Updating to Microsoft latest version of Windows 10 provides users an improved performance of the operating system as well as an enhancements in its security features. There are instances wherein when updating Windows 10, users sees an error message that states “Windows have encountered an unknown Error (Error code 0x8007007e)”. The prompt error prevents the user to update or upgrade the operating system to the latest version. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle how to fix Windows 10 Update Error 0x8007007e Issue.

How to Fix Error Code 0x8007007e when updating Windows 10 PC

There are two things that might have caused error message to occur: Antivirus or Third party software that’s preventing you to update and from a corrupt or damaged windows file, registry file or system file. Listed below are some of the troubleshooting methods that can you can try to fix windows update 0x8007007e error that you are experiencing.

Before performing the recommended troubleshooting methods below, its best to restart your Windows computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.

Method 1: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Program

For Windows Defender antivirus:

For AVG Antivirus:

1. Double-click on AVG icon located at computer system tray
2. Click Temporarily disable AVG protection.
3. Select how long you want AVG to be turned off and whether you want AVG to disable its Firewall too. Click on OK to disable the antivirus program.

For McAfee Antivirus:

1. Double-click on McAfee icon located at computer system tray.
2. Click Exit.
3. A dialog box warning you that McAfee protection will be turned off, click Yes to disable the antivirus program.

For Avast Antivirus:

1. Double-click on Avast icon located at computer system tray.
2. Click Avast shields control.
3. Locate the options to disable the program – the options are to disable it for 10 minutes, an hour, until the computer is restarted or permanently (until you yourself turn it back on). Select whatever option suits you best and use it to disable the program.

Check if Windows Update Error 0x8007007e still occurs.

Method 2: Run Windows Update troubleshooter

Windows Update Troubleshooter diagnosed and fixes Windows update related issues on your Windows 10 computer.

To do this:

1. Click on the Start or Windows logo key located at the lower left.
2. Click on Settings, an icon that looks like a gear to open Windows Settings section
3. Click on Update and Security tab
4. Click on Troubleshoot at the left pane.
5. Click on Additional Troubleshooters at right pane
6. Click on Windows Update under the Get up and Running section
7. Click Run the Troubleshooter tab. A new window opens and Windows will now detect problems
8. After Windows Update Troubleshooter process is complete and it could not identify any problem, click Close and Exit Settings Section. It will display recommended solutions to fix it, if a problem is detected.

After performing Windows Update Troubleshooter, check if Windows Update Error 0x8007007e still occurs.

Method 3: Manually Reset Windows Update Services

Try to manually reset windows update services to remove any corrupt files that may be present on your computer that prevents you from updating.

1. Type Command Prompt at the search bar on your Windows located at the lower left.
2. Right click on the first result and select “Run as administrator” for command prompt admin access. If a prompt User account control (UAC) appears, click OK.
3. At command prompt window, type the following commands in order then hit Enter key after each command.
4. Type net stop bits then press Enter
5. Type net stop wuauserv then press Enter.
6. Type net stop cryptSvc then press Enter.
7. Type net stop msiserver then press Enter.
8. Type ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old then press Enter.
9. Type ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old then press Enter.
10. Type net start bits then press Enter.
11. Type net start wuauserv then press Enter.
12. Type net start cryptSvc then press Enter.
13. Type net start msiserver then press Enter.
14. Click Close to Exit command prompt window.
15. Restart your PC.

After computer completely reboots, check if f Windows Update Error 0x8007007e still occurs.

Method 4: Perform a clean boot

Doing this method helps users to find the underlying cause of the problem is because of a third party program of service that’s causing you to complete the windows 10 update process and prevent Error 0x8007007e to appear.

To do this:

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open RUN dialog box.
2. At RUN dialog box, type msconfig and press Enter or click OK to open System Configuration section.
3. Click Services tab at the system configuration section.
4. Check the option Hide All Microsoft Services
5. Click Disable All option if it is not greyed out.
6. Click Startup tab
7. Click Open Task Manager, a new window opens.
8. At task manager, click on each of the running programs and click Disable at the lower right. Do that for all the Enabled programs.
9. Exit Task Manager window
10. Click OK to apply changes and exit system configuration window
11. Restart computer

Once computer completely reboots, Check if Windows Update Error 0x8007007e still occurs.

After following the steps mentioned, you will successfully fix Windows 10 Update Error 0x8007007e.

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