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Dealing with the error code 0x8000ffff?
If yes, you have stumbled upon the right webpage.
Windows 11 impressed millions of users worldwide with its completely new UI, intuitive features, and more.
When Windows 11 was launched, it had several bugs and glitches.
Thankfully, Microsoft has already fixed most of the known bugs.
But some are yet to be fixed.
The scariest part is that the error alert doesnt clearly explain the root cause of the error.
Contrary to what people think, this error isnt exclusively related to the Windows update.
Thankfully, the workaround to fix this error is similar, irrespective of the affected utility or Windows version.
So, without any further ado, lets get started
What is the Error Code 0x8000ffff?
Error code 0x8000ffff is a very common error in Windows that occurs for various reasons.
On top of that, the oops message doesnt clearly explain why you are specifically dealing with this error.
This makes the troubleshooting process a bit challenging.
What Triggers the Error Code 0x8000ffff on Windows?
For the same reason, youll have to opt for the hit-and-try technique.
Therefore, we will start with the basic workarounds and then move to advanced ones.
If thats the scenario, a full virus scan could be a great solution to fix this error.
If you already have any antivirus programs on your PC, it’s possible for you to use that.
But if you dont, you’ve got the option to use Windows Defender.
you could launchWindows Settingsby simply pressing theWin+Ikey.
Step 1:Here press theUpdate & Securityoption.
Step 3:From the left pane, punch theWindows Securityoption.
Step 4:Now, press theVirus & threat protectionoption listed under theProtection areas.
Step 5:A new window will pop up on your screen.
Here, punch theScan options.
Step 6:Select theFull Scanoption and then punch theScan Nowbutton.
Step 7:Windows Defenderwill start scanning all your drives for viruses, malware, and other threats.
After completing the scan, Windows Defender will show you all the existing threats.
It will also give you tips to fix these threats.
you might follow the on-screen instructions to apply fixes.
If it does, follow the next workaround.
Expert Advice Windows Defender is a good utility but has limitations.
Id suggest using a reliable antivirus program to protect your PC from viruses and malware-related threats.
This utility could help you identify the exact cause that wouldve triggered this error and helps you fix it.
Step 2:Here, you better press theUpdate & Securityoption.
Step 3:tap on theTroubleshootoption from the left pane.
Step 4:Here, you should probably hit theAdditional troubleshootersoption.
Step 5:It will take you to a new page.
punch theWindows Updateoption followed by theRun the troubleshooteroption.
Step 6:It will launch theWindows Update Troubleshooter, and this utility will start detecting Windows Update-related errors.
This utility automatically fixes the issues most of the time.
However, if it asks you to apply any fixes, like do that.
And after that, kickstart your PC and check whether the error code 0x8000ffff has been fixed.
If the error exists, follow the next workaround.
you might press theWin+Ikeys simultaneously for it.
Step 2:choose theTime & Languageoption.
Step 3:Here, ensure the toggle for theSet time automaticallyisOn.
Step 4:After that, in theTime Zoneoption, select yourlocalTime zone.
If the error still exists, follow the next method.
This happens because antivirus programs sometimes interfere with the installation process.
If uninstalling the antivirus program fixes the error, drop in the Windows update.
And after that, re-set up the antivirus program.
Step 2:TypeControl Panelin the search box and hitEnterkey to launch it.
Step 3:punch theUninstall a programoption.
Step 4:You will see a list of installed programs on your setup.
Locate the antivirus program and right-choose it.
Step 5:Select theUninstall/Changeoption.
Step 6:If it asks for any confirmation, select Yes.
Step 7:If any additional wizard appears, simply follow the on-screen instructions to uninstall the program.
Step 8:After that, reboot your Windows machine.
Try installing Windows updates to see if the error code 0x8000ffff has been fixed.
If the error is still there, implement the antivirus program again and follow the next workaround.
This could happen due to incomplete or corrupted Windows update files or incorrect system configuration.
But doing so would also remove any custom configuration you might have made.
Step 2:Enter thecmdin the search box and select theRun as administratoroption.
Step 3:Before resetting Windows update components, you are required to disableWindows services.
Doing so will forcefully create a newSoftware Distributionfolder.
pop in the following command to rename theCatroot2folder and hit theEnterkey to execute the command.
Step 6:Now, jot down the following commands one by one and hit theEnterkey after each command.
These are essential DLL files that we need to register.
Step 7:Now, you have to reset theWinsocksocket and proxy.
For this, punch in these commands and hit theEnterkey after each command.
