[FIXED] Windows 10 Update Error 0x8000ffff

The error code 0x8000ffff means your Windows 10 is having update issues. This error usually appears after Windows updates and locks the Windows Store.

Besides, it can crop up after performing the system restore or when you try to install a newly downloaded app.

Whether you’re a tech expert or new to computers, we’ll give you easy-to-follow steps to resolve this error.

What Causes the Windows 10 Update Error 0x8000ffff?

The 0x8000ffff Windows update error can be caused by a number of things:

• Corrupted or incomplete Windows update files.
• Malware infection
• Incorrect date and time settings
• Conflicting third-party software or antivirus programs.
• Issues with Windows Update services or components.
• Incorrect system settings or configurations.
• Outdated or incompatible device drivers.
• Problems with the Windows registry.
• Network connectivity issues.
• Insufficient disk space on the system drive.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list, and there could be other causes for error 0x8000ffff Windows 10 update.

Also Read: Windows Update Cleanup: A Comprehensive Guide to Free Up Disk Space

How to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x8000ffff

PRO TIP

To resolve error 0x8000ffff, you can try several solutions. For a quick fix, watch this short video:

Fix 1: Check your computer for malware infection

First and foremost, let’s find out whether your computer is malware-infected. Removing nefarious intruders will help you fix the 0x8000ffff issue and save your system from further damage.

Here are 2 easy ways to identify and handle malware infection:

Use Windows Defender

Windows Defender is a built-in antimalware tool. If it happens to be the only security solution installed on your computer, Windows Defender does its best to keep your Windows 10 safe.

If you have another antivirus installed, Windows Defender is still at work performing occasional system scans.

If an occasional scan is not enough, make use of a deep offline scan with Windows Defender:

• Start menu -> Settings -> Update & Security
• Windows Defender -> Windows Defender Offline -> Scan Offline

Your computer will reboot, and then you will be able to check whether the issue has been resolved.

Run your main antivirus program

Scan your Windows 10 with your main antivirus solution in order to identify and remove all the malware issues from your computer.

We recommend you use Auslogics Anti-Malware, which has been designed specifically for Windows computers. Here’s how to check your PC for malware with Auslogics Anti-Malware:

• Download and install Auslogics Anti-Malware from the official website.
• Launch the program.
• Once the program opens, you will see the main dashboard.
• Click on the “Scan Now” button to start a comprehensive scan of your PC for malware.

• Auslogics Anti-Malware will now scan your system, searching for any malicious files, suspicious programs, or potential threats.
• The scan may take some time, depending on the size of your system and the number of files to be scanned.
• Once the scan is complete, Auslogics Anti-Malware will display a detailed report of the scan results, indicating any detected malware or suspicious items.
• Review the scan results carefully, and if any threats are found, you can choose to quarantine or remove them.
• Follow the on-screen prompts to take appropriate actions against the identified malware.
• After removing the threats, it is recommended to restart your computer to ensure that any active malware processes are terminated.

Related: Auslogics Anti-Malware: Features and Reviews

Fix 2: Run Windows Update troubleshooter:

• Go to the Windows Settings menu by pressing Windows key + I.
• Click on Update & Security and select Troubleshoot from the left pane.
• Under Get up and running, click on Windows Update and then select Run the troubleshooter.

• Follow the on-screen instructions to let the troubleshooter detect and fix any issues with Windows Update.

Fix 3: Set correct date & time

Incorrect date and time can cause the 0x8000ffff error and block Windows Store. Set valid date and time to resolve Windows 10 update issues:

Fix 4: Switch to administrator account

Your guest account may not have the rights to let you update your system or apps. Change to an admin account in order to tackle your update challenge:

Start Menu -> Click on the user picture -> Sign out -> Administrator account -> Log in again

Try to open Windows store and access the updates you need.

If the error 0x8000ffff has not vanished, proceed to the following recommendations.

Fix 5: Disable a proxy server

Try disabling your proxy in order to fix the 0x8000ffff error:

• Windows + R -> Type inetcpl.cpl -> Enter -> Connections tab -> LAN settings
• Uncheck Use proxy server for your LAN -> Ok -> Apply -> OK
• Test your Windows Store to check whether it is OK or not.

Fix 6: Tweak your drivers

Corrupted or obsolete drivers might be the reason for the error 0x8000FFFF appearing on your screen.

Here are some tips to deal with problematic drivers:

Use driver update

Updating your drivers may resolve the problem in question. Thanks to the Driver Update option, Windows 10 can search for updated driver software:

• Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Check for updates
• Choose the driver you need from the list and click Install.

