What is Error Code 0x800B0108 & How to Fix It

Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder to recreate a new one

by Claire Moraa
Claire Moraa
Claire Moraa
Author
Claire likes to think she's got a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. Driven by the forces of rationality, curiosity,... read more
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Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
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  • The Windows update error 0x800b0108 may appear if the network connection between your computer and server timed out before the request could complete.
  • Always ensure you have a stable connection and that the services associated with Windows updates are running normally.
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If you get an error code 0x800b0108 while running Windows Update, it means that the update service is not working as expected. This error message pops up when you try to install updates on your PC, preventing you from installing the latest patches and security fixes.

In this article, we will tell you how to fix error code 0x800b0108 on Windows Update and what actions you should take to avoid this problem in the future.

What is error code 0x800b0108 on Windows Update?

In some cases, this can be caused by a corrupted system file or a missing service pack from Microsoft.

Other possible reasons include:

  • The update is too big for your Internet connection – If your Internet connection is slow or has a low bandwidth, then it may not be able to download the large update file in time.
  • Corrupt update files – If your Windows update folder has become corrupted over time or some update files are missing, it may trigger the 0x800b0106 error.
  • Windows update service has stopped – This is a critical service required for the Windows update process to be completed, so if it has stopped, you may encounter this error.
  • Software or hardware conflicts – You may have installed incompatible software or hardware, such as antivirus programs, firewalls, or other security software.

How do I fix error 0x800b0108?

Try the following workarounds before any recommended solutions:

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.settings windows 11
  2. Click on System and select Troubleshoot.Open system troubleshooter
  3. Navigate to Other troubleshooters.other troubleshooters
  4. Click the Run option for the Windows Update troubleshooter.windows-update-run-troubleshooter runtimebroker.exe error

2. Restart the Windows update service 

  1. Hit the Windows + R keys to open the Run command.
  2. Type services.msc and hit Enter.run services.msc command
  3. Locate the Windows Update service, double click on it and select Properties.
  4. Navigate to the General tab, under Startup type, select Automatic from the drop-down options, and click on the Start button.
  5. Next, click Apply and then OK.

3. Run DISM and SFC scans 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth sfc /scannow
  3. Restart your PC.

4. Delete the Software Distribution folder

  1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt in the text field, and click on Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Paste the following command and hit Enter to stop the Windows Update service: net stop wuauserv
  3. Next, execute the following command to terminate BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service): net stop bits
  4. Once done, press Windows + E to open File Explorer, paste the following in the address bar, and hit Enter: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
  5. Press Ctrl + A to select all the folder’s contents, then hit the Delete key. If you can’t delete the Software Distribution folder or the access is denied, restart your PC and try again.delete software distribution folder
  6. All the files in the Software Distribution folder should be deleted, but the folder should still be there.
  7. Go back to Command Prompt, and execute the following commands to restart the Windows Update service and BITS: net start wuauservnet start bits

The SoftwareDistribution folder is used by Windows Update and other features to store local copies of packages downloaded from Microsoft’s servers. If you delete it, it will be re-created the next time you try to update Windows. This just means the download process will take longer.

5. Reset Windows update components 

  1. Hit the Windows key, type cmd in the search bar, and click Run as administrator.cmd-run-admin-w11 unexpected kernel mode trap windows 11
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one: net stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop appidsvc net stop cryptsvc Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*" rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll netsh winsock reset netsh winsock reset proxy net start bits net start wuauserv net start appidsvc net start cryptsv

That being said, consider installing a Windows update repair tool to better address such issues in the future because the error 0x800b0108 is not the last of Windows update errors.

Let us know if there’s a solution that is missing from our list but helped you get rid of this error in the comments below.

Still experiencing issues?

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If the above suggestions have not solved your problem, your computer may experience more severe Windows troubles. We suggest choosing an all-in-one solution like Fortect to fix problems efficiently. After installation, just click the View&Fix button and then press Start Repair.

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