Windows Update errors are one of the serious problems that users face quite often. That’s because some errors can be easily fixed while others require a process. If you have ever encountered error code 0x8e5e03fa while updating the system, the instructions below can help you fix this error.
Error 0x8e5e03fa occurs when a file or system process is corrupted in the Windows Component Store or in Component-Based Servicing (CBS).
Before you begin, create a system restore point first. This will help you undo your changes if needed.
How to fix Windows Update error 0x8e5e03fa on Windows 10
1. Open Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows 10 operating system has a built-in troubleshooter that can effectively fix common Windows Update-related errors. It usually solves the problem or at least shows where the error really is. Therefore, try this method before applying other methods.
- To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, first select Start > Settings > Updates and Security > Troubleshoot.
- On the right hand side, scroll down and select Windows Update.
- Click Run the troubleshooter and let the machine fix the error automatically.
- It may take a while for the device to recognize the problem, so please be patient.
- When the process is complete, close the window and restart your device.
- Check if the problem has been resolved. If it is still there, we can do it in the following second way.
2. Reinstall two folders SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2
- To do this, open Notepad and copy and paste the following line
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
- Click File and select Save as to open the window as follows.
Select the appropriate place, click All Files in the Save as type sections below. - Then, type WindowsUpdate.bat in the File name box.
- Click Save and close the Notepad window.
- Go to the last entry, select the file you just created, right-click and select Run as administrator.
- If the UAC dialog box appears on the screen, select Yes to grant admin rights.
- Command prompt will be enabled and Windows Update will run again.
3. Start the System File Checker and the DISM . tool
If the 0x8e5e03fa error still occurs, open the System File Checker and the DISM tool. They will scan the entire hard drive for missing or corrupted files. Then these two programs will repair or replace the files automatically.
4. Reinstall Windows Update Components
Reinstall Windows Update Components to see if the error is resolved.
5. Install update using super admin account
Another way to fix this is that you can use the super admin account to download and install new updates without interruption. All you need to do is create a new user account on your Windows device and then log in, using that account. Follow these steps to fix error 0x8e5e03fa.
Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Command prompt will be opened with admin rights.
Type the following command into the command prompt
net user administrator /active:yes
Press Enter to open the admin account available in the operating system.
Upon successful command activation, close the command prompt window.
Now you need to sign out on the device. Press Ctrl + Alt + Del, select Sign out.
Then log in again with the new admin account.
Now check if your error is fixed.
6. Install updates manually
Another way to fix this is to manually download and install the required updates through the Microsoft Update Catalog.
Done
