What Is Windows Update Error 0x800f020b?
Some Windows Update errors get fixed themselves, while others require troubleshooting. Updates are vital for system security, stability, and performance; they fix bugs and add new features. Error 0x800f020b arises during the updating of Windows 10/11 and mostly is related to the updates concerning printers. Many users encounter this issue when trying to update their printer firmware through Windows Update, particularly with HP and Xerox printers. Some report seeing the error even without a printer installed, as Windows mistakenly detects one.
The issue isn’t exclusive to Windows 10/11—it has also appeared in Windows 7 and 8.1, though it’s more common on newer versions. Users have reported failed updates with error messages like: “There were some problems while installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search for information, this may help: (0x800f020b)”.
Causes of Windows Update Error 0x800f020b
Following is the list of common causes:
- Printer firmware incompatibility with wireless updates.
- Pocket media devices becoming disconnected.
- Corrupted or out-of-date drivers.
- Windows trying to install optional updates that are not applicable for your system.
How to Deal with the Update Error 0x800f020b
Here are steps you can take to fix windows update error 0x800f020b.
1. How to Switch Connection to Wired Printer
Most wireless printers cannot update the firmware over a wireless connection. To resolve this issue, use a wired printer connection and redo the update.
- Connect your printer to your PC using a USB cable.
- Then retry updating the firmware to check if the error persists.
If it won’t work out, proceed to the next solution.
2. Pocket Media Drive Installation
If you had connected your pocket media drive ever with your computer, connect it again before trying to install an update. Maybe Windows is trying to update a disconnected device that is causing this code 800f020b.
- Reconnect your computer with a pocket media drive.
- Try to install the update again.
3. Hiding the Windows Update
In some cases, Windows attempts to install optional drivers that don’t apply to your system. You can hide the problematic update using PowerShell.
- Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
- Run this command:
Install-Module PSWindowsUpdate - After installation, list available updates with:
Get-WUList - Find the update you want to hide and note down its title or KB number. This is information required to actually hide the update.
- Block the problem update using the following command. Replace KBNUMBER with the number of the problematic update:
Hide-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID KBNUMBER - The target Windows Update will be hidden as a result of this action.
Retry updating Windows to see if the issue is resolved.
4. Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The built-in Windows Troubleshooter can often fix update-related problems.
- Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Select Additional troubleshooters, then run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any fixes found.
5. Reinstalling Printer Drivers
Sometimes, uninstalling and reinstalling the printer driver can resolve install error – 0x800f020b.
- Press Windows + R and type
devmgmt.msc. - In Device Manager, expand the Print queues category.
- Right-click your printer and select Uninstall.
- Go to the printer manufacturer’s website, download the correct driver, and reinstall it.
In our Driver library you can find the most suitable Printer Drivers for your OS and a short guide on how to install it.
Read also about popular Printer Drivers:
Brother HL-L2350DW series driver
6. Cleaning the Windows Update Cache
Corrupted cache files might be causing the error.
- Press Windows + R and type
services.msc. - Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
- Open File Explorer, navigate to:
%windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore, and delete all files. - Restart the Windows Update service and retry the update.
7. Removing Printer Drivers
If unused printer drivers are still installed, they could be interfering with the update.
- Open Print Management by searching for it in the Start menu.
- Under All Drivers, find the printer you no longer use, right-click, and select Delete.
8. Delete Xerox drivers from the registry.
- Launch Services. Open services by running
msc→ Now you will get to a new window where you need stop the print spooler service. Remember to close the Service window. - Open the Registry Editor and go to:
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Print\Environments\Windows x64\Print Processors\winprint - Your printer driver should be listed under the Printer Processors; rename it to
old. - In Services window, stop and start the Print Spooler service.
9. Using System Restore
System restore may work if everything else fails.
- Press the Windows + R buttons, type in
rstrui, and press Enter. - Be sure to start by checking the box beside Show more restore points.
- Click Next and then select a restore point that is older than the date when you first started getting the 800f020b error code.
If driver-related problems occur during an update process, then Outbyte Driver Updater is recommended to automatically update your drivers and avoid such errors.
FAQs
What causes Windows Update error code 0x800f020b?
It’s usually caused by external devices, like printers, or corrupted drivers.
How do I fix install error – 0x800f020b?
Change your printer to using a wired connection or try updating drivers and/or hide the update.
Does the updating of the cache have the potential to resolve it?
Yes, this will delete any corrupt files in cache which may be causing this error.
What if the System Restore doesn’t work?
In case System Restore does not work, it may be necessary to manually update drivers or simply hide the problem-causing updates.