Step 8:After this, you just have to restart theWindows serviceswe stopped earlier.
throw in these commands in theCommand Promptto restartWindows servicesand hit theEnterkey after each command to execute them.
Step 9:Now, reboot your Windows machine.
see if the error has been resolved.
If it still shows the oops message, follow the next workaround.
Step 1:TypeCommand Promptin the search box and then select theRun as administratoroption.
you should probably punch in the following commands one by one and hitEnterafter each command for the same.
These commands will perform a thorough cleanup and restoration of corrupted system components.
The entire process may take a while.
Step 3:After this, you should probably run anSFC scanto scan and repair corrupted system files.
For this, you oughta throw in thesfc /scannowcommand in theCommand Promptand hit theEnterkey.
This will again take some time.
Step 4:power cycle your Windows machine once the verification process completes.
Now, make a run at revamp your Windows machine to check whether the error has been resolved.
In most cases, resetting Windows update components along with SFC and DISM scan fixes the error.
However, if Windows still gives the error code 0x8000ffff, follow the next workaround.
If any of these services are disabled, that could cause errors preventing you from installing updates.
Therefore, while troubleshooting the error code 0x8000ffff, ensure all the essential Windows update services are running.
Step 2:Typeservices.mscin theRun dialog boxand hitEnterto open theWindows servicesthat run in the background.
Step 3:Here, locate theWindows Updateon the list of services and right-tap on it.
Step 4:Select thePropertiesoption from the drop-down menu.
Step 5:By default, you will land on theGeneraltab.
Here, verify that theStartup typeis eitherManualorAutomatic.
If theStartup typesaysDisabled, change it toManualorAutomatic.
If the error persists, follow the next solution.
it’s possible for you to download theMedia Creation ToolonWindows 10usingthis link, whereas forWindows 11, usethis link.
Step 2:Now, launch theMedia Creation Toolon your PC with administrator rights.
Step 3:Accept the applicable notices and license terms.
Step 4:It will give you two options Upgrade this PC noworCreate installation media.
Select theUpgrade this PC nowoption and choose theNextbutton.
Step 2:In the search box, key in the Windows OS version you are using.
Step 3:Sort the list byLast Updatedand download the Windows update file compatible with your system.
Keep an eye on ARM64 and x64.
Step 4:Once downloaded, launch it to initiate the installation process.
Step 5:It will ask you for theAdministratorrights.
Step 6:Once initiated, the update process would take a few minutes to complete.
Once completed, cycle your PC, and boom!
You have escaped the error code 0x8000ffff and updated your Windows machine.
If thats the case with you, deleting the cache stored by Microsoft Store could fix the error.
Here is how to delete the Microsoft Store cache
Step 1:Launch theRundialog box by pressing theWin+Rkey.
Step 2:Typewsreset.exein the comment box and hitEnter.
Doing so will automatically reset the Microsoft Store cache data.
You will just see a Command Prompt opening and closing, informing you that the process has been completed.
It will further launch the Microsoft Store.
However, this time Microsoft Store will take a bit more time to load than usual.
Therefore, updating the drivers could help you fix this error.
There are two ways it’s possible for you to update drivers either manually or usingdriver updaters.
Step 2:Typedevmgmt.mscin the box and hitEnterto open theDevice Manager.
Step 3:It will present you with a list of connected devices.
Look for the problematic ones that contain a yellow exclamation mark.
Step 4:Right-punch these devices and select theUpdate driveroption.
Step 5:A new wizard will appear.
Here, select theSearch automatically for driversoption.
This option will automatically search and load the latest available drivers from Microsofts website.
If it cant find any drivers or shows any error, try uninstalling or disabling these devices.
However, note that disabling or uninstalling those devices will restrict their functionalities immediately.
Therefore, avoid uninstalling and disabling essential devices such as monitors, graphics drivers, etc.
How to Ensure That the Error Code 0x8000ffff Doesnt Occur Again?
Since several reasons could trigger the error code 0x8000ffff, protecting your PC from it becomes challenging.
You dont need to do it daily, especially if you dont download many files.
Instead, doing a full virus scan twice a month would get the job done.
Doing so could protect you from several Windows errors, including the error code 0x8000ffff.
It keeps your system protected from all addressed errors and security issues and enhances overall performance and stability.
Errors like 0x8000ffff are difficult to deal with.
It occurs with no clear statement, making it extremely difficult to fix.
The only option that remains is to try the hit-and-trial method.
you’ve got the option to follow the workarounds mentioned in this article to fix the error.
Next, check outhow to fix Error Code 0x800704cf and regain internet freedom.
