How to fix error code 0x8007007e on Windows 10 in 6 easy steps?

When upgrading Windows 10 to the latest build or updating the OS, you may get the error code 0x8007007e. This error may show up with the following messages:

• Windows encountered an unknown error.
• Failed to install the update. Please try again.

Microsoft releases periodic security patches and bug fixes for Windows 10 to ensure your system is protected. If Windows fails to update or upgrade because of the error code 0x8007007e, your PC is at risk and you might be wondering what to do.

Fortunately, you don’t have to worry. This post shows you various methods on how to fix the Windows Update error 0x8007007e.

What are 0x8007007e error codes?

The 0x8007007e is the error code format used by Windows to indicate that your Operating System is misconfigured or has malfunctioned. This error commonly occurs due to the following reasons:

• Corrupt system or registry files.
• A third-party antivirus preventing the Windows update or upgrade.
• A virus attack.
• An incomplete installation, uninstallation or deletion of an application or hardware.
• An improper computer shutdown.

How to fix the Error Code 0x8007007e when upgrading?

Before employing any of the following methods to fix the error code 0x8007007e, make sure you back up your files and create a restore point.

1. Disable Third-Party Antivirus and Windows Defender Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, an antivirus might be the reason you are not able to update or upgrade your Windows. Try to disable it to check if it solves the problem. If you have a third-party antivirus installed:

1. Look for its icon in the system tray.
2. Right-click it, and select “Disable”.
3. If you don’t have that option, double-click the antivirus icon and select “Disable” from the pop-up.
4. Now, try to run the installation or upgrade again to see if it works.

If you still encounter the error, disable Windows Firewall using these steps:

1. Click the Windows Cortana search box or press the Windows Key+Q, and type control panel.
2. Click the first result to open the “Control Panel” window.
3. Go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall (or “Windows Firewall” in other versions).
4. On the left window pane, click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off”.
5. Choose the “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)” option.
6. Restart your computer and try to update or upgrade Windows 10 again.

If this method refuses to work, repeat the same process and turn on the antivirus and Windows Defender Firewall.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

‘Troubleshoot’ is a Windows feature that allows you to find and fix issues affecting your system. To use the troubleshooter:

1. On your keyboard, press the Windows Key+I to launch the “Settings” app.
2. Select Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Locate Windows Update and click it.
4. Select the “Run the troubleshooter” button and wait for Windows to detect problems. The troubleshooter will then list the details of the problems and ask you to choose whether to apply the fix or to skip it.
5. Select “Apply this fix” to solve the issues affecting Windows Update.

This should eliminate the error code 0x8007007e. If it doesn’t, try the next method.

3. Update Windows in a Clean Boot State

Software conflicts can cause the error code 0x8007007e. Performing a clean boot allows you to identify if third-party software or services are the culprits.

1. Right-click “Start” and select “Run”.
2. Type msconfig and press “Enter” to open the “System Configuration” interface.
3. Select the “Services” tab.
4. At the bottom-left corner, check the “Hide all Microsoft services” box.
5. Click the “Disable all” button. If it’s greyed out, move on to the next step.
6. Choose the “Startup” tab, and click “Disable all”. If you don’t see it, select the “Open Task Manager” option.
7. Right-click on each enabled task and select “Disable”.
8. Restart your PC.
9. Click “Don’t show this message or launch the System” in the “System Configuration Utility” window that appears.

Now check if you can update/upgrade your system.

4. Scan Your Computer for Malware Infections

Some applications can only be installed when you temporarily disable your antivirus. This exposes your system to possible virus attacks, especially if you’re connected to the internet, which could damage your files or lead to data leaks.

To ensure the safety of your machine, you need to install the Auslogics Anti-Malware tool. Designed to keep hackers from stealing sensitive information, the tool also works seamlessly alongside your antivirus to ensure no malicious files or programs infiltrate your computer.

It checks Windows registry for suspicious entries, analyzes the safety of each application installed on your PC, scans your browser to protect your information, and safeguards your personal data from being tracked.

If the reason for the error code 0x8007007e is a virus attack, then you can rest assured that Auslogics Anti-Malware tool will identify and neutralize the threats.

5. Repair Corrupted System Files

1. Right-click “Start” and choose “Command Prompt (Admin)”. Select “Yes” to access the “Command Prompt” interface.
2. Type this command followed by Enter dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
3. Let the process complete successfully, and then type the following command sfc /scannow. Press Enter and wait for Windows to repair corrupted system files.

After the repair, you should be able to carry out the installation or Windows upgrade without issues. If the error code 0x8007007e still appears, try the next method.

6. Reset Windows Update Components

To fix the Windows Update error code 0x8007007e, you might have to manually restart the BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service), MSI installer, Cryptographic, Windows Update Services and rename the Software Distribution and Catroot2 folders.

Follow these simple instructions:

1. Open “Command Prompt (Admin)” by right-clicking the “Start” menu.
2. Input the command net stop wuauserv, and press Enter.
3. Type the command net stop cyrptSvc, and press Enter.
4. Type the command net stop bits, and press Enter.
5. Type the command net stop msiserver, and press Enter.
6. Type the command ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old, and press Enter.
7. Type the command ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old, and press Enter.

These commands stop the selected services. To restart them, input the following commands.

8. Type the command net start wuauserv, and press Enter.
9. Type the command net start cryptSvc, and press Enter.
10. Type the command net start bits, and press Enter.
11. Type the command net start msiserver, and press Enter.
12. Close the Command Prompt window.

Be careful when typing these commands to avoid making a wrongful entry. After you are done, try to update Windows to see if the error still exists.

If one of these solutions resolves the Windows Update error code 0x8007007e, let us know in the comments below. It’s also crucial that you keep your device drivers updated to ensure your system operates without issues. You can use Auslogics Driver Updater for this purpose.