Fix 0x80090017 Windows Update Error

If the Windows Update Error 0x80090017 keeps troubling you, then this post may help you. This Windows Update Error 0x80090017 error usually occurs if the Windows update components aren’t downloaded correctly or are corrupted. Fortunately, you can follow some simple suggestions to help fix this error.

Fix 0x80090017 Windows Update Error

To fix the Windows Update Error 0x80090017, reset the update components and try installing the updates manually. If that doesn’t help, follow these suggestions:

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
2. Reset Windows Update Components
3. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software
4. Restart Windows Update Service
5. Install Windows Updates Manually
6. System Restore to a point before the error occurred

Now let’s see these in detail.

1] Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in utility called Windows Update Troubleshooter to help fix update related errors. Running this troubleshooter can scan and fix update-related errors automatically. Here’s how you can run the Update Troubleshooter:

1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I combination.
2. Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
3. Here, click on Run beside Windows Update.

2] Reset Windows Update Components

Corrupted Windows Update Components are another reason why the 0x80090017 Windows Update Error can occur. These update components contain cache files that act as a storehouse and help install updates. Resetting these components can clear and reset all these cache files to their default state. Here’s how:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator.
2. Type the following commands one by one and hit Enter.

   net stop bits
   net stop wuauserv
   net stop appidsvc
   net stop cryptsvc
   ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
   net start bits
   net start wuauserv
   net start appidsvc
   net start cryptsvc

3. Restart your device once done and see if the updates are getting installed.

3] Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

Antivirus softwares installed on your Windows device can interfere with the installation of updates. Temporarily disable these and see if it fixes the error. If you don’t have any third-party antivirus software installed on your system, disable the Windows Defender Firewall and see if it helps fix the 0x80090017 Windows Update Error.

4] Restart Windows Update Service

Next, try restarting the Windows Update Service. This service keeps the operating system and other Microsoft softwares up-to-date. Restarting the service can clear any temporary files or cache related to the service and help resolve update-related issues. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Press the Start button, type Services, and hit Enter.
2. Scroll down and search for Windows Update Service.
3. Right-click on the service and select Restart.

5] Install Windows Updates Manually

If none of these suggestions were helpful, consider installing Windows Updates manually. This has been known to help most users fix the Windows Update Error 0x80090017.

6] System Restore to a point before the error occurred

If the error still occurs while installing the updates manually, consider performing a system restore. Doing so will repair the Windows environment by installing the files and settings you’ve saved in the restore point. Here’s how you can perform a System Restore. Note that this can be done only if you’ve created a System Restore Point earlier.

Read: Program won’t open after Windows Update

We hope these suggestions helped you.

Why Windows cannot install updates?

If your Windows device cannot install updates, firstly, restart your device and try installing the updates manually. Other than that, you can also disable third-party antivirus software if you have one.