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10 Tech How-To

Fix Error 0x80008405 on Windows 11 & 10

Guide 10-8252 · Updated · Step by step

Error 0x80008405 typically appears during Windows Update or system restore, often accompanied by a message like “The operation failed” or “There were problems installing an update.” This guide walks you through the most effective fixes, from clearing update cache to running DISM and SFC scans. You’ll need administrator access to your PC and a stable internet connection.

What You’ll Need

  • Administrator account on your Windows PC
  • Stable internet connection
  • At least 10 GB of free disk space (for update files)

Step-by-Step

  1. Restart your PC. Sometimes a simple reboot clears temporary glitches that cause update errors. Save your work and restart, then try updating again.
  2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters (Windows 10). Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter. Follow the prompts and restart if suggested.
  3. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder. This folder stores temporary update files. Stop the Windows Update service, delete its contents, then restart the service.
    1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start > Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin)).
    2. Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
    3. Type net stop bits and press Enter.
    4. In File Explorer, navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete everything inside the folder (you may need to confirm with admin permissions).
    5. Go back to Command Prompt and type net start wuauserv and net start bits.
    6. Restart your PC and try updating again.
  4. Run System File Checker (SFC). Corrupted system files can cause update errors. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type sfc /scannow. Wait for the scan to complete (this can take 15-30 minutes). If it finds and fixes issues, restart and try again.
  5. Run DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool). This repairs the Windows system image. In the same Command Prompt, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    1. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    2. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    3. DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    The last command may take up to 30 minutes. After it finishes, restart and try updating.

  6. Check disk for errors. Run chkdsk /f /r in Command Prompt (admin). You’ll be asked to schedule a scan for the next restart. Restart and let it complete.
  7. Reset Windows Update components manually. If the above fails, you can reset the update services and registry keys. Open Command Prompt as admin and run these commands in order:
    1. net stop wuauserv
    2. net stop cryptSvc
    3. net stop bits
    4. net stop msiserver
    5. ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    6. ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
    7. net start wuauserv
    8. net start cryptSvc
    9. net start bits
    10. net start msiserver

    Restart and try updating.

  8. Perform a system restore. If the error started recently, roll back to a restore point. Search for “Create a restore point” in Start, open the System Properties window, click System Restore, and follow the wizard to choose a point before the error appeared.
  9. Use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade in place. Download the Windows Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website. Run it and choose “Upgrade this PC now.” This reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps, often fixing update issues.

Common Mistakes

  • Skipping the restart after each fix. Many steps require a reboot to take effect. Always restart before trying the next step.
  • Not running Command Prompt as administrator. Without admin rights, commands like SFC and DISM will fail with “access denied.”
  • Deleting the entire SoftwareDistribution folder instead of just its contents. The folder itself is needed by Windows; only delete what’s inside.
  • Interrupting SFC or DISM scans. Let them run to completion. Closing the window or restarting mid-scan can leave the system in a worse state.

Tips

  • Ensure your PC has at least 10-20 GB of free space before updating. Low disk space is a common cause of update errors.
  • Disconnect any external drives or devices that might interfere with the update process, then reconnect them after.
  • If you’re on a metered connection, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Advanced options to ensure updates are allowed over metered networks (if you want).
  • Keep your drivers updated, especially chipset and storage drivers, as outdated drivers can cause update failures.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after trying all steps, consider the following:

  • Check for third-party antivirus interference. Temporarily disable your antivirus (or uninstall it if disabling doesn’t help) and try updating. If that works, re-enable it and consider switching to a different security suite.
  • Try updating in Safe Mode. Boot into Safe Mode with Networking (Shift + Restart from the login screen, then Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart > press 5). Then run Windows Update. This can bypass software conflicts.
  • Check the Windows Update log. Use Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) and look under Windows Logs > System for errors related to Windows Update. The details may point to a specific driver or component causing the issue.
  • Reset Windows Update components with a script. Microsoft provides a “Windows Update Troubleshooter” that automates many fixes. Download it from the official Microsoft website and run it.
  • If nothing works, consider a clean install. Backup your files and use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB, then reinstall Windows. This is the last resort but guarantees a fresh, error-free system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes error 0x80008405?

It’s usually caused by corrupted system files, a damaged Windows Update cache, or a conflict with third-party software (like antivirus). Sometimes it’s due to insufficient disk space or a pending update that didn’t install correctly.

Will I lose my files if I use the Media Creation Tool to upgrade?

No, the “Upgrade this PC now” option keeps your personal files and installed apps. However, it’s always wise to back up important data before any major system change.

How long does the DISM RestoreHealth command take?

It can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your system speed and the extent of corruption. Do not interrupt it.

Can I fix this error without admin access?

No, all the fixes require administrator privileges. If you’re on a work or school computer, contact your IT department.

Is error 0x80008405 specific to Windows 11 or Windows 10?

It appears on both. The steps are identical for both versions, though the Settings menu paths differ slightly (as noted in the guide).

What if the error occurs during a system restore, not an update?

The same steps apply, but you might also try creating a new restore point and then attempting the restore again. If that fails, you may need to use the “Startup Repair” from the Advanced Startup options.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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