If on Windows 10 you run into the error 0x800f0988 when it comes to updating the system, this post will help solve the problem.
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Users have reported that the problem occurs when installing cumulative update KB4512508 for Windows 10. Sometimes the error code can vary from 0x800f0988; 0x0xc1900223223; 0x80240034; 0x8007000E, to others.
Here is the exact error message- Updates failed, Error 0x800f0988, Problems occurred while installing some updates. Try again later.
Of course, the first thing most people do is try installing the update once again, but as many have discovered, this makes no difference. In other words, no matter how many times you try to install the same update over and over again, it continues to fail and there isn’t much that can be done about it.
Typically, failed Windows updates occur due to damaged, missing files or files that interfere with the settings (especially malware) affecting the update services.
In this article, we have presented a series of steps that will solve this annoying mistake.
How to fix Error 0x800f0988 in Windows 10
Why was the Windows update blocked by this from error 0x800f0988 while downloading? There are various reasons why Windows Update is blocked, such as Internet connection problems, security software jams, corrupt system files, or there is no space on the system drive to download and install updates.
The most common cause is the corrupt Windows Update component (“Software Distribution Folder”, where Windows temporarily downloads updates before installing them).
If for some reason the Windows Update database is damaged, the Windows update may crash while downloading and the update installation may fail due to various errors.
Free up free disk space
This method can be taken for granted, but if the local disk is running out of space, there is a possibility that Windows may not have enough memory to install an update.
That’s why you need to clean the disk by deleting unnecessary files (images, videos, apps, etc.) and download the CCleaner program which will delete temporary files, such as cache and other residual files which can take up a large amount of space.
After doing so, try to update again. If this method doesn’t help, go to the next.
Run the Windows troubleshooter
Windows offers a variety of integrated tools for solving problems. One of them is TroubleShooter which allows automatic fault analysis and correction. And here’s how:
- Left-click on the Start Menu button in the lower-left corner of the screen and select Settings.
- Then select Update and Security.
- In the open tab, go to the menu on the left panel, search and click Troubleshoot.
- Then find Windows Update and click on it.
- In the drop-down list, click the Run Troubleshoot button.
- Allow Windows to identify problems and resolve them. When finished, restart your PC and try to install the update again.
Download service stack updates
If none of the above methods served, you can try downloading the service stack updates (SSU). SSU ensures that you have the latest stack of services so that your computer can correctly receive and install Microsoft updates. It can be downloaded safely from the Microsoft Update catalog.
Scan system files (SFC)
When it comes to damaged or lost files, Windows has an integrated recovery tool that allows you to restore lost or damaged files in a couple of steps listed below:
- Open the command line by typing cmd in the search box next to the Start Menu button.
- Right-click on the command line and choose Run as administrator.
- Once the console is open, type sfc/scannow and press enter.
- After the repair process is complete, restart your computer.
Stop automatic updates
There is no doubt that updating the PC will guarantee a more stable and secure experience (not always), however, the computer can continue to work even without them. If you are tired of constantly receiving new updates with respect to the system security load, you can disable them for some time by following this:
- Open Settings as we did previously.
- Then click Update and Security.
- Choose Windows Update in the left pane.
- And click on the Advanced Options button.
- Scroll down to Pause updates and choose the time interval to delay automatic updates in Up to pause.
Finally, Windows updates won’t bother you during the selected time period.
Clean the Windows components
The overloaded components database can make it difficult to install updates. This is why you should try running the StartComponentCleanup option through the planning unit.
Press the Windows key and write taskschd.msc
In the left panel, go to Library \ Microsoft \ Windows \ Servicing
Once done, right-click on StartComponentCleanup and choose to run it.
Wait for the process to complete, restart your computer, and try to install the conflicting update again.
Restore the Windows Update service
In this particular method, you can try to restore the Windows Update service as it may not work properly. Don’t worry, these configurations won’t cause any damage, on the contrary, they will probably resolve the error 0x800f0988.
Open the windows 10 command prompt, to do this just press the Windows + R key combination and, in the window that opens, type cmd
Then type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each command.
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C- \ Windows \ SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C- \ Windows \ System32 \ catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
pause
Wait until Windows restores the settings and close the console. Now try to install the update again.
Install updates manually
It is not excluded that Windows cannot install the update because the components were damaged or lost during the download. Sometimes a bad network connection can be the problem. Therefore, you need to check the update number and download it.
Search and remove malware
Last but not least is keeping your system clean and virus free. Different infections can become the cause of multiple errors, as they can damage important files and modification settings which lead to various problems like 0x800f0988.
We recommend that you periodically scan your device for threats with some anti-malware utilities that prevent cyber attacks. To find out if your computer is infected or not, you can use WiperSoft which is free and can detect potentially unwanted programs and other viruses that interact with its components.
