How To Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0805 [FIXED]

On a nutshell, nearly about 45 percent of Windows users face the error code 0x800f0805 in the update process. This means that there is a significant relationship between major updates and this error. So, if you are facing this error, you are not alone-most Windows users are facing the same situation, which can occur due to many reasons such as poor internet connectivity, lack of storage space, or corrupted system files. Identifying the root cause will help solve this problem.

Understanding Windows Update Error 0x800f0805

Knowing the common culprits is extremely important: a bad internet connection, lack of disk space, and corrupt system files.

Common Scenarios for Error 0x800f0805

This error often arises in the following situations:

• Installing optional Windows updates
• Running the Windows Update troubleshooter
• Downloading cumulative updates

Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter is, of course, another active solution in fixing the error code 0x800f0805. This tool is quite beneficial in troubleshooting update problems. Follow these steps:

Windows 11:

Go to settings in the search box type Troubleshoot then select Troubleshoot Settings after you click on it choose other troubleshooters then click on Windows update Run.

Windows 10:

1. Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings window.
2. Navigate to Troubleshoot: Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Run the Troubleshooter:
   • Under “Get up and running,” select “Windows Update.”
   • Click “Run the troubleshooter.”
4. Follow Instructions: Complete the on-screen instructions. When prompted with “Apply this fix,” select it.
5. Restart: Restart your computer to apply the changes.

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Solution 2: Free Up Disk Space

Ensure sufficient disk space is available for updates by using the Disk Cleanup tool or extending the system partition.

Run Disk Cleanup

Windows 11:

1. Open Search Bar: Type Disk Cleanup Then Click on it.
2. Select hard drive: Select the drive you windows on most of the time is disk C: then click ok
3. Admin Clean Up: For Better cleanup choose clean up system files then click ok
4. Select Files: Choose files to delete and click “OK.”

Windows 10:

1. Open File Explorer: Press Win + E.
2. Select System Drive: Right-click on your system drive and choose “Properties.”
3. Launch Disk Cleanup: Click “Disk Cleanup.”
4. Select Files: Choose files to delete and click “OK.”

Solution 3: Run SFC and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files or Windows images can trigger error 0x800f0805. Utilize SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools to detect and repair system issues.

Steps to Use SFC and DISM:

1. Open Command Prompt: Type cmd in the search box, right-click “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
2. Run SFC: Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Run DISM: After SFC completes, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
4. Restart: Restart your PC and attempt the update again.

Solution 4: Install Windows Product Key Through Command Prompt

This error may occur during a manual upgrade of your Windows edition. Use the Command Prompt to add the product key and avoid interference from background processes.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt: Type cmd in the search box, right-click, and select “Run as administrator.”
2. List Windows Versions: Type dism /online /get-targeteditions and press Enter.
3. Activate Product Key: Type slmgr.vbs /ipk <your 25-digit product key> and press Enter.
4. Verify Activation: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Activation to check your Windows version.

Solution 5: Reset Windows Update Components

Damaged update components can cause error 0x800f0805. Reset these components to fix the issue.

Steps:

Open Command Prompt: Run as administrator.

1. Stop Services:
   • Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
   • Type net stop cryptSvc and press Enter.
   • Type net stop bits and press Enter.
   • Type net stop msiserver and press Enter.
     
2. Rename Folders:
   • Type ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old and press Enter.
   • Type ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old and press Enter.
     
3. Restart Services:
   • Type net start wuauserv and press Enter.
   • Type net start cryptSvc and press Enter.
   • Type net start bits and press Enter.
   • Type net start msiserver and press Enter.
     
4. Restart PC: Restart your computer and retry the update.

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Solution 6: Manually Download & Install Windows Update

Step 1: Identify the Required Update

• Access Windows Update History:
  • Press Win + I to open Settings.
  • Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Click on View update history to review failed updates.
    
• Note the KB Number:
  • Identify the specific update that failed to install and note its Knowledge Base (KB) number (e.g., KB5001330).

Step 2: Download the Update from the Microsoft Update Catalog

• Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog:
  • Open your web browser and go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
    
• Search for the Update:
  • Enter the noted KB number into the search bar and press Enter.
    
• Select the Appropriate Update:
  • Review the search results and select the update that matches your system architecture (e.g., x64, x86, ARM64).
    
• Download the Update:
  • Click the Download button next to the appropriate update.
  • In the pop-up window, click the link to start the download.

Step 3: Install the Downloaded Update

Run the Installer:

• Locate the downloaded .msu file, typically in your Downloads folder.
• Double-click the file to run the installer.

• Follow Installation Prompts:
  • Proceed through the installation wizard by following the on-screen instructions.
• Restart Your Computer:
  • After installation, restart your system to apply the update.

Alternative: Install Visual C++ Redistributable Packages

If the error pertains to missing Visual C++ Redistributable packages, manually installing them can help.

Option 1: Download from TechPowerUp

• Visit TechPowerUp:
  • Navigate to the Visual C++ Redistributable Runtimes All-in-One page.
    
• Download the Package:
  • Click the Download link to obtain the latest all-in-one package.
    
• Extract and Install:
  • Extract the downloaded .zip file.
  • Right-click on install_all.bat and select Run as administrator to install all versions.

Option 2: Download from Microsoft

• Visit Microsoft’s Official Page:
  • Go to the Latest supported Visual C++ Redistributable downloads page.
• Select the Appropriate Version:
  • Download the installer that matches your system architecture:
    • For x64 systems: vc_redist.x64.exe
    • For x86 systems: vc_redist.x86.exe
    • For ARM64 systems: vc_redist.arm64.exe
      
• Install the Package:
  • Run the downloaded .exe file.
  • Follow the installation prompts to complete the setup.

Bottom Line

Encountering Windows Update error 0x800f0805 can be a significant hindrance, but with the appropriate steps, it is resolvable (0x800f0805 ). This guide has outlined various solutions, from utilizing built-in troubleshooters to manually downloading and installing updates or necessary components like the Visual C++ Redistributable packages. By systematically following these methods, you can address the underlying causes of the error, ensuring your system remains up-to-date and functions optimally. If you have discovered alternative solutions or have insights to share, please contribute to the discussion in the comments section below.