• Corrupted Windows Store cache
• Corrupt registry entries
• Limited access (non-administrator users)

How to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x8000FFFF?

If you receive the Windows Update error 0x8000ffff while running Windows Update, this guide is meant for you. We have suggested some workarounds for you to get rid of this issue. For those who aren’t familiar with the inner workings of Windows, we recommend that you to create a system restore point to fall back if things don’t go as expected. Let’s look at each fix.

Fix 1: Scan Your PC for Viruses

The first step to resolving the issue is finding out if your PC is infected with malware. So, you need to perform a full scan on your system. You can accomplish this task by using a third-party anti-malware program. But if you don’t have preferred antivirus software, you can use Windows Defender.

Here is how to do a deep scan using Windows Defender:

1. Launch Windows Defender from the notification area.
2. Go to Settings, then scroll down until you spot Windows Defender Online.
3. Click on it and choose Scan Offline.
4. Wait for the scan to complete, then check if the error is gone.

Apart from scanning your computer for malware, you can also run a PC repair tool to restore other bad sectors on your PC.

Fix 2: Change to Administrator Account or Create a New One

Sometimes, the error may be limited to your user account. This usually happens when your user account is corrupted or if you don’t have administrative rights. You can resolve the problem by switching to an administrator account or creating a new user account.

Fix 3: Check Your System’s Integrity with the SFC Tool

System files may get corrupted for many reasons. On some occasions, virus infections are the main cause, while in other cases, corruption may happen for no apparent reason. To verify their state, you can use the Command Prompt to run the SFC tool. Follow these instructions to run System File Checker:

1. Right-click on the Start menu and choose Command Prompt (Admin). If you cannot trace Command Prompt, you can use PowerShell (Admin) to run SFC.
2. Now, execute this command: sfc/scannow.
3. Wait for the tool to scan for and repair missing files.

If SFC doesn’t do the trick, try performing DISM scan instead.

To do so, open the Command Prompt window as administrator and execute the following command:

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth/

Fix 4: Adjust Date and Time Settings

While it may sound trivial, inaccurate date and time settings can trigger a lot of errors, especially as it relates to the Windows Store. So, updating the date and time may resolve the problem.

To check the correctness of your time and date settings, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the clock icon in the bottom-right corner and select Adjust date/time.
2. Now, deactivate the Set time automatically option, and then re-enable it after a few seconds.
3. Alternatively, you can manually adjust your date and time from this screen.

Fix 5: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

Sometimes, the Windows Store cache can build up to the point it prevents the installation of some apps. Since Windows Store is closely related to Windows Update, clearing Store cache can resolve the 0x8000fff error.

Here is how to do it:

1. Press the Windows + R keyboard combination to open the Run dialog box.
2. Input exe into the box and tap Enter. Executing this command will reset Windows Store cache.
3. If nothing happens, consider disabling proxy. Open the Run dialog box and execute this command: cpl.
4. Go to the Connection tab and choose LAN settings.
5. Now, uncheck ‘Use a proxy server for your LAN’ and tap on the OK button.
6. After that, click Apply, and then OK.

Fix 6: Update Drivers in Your Computer

Obsolete, incompatible or Incorrectly configured drivers is a common cause of the Windows Update error 0x8000ffff. If you know the problematic device, you can open Device Manager and manage the device driver. Here is how it goes:

1. Press the Windows + X keyboard shortcut and then choose Device Manager.
2. Look for the problematic device from the list of devices.
3. If there is a problematic device, right-click on it, and then choose Update Driver Software.

Fix 7: Get Rid of Problematic Apps

If you are getting the 0x8000ffff error while installing updates, there is a chance that a third-party application causes the problem. So, your next course of action should be to find the problematic application.

To accomplish this task, take the following steps:

1. Go to this directory: C:$WINDOWS.~BTSourcesPanther to look for hidden files.
2. Look for a file with a name like this: <array_of_symbols>_APPRAISER_HumanReadable.xml. Try to open this file in Notepad.
3. Once it is open, look for applications that have BlockingApplication=True assigned to them. You should remove these applications because they are preventing the installation.

Alternatively, you can use the built-in app troubleshooter. Microsoft has an extensive list of troubleshooters. One of them is dedicated to troubleshooting Microsoft Store issues.

Follow these steps to run the troubleshooter:

1. Press the Window + I combination, then type Troubleshoot in the search bar.
2. Scroll down until you find the Windows Store Apps option, highlight it, and then choose Run the troubleshooter.
3. After that, follow the on-screen directions to resolve the 0x8000ffff error.

Fix 8: Modify the Registry

The Windows Update error 0x8000ffff can occur because of corruption in the Registry. So, if you are technically savvy, then changing the Registry is a good way to fix the error.

Follow these instructions to configure your registry entries:

1. Press the Windows + R shortcut on the keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Now, type ‘regedit’ into the box and hit Enter.
3. Wait for the Registry Editor to open, then look for the following keys:
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\AdvancedInstallersNeedResolving
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\PendingXmlIdentifier
   • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\COMPONENTS\NextQueueEntryIndex
4. Go to the details pane and right-click on each of these entries, then select Delete to remove them.

Note that the Registry is a sensitive system database, so incorrectly modifying it may lead to more serious computer issues. If you are not that technical, then a safer way to clean your registry is to use a reputable repair tool like Auslogics Registry Cleaner.

Fix 9: Perform a Manual Update with Media Creation Tool

If the other fixes don’t work, your remaining choice might be to perform an in-place upgrade. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s site.
2. Once the download finishes, right-click on the tool and choose Run as Administrator.
3. It may ask for agreement, so you should click Accept on the License page.
4. When you arrive at the ‘What do you want to do?’ page, choose ‘Upgrade this PC now’ and move on to the next step.
5. If you don’t want to lose personal data, then you should keep personal files and apps.
6. Now, click Install and let the process complete.

Additional Solutions

Other potential solutions that may fix the 0x8000FFFF error on Windows 10/11 include:

• Checking cryptographic service
• Performing a Windows clean boot before installing updates
• Getting rid of the Software Distribution folder
• Booting in safe mode
• Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter
• Checking log files
• Reinstalling Windows 10/11 (last resort)

Wrap-Up

One of these solutions or a combination of different solutions should help you fix the 0x8000ffff error on Windows 10/11. We hope you don’t reach the point of having to reinstall Windows. But it can be helpful if nothing else works.

If you are having difficulties performing some configurations, for instance, modifying registry entries, consider using Outbyte PC Repair to automate and speed up the process.

There you have it. If this post was helpful in resolving the Windows Update error 0x8000ffff, bookmark it, or share it to help others who may have the same problem.

Author Profile

Vicrey Makapagal

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Vic is a tech enthusiast who loves to be up-to-date with the latest and greatest technology in the world. He creates content that educates and helps users with their tech-related questions. Vic manages our website to ensure that our readers have a seamless experience while browsing. He excels in troubleshooting errors and resolving Windows issues for gaming and work purposes.

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