Microsoft provides feature updates twice a year for the Windows Operating System. The users first got Windows 10 Anniversary Update, then Creators Update, and finally the Fall Creators Update. But nowadays, Windows 10 users get notifications notifying automatically regarding available feature update. Basically, Windows update is a service provided by Microsoft that helps its user to up-to-date the system to its latest version. But, it is not free from random glitches. Windows update error code 0xc1900208 is one of the common errors faced by several users. It indicates that there is an incompatible software on the system that prevents the update to complete properly.
If you are also not able to update the system to the latest version because of this error code 0xc1900208, then you have arrived at the right place. Here in this article, you know some easy troubleshooting hacks which can help you to fix this error. Hence, you are advised to go through the article given below. So, let’s start.
What Causes the Error Code 0xc1900208?
Before going to the solutions, it’s better to know the probable causes behind such an error. And it also becomes easy to fix an issue when you know the root causes behind it. Hence, you need to have a glance at the reasons as follows:
- Due to an incompatible program or application, you can face this error.
- If you are using any no longer supported or outdated software, then you can encounter the error code 0xc1900208.
- Because of the outdated drivers of the device you can also face this issue.
- When your computer is affected by a virus or malware, then it might prevent the system to complete the upgrading procedure properly.
Now, you are aware of the possible causes of this problem. Hence, you just need some hacks to fix this issue.
Easy Tips and Tricks to Fix the Windows Update Error 0xc1900208
There are a lot of ways to fix the error 0xc1900208. You need to stick to the steps given below:
Procedure 1: Check the Softwares for any Compatibility Issue
Check the compatibility of the apps that you are using on your computer. You also need to make sure that there is no compatibility issue with those apps. If you find any problems, then eliminate that program from the system. To perform this, you need to follow the steps given below:
Step 1:
Move the cursor to the right pane of the taskbar. There you will see the Microsoft Windows 10 icon. Right-click on it. Search the option from the menu to check the upgrade status of the Operating System and click on it. As a result, it will open a window to show the details of Microsoft Windows 10.
Step 2:
Next, you will see a drop-down menu on the upper left side of the screen. Tap on it. Choose the option ‘Details’ from the list to check the compatibility of the system.
Step 3:
Now, Windows will start the check the compatibility of the entire system. When this process completes, then it will open a pop-up screen to display whether or not the system has the ability to run the Windows 10 Operating System. You will also get a complete list of the applications or hardware and software which are incompatible with the latest upgrade. After getting the list of incompatible apps you need to uninstall/remove them from the system. Follow the steps as follows:
- First, navigate to the Start menu.
- Type, ‘control panel’ in the search bar and tap on the ‘Control Panel’ option.
- Then, go to the Programs section.
- Select the ‘Programs and Features’ from the list of options available there.
- Locate the application in the menu or queue.
- Right-click on it and choose the option ‘Uninstall’ to remove it from the system.
- Confirm it by tapping on the OK button.
- Restart the system to save the changes.
After that, you should try to install the latest update to check whether the issue is fixed or not. If the error persists, then you should move on to further solutions.
Procedure 2: Using a Clean Boot
Now, you should try to perform a clean boot to check if it can solve the Microsoft error code 0xc1900208. This trick will detach the incompatible or mismatched program or software of the system. To boot the system, you need to perform the steps as follows:
Step 1:
- At first, you have to hit the “R” and Windows key both at the same from the keyboard to invoke the Run Command box. Then, type ‘msconfig’ on the Run box. Tap on the OK button. Or if you prefer, you can also hit the Enter key from the keyboard.
Step 2:
It will invoke the Configuration Window. Now, you need to navigate to the Services tab. Tick the ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ box. Then, you have to tap on the ‘Disable all’ option. Navigate to the Startup tab and tap on it.
Step 3:
Choose the ‘Task Manager’ option from the list. Now, you need to tap on each and every Startup option. Then, select the option ‘Disable.’
Step 4:
Now, you need to close the Task Manager window. Then, tap on the OK button by going to the System Configuration window. After completing this, restart the system to save the changes.
