Last updated on January 7th, 2020
On a Windows 10, 8 or 7 based computer, the Windows Update may fail with error 0x80004005: “There were some problems installing updates, but we”ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x80004005)”
The Windows Update error 0x80004005, is usually caused because the Internet connection was interrupted during the download process and therefore the updates were not downloaded correctly or because you haven’t enough free space to download and install the updates.
This tutorial contains step by step instructions to resolve the error 0x80004005 in Windows Update.
How to FIX: Windows Update Error 0x80004005 in Windows 10/8/7 OS.
Important: Before applying the methods mentioned below to troubleshoot the Windows 10 Update error 0x80004005, proceed and apply the following steps and then try to update Windows again.
Step 1. Ensure that you have signed in Windows with an Administrator account.
Step 2. Make sure that the Date, Time & Regional settings are correct.
Step 3. Make sure that you have enough space on your disk (at least 20GB). To free up disk space use the Disk Cleanup tool and follow the instructions in this tutorial: How to Free Up Disk Space with Disk Cleanup.
Step 4. If you own Windows 10 Pro or Enterprise and you have enabled the BitLocker drive protection, then proceed and decrypt the drive C: before installing the update.*
* Note: To disable the BitLocker drive encryption, go to Control Panel > System and Security > BitLocker Drive Encryption and click Turn off BitLocker.
Method 1. Scan your computer for viruses and malware.
Method 2. Run the Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter.
Method 3. Force Windows to re-create the Windows Update Store folder.
Method 4. FIX Windows corruption errors with DISM & SFC tools.
Method 5. Repair Windows 10 with an in-place Upgrade.
Method 1. Scan your computer for viruses and malware.
Important: Before following the steps below, make sure that your computer is 100% clean from harmful programs like rootkits, malware or viruses. To accomplish this task, follow the steps from this Quick Malware Scan and Removal Guide, and then try to check for updates again. If the problem persists, then continue below.
Method 2. Run the Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter.
The first method to fix the Windows update problem 0x80004005, is to run the Microsoft’s Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter tool in Administrator mode. To do that:
1. Navigate to Control Panel –> Troubleshooting –> Fix problems with Windows Update OR –better– download and run the Windows Update Troubleshooter according your Windows version.
2. Restart your computer.
3. Try to install the update.
Method 3. Force Windows to re-create the Windows Update Store folder
The next method to fix problems with the updates in Windows, is to recreate the Windows Update Store folder (“C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution“), which is the location where Windows stores the downloaded updates. To do that:
1. Simultaneously press the Windows + R keys to open run command box.
2. In run command box, type: services.msc and press Enter.
3. Right click on Windows Update service and select Stop.
4. Then, open Windows Explorer and navigate to C:Windows folder.
5. Select and Delete the “SoftwareDistribution” folder.*
(Click Continue at “Folder Access Denied” window).
* Note: The next time that the Windows Update will run, a new empty SoftwareDistribution folder will be automatically created by Windows to store updates.
6. Restart your computer and then try to check for updates.
Method 4. FIX Windows corruption errors with DISM & SFC tools. *
* Note: The instructions on this step applies only to Windows 10 & Windows 8/8.1 OS. If you own Windows 7, then download and run (install) the System Update Readiness tool.
1. Open command prompt as administrator. To do that:
1. In the Search box type: cmd or command prompt
2. Right click on the command prompt (result) and select Run as Administrator.
2. At the command prompt window, type the following command & press Enter:
- Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
3. Be patient until DISM repairs component store. When the operation is completed, (you should be informed that the component store corruption was repaired), give this command and press Enter:
- SFC /SCANNOW
4. When SFC scan is completed, restart your computer.
5. Try to update your system again.
Method 5. Repair Windows 10 with an in-place Upgrade.
Another method that usually works, to fix Windows 10 update problems, is to perform a Windows 10 Repair-Upgrade, by using the Media Creation tool to create an ISO or USB Windows 10 install media. For that task follow the detailed instructions on this article: How to repair Windows 10.
That’s it! Which method worked for you?
Let me know if this guide has helped you by leaving your comment about your experience. Please like and share this guide to help others.
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