How to troubleshoot Windows Update error 8007000e?

The Windows Update error 8007000e mainly occurs when Windows Operating System is searching for, downloading or installing updates via Windows Update. Many users have reported encountering this error when trying to get the latest updates for their Windows device.

The error code 8007000e is accompanied by an error message which states, ‘Windows could not search for new updates’ or ‘Windows Update encountered an unknown error’. Today’s post explores several ways on how to remove the error code 8007000e when performing a Windows update.

What is Windows Update Error 8007000e?

Microsoft usually releases updates periodically to improve the performance of your PC or to fix certain bugs. However, there are times when things go wrong and you get error messages such as the Windows Update error 8007000e.

This error means that Windows was unable to retrieve and install updates for your Windows system. The error code 8007000e could happen due to various reasons, including:

• junk files clogging your computer,
• corrupt system files,
• a weak or unstable connection or issues with internet connectivity,
• virus or malware infection that prevents the installation of updates,
• corrupt files or folders in the SoftwareDistribution folder.

This is quite a common problem, and the steps below will help you fix the Windows Update 8007000e error with ease.

How to Fix Windows Update 8007000e Error?

Step 1: Basic Troubleshooting Tips

1. Check if your internet connection is having issues. An unstable or weak internet connection could interfere with the download process or lead to incomplete installation of the updates.
2. Check for loose internet cables that may interrupt internet connectivity.

Step 2: Scan for Virus or Malware Infection

Perform a full malware scan on your Windows device to remove any unwanted malicious items that may be hindering the Windows Update process. Some malware can also block or change your internet settings, leading to a slow and unreliable connection.

To check for malware infection, you can run Windows Defender, the Windows security tool, to remove the malicious files and apps. These are the steps to follow:

1. Press the Windows Key+I, and go to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options.
2. Select one of the options to start the scanning process. Choose the “Full scan” or “Windows Defender Offline scan” option for a more detailed scan.

Some malware items may be too sneaky for Windows Defender to detect. This calls for Auslogics Anti-Malware, a more powerful malware removal application that will perform a comprehensive scan on your entire system and intercept any suspicious files or programs.

The tool is easy to use, and all you need to do after installing Auslogics Anti-Malware is to click one of the options under the “Scanners” section, and then select “Start Scan”. The tool will quarantine any files, folders, or applications behaving suspiciously and allow you to decide whether to remove them from your system or keep them.

After the scan is complete, restart your PC and check if the error code 8007000e is still causing trouble.

Step 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter will automatically diagnose and fix any issues affecting Windows Update. But first, you need to download the troubleshooter before you proceed with the following steps.

1. Double-click the file you just downloaded. It should be named WindowsUpdate.diagcab.
2. Click “Next”.
3. If a new version of Windows Update Troubleshooter is available, click on the link provided to run it.
4. Click “Next”.
5. If the troubleshooter finds any pending updates, click “Next”, and then select “Apply this fix” to kick-start the update process.
6. After this process is complete, restart your system and try to update your OS via Windows Update.

If you still run into the error code 8007000e, try the next step.

Step 4: Repair Corrupt System Files

The Windows Update error 8007000e may be caused by corrupt, missing or damaged system files. Windows offers the System File Checker (SFC) utility tool to repair or replace those files. To run SFC:

1. Press the Windows Key+Q, and type command prompt.
2. Right-click the first result, which is titled “Command Prompt”, and click “Run as administrator”.
3. Choose “Yes” to get administrative privileges.
4. Type sfc /scannow and press “Enter”. System File Checker will commence the process which might take several minutes.

If SFC finds any issues with your system files, follow the prompts to fix them. Try running Windows Update again to find out if the problem was caused by corrupt or damaged system files. If the error still persists, move on to the next step.

Step 5: Run DISM Tool

The Windows Update 8007000e error could probably be caused by corrupt Windows Update files. If that’s the case, then you need to run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to try and resolve the problem.

Follow the steps below:

1. Press the Windows Key and type command prompt.
2. Right-click the first option, which is titled “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
3. Select “Yes” to gain administrative privileges.
4. Copy the following commands, one by one, and paste them in the “Command Prompt” window. Remember to press “Enter” after each command line:

• Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
• Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
• Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

5. When DISM completes the restore process, exit the Command Prompt window and try to repeat the Windows Update process again.

If the error is still here, try Step 6 below.

Step 6: Remove Junk Files from Your System

Due to continuous usage, your computer accumulates all kinds of junk files, and with time, the PC starts taking longer to load pages or to open applications. Additionally, the junk files clog your system, negatively impacting your PC’s performance.

These unnecessary files can also cause conflicts with the Windows Update process. For this reason, you need a reliable and trusted optimization tool that has won various awards for excellence. The Auslogics BoostSpeed software scans your device and informs you about the condition of the PC. You can then click on the “Resolve All” button to apply the fixes.

Alternatively, you can decide to scan specific areas individually to diagnose and cure any issues. The tool goes beyond just cleaning junk files. It restores the optimal performance of your machine, safeguards your sensitive information from prying eyes, stabilizes your PC and improves your internet speed.

It’s a complete utility suite with useful features such as Registry Cleaner, Disk Defrag, Disk Cleaner, Tweak Manager, among others, that guarantee peak performance. Try it today and give your computer a boost.

Removing the junk files should fix the Windows Update 8007000e error. If it doesn’t, don’t give up, and move on to the next step.

Step 7: Restart the Windows Update Service

1. Press the Windows Key+R, and then type services.msc in the “Run” dialog box.
2. Hit “Enter” to launch the “Services” window.
3. Scroll down until you locate “Windows Update”.
4. Right-click on it and choose “Stop”.
5. Now, open “File Explorer” by pressing the Windows Key+E, and then open the following path: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore.
6. You need to delete all the files in the “DataStore” folder. Simply select one file and then press Ctrl+A to select all the files.
7. Hit the delete key and then confirm your action.
8. Still in File Explorer, follow this path: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download, and delete all the files as well.
9. Next, head on back to the “Services” window, and right-click “Windows Update”.
10.  Click “Start” and check Windows Update to see if the installation process will proceed without hiccups.

If it’s still problematic, try the next solution.

Step 8: Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder

When you rename the SoftwareDistribution folder, Windows disregards it and all of its contents and creates a new SoftwareDistribution folder. This gets rid of any damaged or corrupt files and folders that may have been hiding in the SoftwareDistribution folder.

To proceed:

1. Press the Windows Key+E to open File Explorer.
2. Go to C:\Windows and find the “SoftwareDistribution” folder.
3. Rename it to SoftwareDistributionOld.

Windows Update should now install updates seamlessly.

Still in a dilemma after trying the above tips on how to fix the Windows Update 8007000e error? Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us or leave a comment below.