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How to fix Windows update error 8007000E?

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As polished as Windows is, there still can be random bugs and glitches here and there. Even updating your OS using Windows Update, the native update utility for Windows, things can go wrong.

To make troubleshooting easier for users, Windows has introduced certain error codes. In this article, we’re going to talk about Windows Update error 8007000E (which appears in the message, “could not complete the operation due to error 8007000E), its causes and the solutions you can try to fix the error.


What causes error 8007000E in Windows?

The actual cause of the error differs from computer to computer. It can be anything from a virus or malware to accumulated junk files that can interfere with Windows update. Another known cause is the presence of corrupt system files or corrupt file or folders in the SoftwareDistribution folder. 

Also read: How to view and change Microsoft Store install location in Windows 10?


10 ways to fix 8007000E error

Here are ten things you can do to resolve this Windows update issue.

Disable or uninstall all third-party security programs

If you’re using anything other than Windows Defender, be it an antivirus, antimalware or any other security program, there’s a chance that it can interfere with Windows Update.

To resolve the 8007000E error, simply disable all third-party security programs and try updating again. 


Remove junk files from your machine

Excess junk files have been known to cause problems with Windows Update for quite some time. Follow these steps to remove all junk files from your PC.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + X to open the Quick Access menu and click on Command Prompt (Admin).

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Type cleanmgr and press enter. Let the tool do its thing.

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 3: You’ll be prompted to select what junk files you want to delete. Simply check all the boxes, especially Temporary files. Click OK when done. 

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Run SFC scan

System File Checker, otherwise known as SFC is a tool designed to scan and analyse your Windows Installation to find and repair any corrupted files. 

Step 1: Press Windows Key + X to open the Quick Access menu and click on Command Prompt (Admin).

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Type sfc /scannow and press enter. 

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Now try running Windows Update to check if your issue is resolved. 


Check the Windows Update service

Checking if the Windows Update service is running or not is another thing that should be on your troubleshooting list.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt. Type services.msc and press enter.

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Scroll to find the Windows Update service and double click it to proceed.

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 3: In the Startup type dropdown, select Automatic. If the service is stopped, click the Start button to activate the service manually. Click Apply and OK when done. 

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Also read: Where are Chrome bookmarks located in Windows 10?


Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder

Step 1: Press Windows Key + X to open the Quick Access menu and click on Command Prompt (Admin).

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Type the following command in the prompt and press Enter.

ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.old
How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

This command changes the name of your SoftwareDistribution folder to SoftwareDistribution.old. When you restart your PC, Windows will automatically regenerate these files, hopefully resolving the 8007000E error


Rename Spupdsvc.exe

Step 1: Press Windows Key + X to open the Quick Access menu and click on Command Prompt (Admin).

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Type the following command in the prompt and press Enter.

ren %systemroot%\System32\Spupdsvc.exe Spupdsvc.old
How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Restart your PC and try again. 


Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 10 offers a slew of inbuilt troubleshooters that can resolve just about any issue on your PC, including Windows Update.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + I to open Windows settings and click on Update & Security.

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 2; Head over to the Troubleshooting tab.

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 3: Click on Additional troubleshooters.

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 4: Click the Windows Update troubleshooter to run it and let the troubleshooter do its thing. 

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Also read: How to install and use Zsh in Windows 10?


Clear corrupt data caches

Certain Windows Update components might possibly have encountered some corrupt cache files causing the 8007000E error.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + X to open the Quick Access menu and click on Command Prompt (Admin).

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Run the following commands, one at a time and press enter after each one.

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
Exit
How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Restart your PC and try to update Windows again.


Running an In-Place Upgrade

If nothing else works, the only way out here is to upgrade your installation with the Windows Media Creation tool manually. Once the tool is running, accept the prompts and click on Upgrade this PC Now and let the tool run. 

Make sure you select Keep Personal Files in the next step before clicking the install button. 


Setting Internet Explorer as your default browser

Now, this is a very long shot, but it can resolve the 8007000E error when nothing else works.

Step 1: Press Windows Key + I to open Windows Settings. Click on Apps.

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 2: Head over to the Default Apps tab. 

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Step 3: Scroll down and under Web Browser, click on the browser you currently have. Select Internet Explorer and try updating again. 

How to fix Windows update error 8007000E? | Candid.Technology

Also read: How to map and access Webdav drive in Windows 10?

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah Abidi

Yadullah is a Computer Science graduate who writes/edits/shoots/codes all things cybersecurity, gaming, and tech hardware. When he's not, he streams himself racing virtual cars. He's been writing and reporting on tech and cybersecurity with websites like Candid.Technology and MakeUseOf since 2018. You can contact him here: yadullahabidi@pm.me.

  • This article gives valuable information regarding the Windows Update error code 8007000e solutions. I am getting trouble repairing or installing office programs on my Windows After reading this article I found the solution to my problem. Thanks!

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