Error code 0x80080005 frequently appears during Windows Update or software installs when core COM services (Component Object Model) are blocked or corrupted—often due to disabled services, permission issues, or damaged system files. This halts updates or installations and leaves your system unable to proceed. To resolve it, follow these steps:
- Restart your PC to clear temporary blocks.
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Windows Update. This tool can automatically detect and fix issues with services.
- Check critical services: Press Win + R, type
services.msc, and ensure these services are set to Automatic (Delayed Start) or Automatic and are running:
- COM+ Event System
- DCOM Server Process Launcher
- RPC Endpoint Mapper
- Windows Update
Right-click each and select Start if stopped.
- Clear the Update cache: In an elevated Command Prompt, stop the Windows Update and BITS services, delete all contents of
C:WindowsSoftwareDistributionand the Catroot2 folder, then restart those services. - Repair system files: Still in the admin Command Prompt, run:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- Reboot and retry: After restarting, attempt the update or installation again.
These steps typically restore COM services and resolve error 0x80080005. For a full walkthrough with screenshots and advanced recovery options, refer to this comprehensive guide.