Fix Update Error 0x80D06802 Windows 10/8/7 PC - Complete Solution

Understanding Windows Update Error 0x80D06802

Windows Update Error 0x80D06802 is a Windows Update service error that occurs when Windows cannot complete update operations. This error indicates that Windows Update encountered a problem during the update process.

Where this error typically occurs:

• When checking for updates - when Windows Update searches for available updates
• When downloading updates - when Windows Update downloads update files
• When installing updates - when Windows Update installs downloaded updates
• After Windows updates - when updates trigger additional update checks
• When Windows Update service is running - during normal update operations

Common error messages you might encounter:

• "Error code: 0x80D06802"
• "Windows Update error 0x80D06802"
• "We couldn't complete the updates. Undoing changes"
• "Updates are available but couldn't be downloaded"
• "Windows Update encountered an unknown error"

Why Windows Update Error 0x80D06802 occurs:

• Windows Update service issues: Windows Update service is not running or is corrupted
• Corrupted update cache: Windows Update cache files are corrupted
• Network connectivity problems: Cannot connect to Windows Update servers
• Windows Update database corruption: Windows Update database is corrupted
• Insufficient permissions: User account doesn't have permissions to run Windows Update
• Corrupted Windows Update components: Windows Update components are damaged or missing
• Firewall blocking: Firewall blocking Windows Update traffic

Method 1: Restart Windows Update Service (Recommended First Step)

This method addresses the most common cause of Error 0x80D06802: Windows Update service issues. Restarting the service often resolves temporary service problems.

1. Open Services:
   • Press Windows + R, type services.msc, press Enter
   • Or search "Services" in Start menu
2. Stop Windows Update service:
   • Find Windows Update in the services list
   • Right-click → Stop
   • Wait for service to stop completely
3. Stop related services:
   • Find Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Right-click → Stop
   • Find Cryptographic Services
   • Right-click → Stop
4. Start services in order:
   • Start Cryptographic Services first
   • Start Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Start Windows Update service
   • Wait for each service to start completely
5. Set service startup type:
   • Right-click Windows Update → Properties
   • Set Startup type to Automatic
   • Click Apply → OK
6. Try Windows Update again:
   • Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
   • Click Check for updates
   • Wait for update check to complete
   • Check if Error 0x80D06802 is resolved
   • If error persists, proceed to Method 2

Why this works: Windows Update service issues are common causes of Error 0x80D06802. Restarting the service and related services (BITS, Cryptographic Services) clears temporary service problems and restores proper Windows Update functionality.

Method 2: Clear Windows Update Cache

Corrupted Windows Update cache can cause Error 0x80D06802. Clearing the cache ensures fresh update downloads and resolves cache-related update failures.

1. Stop Windows Update service:
   • Open Services (services.msc)
   • Find Windows Update service
   • Right-click → Stop
   • Wait for service to stop
2. Stop Background Intelligent Transfer Service:
   • Find Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Right-click → Stop
   • Wait for service to stop
3. Delete Windows Update cache files:
   • Open File Explorer
   • Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\
   • Delete all contents of this folder (be careful - this is update cache)
   • Navigate to C:\Windows\System32\catroot2\
   • Delete all contents of this folder (optional but recommended)
4. Restart Windows Update service:
   • Open Services again
   • Start Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Start Windows Update service
   • Wait for services to start
5. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to ensure all cache is cleared
   • Allow Windows to complete startup sequence
6. Try Windows Update again:
   • Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
   • Click Check for updates
   • First update check may take longer (rebuilding cache)
   • Check if Error 0x80D06802 is resolved

When to use this method: Use Method 2 when Error 0x80D06802 persists after restarting Windows Update service, when update downloads fail repeatedly, or when you suspect corrupted update cache. Clearing cache forces Windows Update to rebuild cache from scratch.

Method 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in Update Troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix many Windows Update issues, including Error 0x80D06802.

1. Open Windows Update Troubleshooter:
   • Open Settings (Windows + I)
   • Navigate to Update & Security → Troubleshoot
   • Click Additional troubleshooters (if available)
   • Find Windows Update troubleshooter
   • Click Run the troubleshooter
2. Follow troubleshooter instructions:
   • Troubleshooter will scan for Windows Update issues
   • Follow on-screen instructions
   • Troubleshooter may ask for administrator permission
   • Click "Yes" when UAC prompts
3. Let troubleshooter fix issues:
   • Troubleshooter may automatically fix detected issues
   • Wait for troubleshooter to complete
   • Review results - troubleshooter will indicate if issues were fixed
4. Restart computer if prompted:
   • If troubleshooter recommends restart, restart your computer
   • After restart, check Windows Update again
5. Check Windows Update status:
   • Return to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
   • Click Check for updates
   • Check if Error 0x80D06802 is resolved

Why this works: Windows Update Troubleshooter automatically detects common Windows Update issues including service problems, cache corruption, and component issues. It can fix many problems automatically without manual intervention, making it an efficient first troubleshooting step.

