Error 0x8007045b Windows Update is possible during the process of updating the OS and during the upgrade process.
The error is annoying; however, there are several troubleshooting measures which will most probably fix the issue.
What is Windows error code 0x8007045b?
Error code 0x8007045B often occurs when Windows and its components fail to update. Other major causes are also:
- Corrupt system files: Damaged files can disrupt updates, often resulting from tampering or antivirus actions.
- Windows Update (WU) issues: Faults with WU can prevent updates. Using the Update Troubleshooter or resetting WU components can help.
- Third-party interference: Overprotective antivirus software may block update connections. Disabling real-time protection or uninstalling the antivirus temporarily can resolve this issue.
Solutions to Fix Error 0x8007045b
As per our expert’s advice, it’s best to follow these solutions chronologically as we’ve designed them to help resolve the issue more efficiently.
Following these solutions will also help you avoid starting with the difficult solution only to solve the issue with the easy one.
Without wasting time, here are the solutions to Windows 10/11 update error code 0x8007045b issue:
Solution 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
The built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter identifies and fixes issues with Windows updates.
To access it, open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot, then select Windows Update and click Run the Troubleshooter.
Follow any suggested fixes, then restart your device.
Solution 2: Perform an SFC and DISM Scan
- System file corruption often causes error
0x8007045B. Windows 10/11 includes SFC and DISM tools to repair these issues. SFC scans for damaged files using local copies to restore them, while DISM fetches healthy versions online for repair. - To use both tools, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
Dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealthDism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth - After the scan, restart your PC and check if the error is resolved.
Solution 3: Disable or Uninstall Third-Party Antivirus
If an antivirus, such as McAfee or Comodo, is too strict, it might block the communication between your computer and the Windows Update servers. You may get error code 0x8007045b after that. In this case, try to temporarily disable real-time protection.
If this doesn’t work, it would be reasonable to uninstall the antivirus at all, as some tools with firewalls built mightn’t allow the updates when real-time protection is disabled.
If you still want extra protection, you can switch to a lighter option like Outbyte AVarmor, which adds security without interfering with Windows updates.
If disabling or uninstalling doesn’t resolve the error, move on to the next troubleshooting step.
Solution 4: Reset Windows Update Services
To resolve the issue under this scenario, you must reset all of the Windows Services associated with the process. Resetting Windows Update services can resolve configuration issues:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type these commands:
net stop wuauservnet stop cryptSvcnet stop bitsnet stop msiserver
Rename update folders with:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.oldren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
Restart the services with:
net start wuauservnet start cryptSvcnet start bitsnet start msiserver
Solution 5: Run a Repair Installation
This is an extreme option and must be your last resort. If all the above fixes did not work, the issue could go deep into some core corruption in a system file. For this, you will need to go for a clean install of Windows, which reinstalls all the elements.
However, it deletes all the information present on your system, so before going ahead with this step, make sure you back up your important documents to external drives.
A clean install reinstalls Windows, resolving any issues that are deeply buried and cannot be fixed with lighter troubleshooting.
Learn more and keep improving your PC:
How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x8024402c
8 Solutions to Fix OOBEkeyboard Errors in Windows 10/11
“Restart to Repair Drive Errors” Keep Showing Up After Reboot in Windows 10/11
FAQs
Why does error 0x8007045b occur?
It generally happens due to corruption of system files, interference caused by antivirus programs, or any problem relating to the service at the time of updating Windows.
What is the easiest fix for error 0x8007045b?
Try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter as a good first point.
Would some antivirus software result in such an error?
Yes, some antivirus applications obstruct the update procedure and hence result in this error message.
What if these steps do not work?
You may want to run a repair install to catch any issue that is deeply buried inside.