Now, you need to try to update the system to check whether the error persists or not. If the error is still showing, then move on to the further procedures.
Procedure 3: Reset the Components of Windows Update
Restart the Windows update components to check if it can fix this issue. To perform this, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1:
At first, move the cursor to the bottom left corner of the display and tap on the Start logo. Type ‘cmd’ in the search bar. As a result, it will show the ‘Command Prompt’ option. Right-click on it. Choose the ‘Run as Administrator’ from the list to run the Command Prompt with the admin privilege.
Step 2:
Now, you need to type the commands given below. Then, hit the Enter on the keyboard after each command. It will block the services related to Windows Update.
1st: net stop bits
2nd:net stop wuauserv
3rd: net stop appidsvc
4th: net stop cryptsvc
Step 3:
Now, the Windows update service is stopped. Hence, you need to rename the software distribution folder to backup copies. To perform this, you have to run the commands given below. Then, hit Enter to run the command.
1st: ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
2nd: ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
Step 4:
After that, you have to restart the Windows update service. Run the commands given below and don’t forget to hit the Enter on the keyboard.
1st: net start bits
2nd: net start wuauserv
3rd: net start appidsvc
4th: net start cryptsvc
Step 5:
After restarting the Windows update service, you should exit from the Command Prompt window. Then, restart the system to save the changes.
After that, you need to check whether the error has been resolved or not. If you see that the error persists, then perform the methods stated below.
Procedure 4: Delete the Culprit Apps
Antivirus utilities and apps like CheckpointVPN, and Glyph are prevented users to upgrade their system to its latest version. Hence, by uninstalling those third-party applications, you can fix this issue. To perform this, you need to follow the steps given below:
Step 1:
First, you have to hit the E and Windows key on the keyboard to launch the Windows Explorer. Then, type ‘C:\Windows\Panther’ by going to the address bar. Hit the Enter key from the keyboard to go to the location.
Step 2:
As a result, it will open the Panther folder. Then, you need to search the ‘Compat*.xml’ file. Right-click on this file. Choose the ‘Open with’ option from the list. Then, tap on the Notepad to open this file with Notepad.
Step 2:
Here, you need to find the incompatible app with their names. Take a note of it. Then, go to the next step.
Step 3:
Now, you have to hit the “R” and Ctrl key simultaneously from the keyboard to invoke the Command Prompt. Then, type ‘appwiz.cpl’ on the Command Prompt window. Tap on the OK button.
Step 4:
On the next window, you need to search for the incompatible application from the list of installed applications. Click twice on it and perform the on-screen guidance. At last, reboot the system to save the recent changes.
It can be discomforting to read the XML file. But, if you use the ISO or Media Creator, then it will show you which software or programs are blocking you to install the update. After that, you have to run the Windows upgrade to check whether the issue is fixed or not. If the problem persists, then you should perform further methods.
Procedure 5: Update Applications and Software
This method may vary depending on where you have installed the software or apps previously. If you have installed the applications directly by visiting the website, then you should follow the steps given below:
- There is an in-built option for most of the apps to check if they’re available any updates for it. First, you have to check for it.
- You can also visit the Software website to check for the latest version. From there, you can easily download it and install it.
If you download the apps or software by going to the Microsoft Store, then you should perform the steps as follows:
- At first, you have to go to the Microsoft Store.
- Then, look at the top-right side of the screen. There you will see a drop-down menu.
- Choose the ‘Download and Updates’ option from the list.
- If there is available any update, then tap on the ‘Update.’
After completing the above steps, you need to check whether the error code 0xc1900208 is resolved.
Final Recommendation
In the above discussion, we have provided some of the foolproof ways to fix the Windows update error code 0xc1900208. We hope if you perform the above steps in their respective order, then it will definitely help you to put an end to this bug. After performing the above methods, if you are still not able to fix the error, or if you are facing any kind of trouble, then you need to contact a tech expert. In addition, you can also share your difficulties and valuable feedback through the comment box given at the end of this post.