Use driver verifier and device manager

You can fix driver issues manually by making use of the built-in Windows Driver Verifier:

Start menu -> Type verifier -> Enter

Driver Verifier may detect the device that causes Windows 10 error 0x8000ffff.

You can also use Device Manager to update drivers manually.

Update your drivers automatically

If you want to keep things simple and save yourself a bit of time, you can use a program that will update your drivers automatically like Auslogics Driver Updater – this will only take a few minutes.

Here’s what to do:  [EASY GUIDE] How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

Fix 7: Clear Windows Store cache

The Windows Store cache can become corrupted and therefore rather troublesome: it can bring about various update problems, for example the notorious error 0x8000ffff.

To fix it, try clearing your Windows Store cache:

Windows key + R -> Type WSReset.exe -> Enter

or

Windows key + S -> Type wsreset -> Right-click wsreset -> select Run as Administrator -> Yes

Now try to reopen the Windows Store and download the apps you need.

If the 0x8000ffff error has not been removed, do the following:

• Windows key + R -> Paste %localappdata%\\Packages\\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\\LocalState -> OK
• Find the Cache folder -> Right-click on it -> Rename -> Type Cache.old
• If there is no such folder on your computer, create a new folder and name it Cache -> close File Explorer
• Windows key + I -> Updates & Security -> Troubleshoot -> click Windows Store App -> Run a scan

If the error in question is still present, the Windows Store cache is certainly not the one to blame.

Just proceed to the following tips.

Fix 8: Tweak Windows Store

Reconfigure Windows Store

Sometimes Windows Store itself causes the error 0x8000ffff and stops working properly.

To fix this issue, try reconfiguring the temperamental app:

• Open the Start menu.
• Type PowerShell.
• Right-click the search result and select Run as Administrator.
• In the PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:

powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register Env:SystemRoot\WinStore\AppxManifest.xml

• Restart your computer.

Fix 9: Boot in a Safe Mode with Networking

Unnecessary drivers, processes and features can tamper with your updates. Try booting in a Safe Mode with Networking to exclude spoilers and update your system and/or apps successfully:

• Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Recovery -> Advanced Startup
• Restart Now -> Choose an option -> Troubleshoot -> Advanced Options
• Startup Settings -> Restart -> Safe mode with Networking
• Now try to perform the necessary updates.

Does the error code 0x8000ffff keep popping up?

No panic, the following tips may help you.

Fix 10: Mend your system files

Missing or corrupted system files can be the reason for the error code 0x8000ffff.

Here are some tips to resolve this issue:

Run System File Checker

Start -> Enter Command Prompt -> right-click Command Prompt -> select Run as administrator -> Enter DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth -> Enter sfc /scannow

Wait for the system scan to finish and reboot your Computer

Run Check Disk Utility

Local Disk -> Properties -> Tools -> Error Checking ->Check OR Windows button (right click) -> Command Prompt (Admin) -> Type CHKDSK /f /r -> Enter ->Type Y -> Enter

Wait for the process to finish and reboot your computer

Fix 11: Reset Windows Update components

In some cases, you will need to reset your Windows Update Components to get rid of the error. 

Fix 12: Edit Registry entries

Please note that modifying registry entries is a risky business. If performed improperly, it can cause irreversible damage to your system.

That is why we strongly recommend you to use professional tools for this purpose – free and safe Auslogics Registry Cleaner are among them.

If you decide to go ahead with cleaning your registry, here’s a detailed guide on how to do it: How to clean Registry in Windows 10?

No luck? Try performing a system restore.

Fix 13: Perform a system restore

If the error started occurring recently, you can try using the System Restore feature to revert your system to a previous state before the error occurred.

• If the error started occurring recently, you can try using the System Restore feature to revert your system to a previous state before the error occurred.
• Press Windows key + R, type rstrui in the Run dialog, and press Enter.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and restore your system.

In Summary

If you run into the error code 0x8000ffff, don’t worry. There are plenty of things you can try to get rid of the error. And, in most cases, you will be able to get rid of the issue right away. 

Running the Windows Update troubleshooter, resetting Windows Update components, checking date and time settings, disabling antivirus and firewall temporarily, or performing a system restore can help fix the error.

If the problem persists, consider seeking further assistance from Microsoft support or a qualified IT professional.

Remember, regularly maintaining your system with a program like Auslogics BoostSpeed is vital for optimal performance and security.

FAQ