Method 4: Repair Windows Update Components with DISM

Corrupted Windows Update components can cause Error 0x80D06802. Using DISM to repair Windows Update components restores proper update functionality.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X → "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)"
   • Or search "cmd", right-click → "Run as administrator"
   • Click "Yes" when UAC prompts
2. Run DISM to check component store:
   • Type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and press Enter
   • This quick check (1-2 minutes) confirms if component store corruption exists
3. Scan component store for issues:
   • If CheckHealth found issues, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   • Press Enter - this scan takes 5-15 minutes
   • Wait for completion
4. Restore component store if needed:
   • If corruption was found, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   • Press Enter - this may take 20-40 minutes
   • Requires internet connection to download replacement files
   • Do not interrupt this process
5. Run System File Checker:
   • After DISM completes, type: sfc /scannow and press Enter
   • This scans and repairs corrupted system files
   • Process takes 15-30 minutes - do not interrupt
   • Wait for scan to complete
6. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to apply all repairs
   • Restart Windows Update service (Method 1)
   • Try Windows Update again

Why this works: Corrupted Windows Update components can prevent updates from downloading or installing. DISM repairs the component store (source of Windows Update files), and SFC repairs corrupted system files. Together, they restore proper Windows Update functionality.

Method 5: Reset Windows Update Components Manually

If all other methods fail, manually resetting Windows Update components provides a comprehensive solution for Error 0x80D06802.

1. Stop Windows Update services:
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator
   • Type: net stop wuauserv and press Enter
   • Type: net stop cryptSvc and press Enter
   • Type: net stop bits and press Enter
   • Type: net stop msiserver and press Enter
2. Rename Windows Update folders:
   • Type: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old and press Enter
   • Type: ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old and press Enter
   • This renames folders instead of deleting (safer approach)
3. Reset Windows Update service:
   • Type: regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll and press Enter
   • Type: regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll and press Enter
   • Type: regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll and press Enter
4. Reset Windows Update DLLs:
   • Type: regsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dll and press Enter
   • Type: regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dll and press Enter
   • Type: regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dll and press Enter
   • Type: regsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dll and press Enter
   • Type: regsvr32.exe /s wups.dll and press Enter
   • Type: regsvr32.exe /s wups2.dll and press Enter
   • Type: regsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dll and press Enter
5. Start Windows Update services:
   • Type: net start wuauserv and press Enter
   • Type: net start cryptSvc and press Enter
   • Type: net start bits and press Enter
   • Type: net start msiserver and press Enter
6. Restart your computer:
   • Restart to ensure all changes are applied
   • Allow Windows to complete startup sequence
7. Try Windows Update again:
   • Open Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update
   • Click Check for updates
   • First update check may take longer (rebuilding components)
   • Check if Error 0x80D06802 is resolved

Why this works: Manually resetting Windows Update components by stopping services, renaming cache folders, re-registering DLLs, and restarting services provides a comprehensive reset of Windows Update system. This eliminates all potential causes of Error 0x80D06802 and forces Windows Update to rebuild from scratch.

Additional Troubleshooting Steps

Check Network Connectivity

Windows Update requires internet connection. Ensure you have stable internet connection. Check if you can access Microsoft websites. If network connectivity is poor, Windows Update may fail with Error 0x80D06802. Try again when connection is stable.

Check Disk Space

Windows Update requires disk space for downloading and installing updates. Ensure you have at least 10GB free disk space. Check disk space: Right-click C: drive → Properties → check "Free space". Free up space if needed.

Check Firewall Settings

Firewall may block Windows Update traffic. Ensure Windows Update is allowed through firewall. Open Windows Firewall → Allow an app or feature → ensure Windows Update is checked for both Private and Public networks.

Prevention Strategies

• Keep Windows Update service running: Ensure service is set to Automatic
• Don't interrupt updates: Let updates complete fully
• Keep disk space available: Maintain at least 10GB free space
• Maintain stable internet connection: Stable connection is essential
• Don't disable Windows Update: Keep Windows Update enabled
• Regular system maintenance: Run DISM and SFC periodically
• Keep Windows updated: Install updates regularly to prevent issues

When to Seek Professional Help

If all methods fail to resolve Windows Update Error 0x80D06802, consider these scenarios:

• Persistent update failures: If updates continue to fail after all repairs, professional system diagnostics may be needed
• Enterprise environments: In business environments, consult IT support before attempting advanced repairs
• Critical security updates: If security updates are blocked, professional assistance may be urgent
• Complex system issues: If system has multiple issues, professional system repair may be necessary

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I fix Error 0x80D06802 without losing my data?

A: Yes, all methods in this guide preserve your data. Clearing Windows Update cache, restarting services, and repairing components don't affect your personal files, documents, or installed programs. Your data remains safe throughout the troubleshooting process.

Q: Will Error 0x80D06802 prevent me from using Windows?

A: No, Error 0x80D06802 only affects Windows Update functionality. Your Windows system will continue to function normally, but you won't be able to install updates. However, missing security updates can leave your system vulnerable, so it's important to resolve the error.

Q: Why does Error 0x80D06802 appear after Windows updates?

A: Sometimes Windows updates can modify Windows Update components or cause service issues. If Error 0x80D06802 appears after updates, it may indicate that the update process itself caused problems. Restarting Windows Update service (Method 1) or clearing update cache (Method 2) often resolves post-update errors.

Q: Can I manually download and install updates if Error 0x80D06802 persists?

A: Yes, you can manually download updates from Microsoft Update Catalog. Visit catalog.update.microsoft.com, search for the update you need, download it, and install manually. However, this is a workaround - it's better to fix Error 0x80D06802 to restore automatic updates.

Q: How long should I wait for Windows Update to complete after fixing Error 0x80D06802?

A: After fixing Error 0x80D06802, the first update check may take 10-30 minutes as Windows Update rebuilds cache and components. Be patient and don't interrupt the process. Subsequent update checks will be faster. If update check takes more than 1 hour, there may still be issues.