How to fix the Windows Update Error 0x800f020b

Many Windows 10 users have reported that when they are trying to update Windows, they see an error with an error code 0x800f020b. For more details, refer to the below screenshot.

 

 

Error 0x800f020b Min

 

This error is seen when :

  • An update is to be installed for a device (like a printer). But the device is not currently connected to the system
  • The device for which the update is to be installed is connected to the system over WiFi ( Like a network printer)

If you have encountered this error, read along. In this article, we will be discussing some fixes that might help get rid of this error.

Fix 1: Use Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter

Step 1: Download the below Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter

wushowhide

Step 2: Once downloaded, run the troubleshooter by double-clicking on it

Step 3: In the Show or hide updates window, click on Advanced  and then click on the Next button

 

 

Show Or Hide Troubleshooter Click On Advanced



 

 

Step 4: Check the Apply repairs automatically option and click on the Next button

 

 

Apply The Repait Automatically

 

 

Step 5: Click on the Hide updates option

 

 

Show Or Hide Updates

 

 

Step 6: In the upcoming, tick the updates that you want to hide and click on the Next button.

 

 

Tick On The Update

 

 

Step 7: The troubleshooter will make some changes to the system so that the selected update will not be installed in the system again.

Fix 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Step 1: Open the Run Utility holding the keys Windows and R together

Step 2: Type the command ms-settings:troubleshoot and click on OK

 

 

2021 02 28 17h32 45

 

 

Step 3: In the Settings–> Update & Security –> Troubleshoot window that appears, Click on Additional troubleshooters

 

 

Additional Trobleshhoters

 

 

Step 4: In the appearing window, Under the Getup and running section, Click on Windows Update

Step 5: Click on the Run the troubleshooter button

 

 

Windows Update

 

 

Step 6: You can notice that the Window Update troubleshooter starts running and detects the problems

 

 

troubleshooter running

 

 

Step 7: Now, follow the onscreen instructions to solve the issues

Note: – For Windows 11 Users

In step 3 Click on Other troubleshooters. Now, Click on Run located to the right of Windows Update to run the troubleshooter.

Other Troubleshooters 1 Min

Check if this helps, if not try the next fix.

Fix 3: Using Registry Tweak

NOTE: You will need Administrator privileges to perform this fix.

Step 1: Open the Run Dialog using Windows+R

Step 2: Type services.msc and hit Enter

 

Run Command Services

 

 

Step 3: In the services windows that open, scroll down and locate the Print Spooler service

Step 4: Click on the Print Spooler service and then click on Stop the service

 

 

Print Spooler Service Min

 

 

Step 5: Now, open Run Dialog again

Step 6: Type regedit and hit Enter

 

 

Regedit Run Min

 

 

Step 7: You will see a UAC prompt asking for permission, click on Yes

NOTE: Registry editing can have an adverse effect on the system even with the slightest mistake. It is advised to take the backup of the registry before proceeding. To take a backup, In the Registry Editor–> Go to File –> Export –> Save your Backup file.

 

Step 8: In the Registry Editor window, in the search bar at the top, copy-paste the following location

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows x64\Print Processors\winprint

 

If copy-pasting does not work, navigate to the above location from the left side panel.

Step 9: If you see the problematic driver here, just rename it to something else. To rename the Driver, right-click on the driver and select rename. Alternatively, click on the driver and press the F2 key.

For example, in this case, there was an issue installing the driver update for Xerox Printer. So, renaming XeroxDriver to XeroxDriver.old

 

 

Xeroxdot Old

 

 

Step 4: Open the services window and Restart the Print Spooler service. Refer to steps 1,2,3.

 

 

Restart The Print Spooler Service

 



 

Step 5: Open the Run Dialog again

Step 6: Type control admintools and hit Enter

 

 



Admintools In Run

 

 

Step 7: From the opening window, scroll down and double-click on Print Management

Step 8: In the Print Management window that opens, Under Custom Filters, double-click on All Printers.

Step 9: You will see the list of printers, Right-click on the problematic printer and choose Delete from the context menu.

 

 

Printer Management

 

 

Step 10: Now, try updating and check if this helps you solve the problem

Fix 4: Ensure that the device is connected to the Computer

If you are seeing this error code, check which device update is failing and then make sure the device is connected to the system

Step 1: Open Run Dialog holding Win Key andtogether

Step 2: Type ms-settings:windowsupdate-history and hit Enter

 

 

Mssettings Windowsupdate History

 

 

Step 3: Under the Update history section, expand the Driver Updates section

Step 4: Check which update corresponding to which device is failing

Step 5: Check the Physical connectivity to that device. Ensure it is connected and is working properly.

Now, try installing updates and see if the error is seen.

That’s All

We hope this has been informative. Thank you for Reading.

It would be great if you could comment and let us know which of the above fix worked in your case.





9 thoughts on “How to fix the Windows Update Error 0x800f020b”

  1. Thank You so much
    absolutely sorted the update issue i’ve been having with a HP printer I no longer use or own (which I had uninstalled and removed)
    Thanks again

  2. Thank you! I really appreciate your help! The instructions were very easy to follow. Fix #4 (Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter) worked for me as I did not have a Xerox printer installed.

  3. FIX 4: Simpled and Worked in perfection.
    Solved my problem from a Driver to Xerox that never concluded and show me other update that i don´t realized it’s not workink.

    Perfect, many thanks from Portugal.

  4. Fix 3: Using Registry Tweak was the option that worked for me. In the control admin tools, also needed to delete the lingering driver for the deleted printer (Xerox). Thanks!

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