How to fix Windows update error 0xca00a000?

Updates are vital to ensure that a Windows system runs well and is protected from potential outside threats, such as software vulnerabilities. Unfortunately, Windows update errors, such as 0xca00a000, can get in the way. This error usually comes with a message “There were problems installing updates,” and repeated actions do not bring any positive results.

While most of the updates released by Microsoft are not critical and might “wait”, security updates are the ones that are extremely important. So, if those are missing from your system due to the 0xca00a000 error, it is vital to fix it as soon as possible, and we are here to help you with that.

The 0xca00a000 error will most often be caused by issues with the update process itself. A disabled Windows Modules Installer service, which deals with update installation, can halt the process – enabling it and setting it to automatic can correct this.

Corrupted update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder, where updates are stored temporarily, can also result in the Windows update error 0xca00a000, and cleaning out this folder will prompt a new download. Apart from this, system files contaminated with corruption might interfere with updates, but through a scan via SFC and DISM, they can be restored.

The solutions listed below provide numerous fixes, starting from the simple, like running the troubleshooter, and going to the advanced, like manual update, to fix the Windows update error 0xca00a000. In order to fix it quickly, employ FortectMac Washing Machine X9, a PC repair software that can automatically fix system issues likely responsible for this problem.

Fix 1. Run the troubleshooters

The built-in troubleshooters can detect and resolve issues that prevent updates from installing correctly.

• Type Troubleshoot into the Windows search bar and press Enter.
• Next, on the right side of the window, select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll down to locate the Windows update option and click on it.
• Click on Run the troubleshooter/Run, and allow the process to complete.
• Once it is finished, repeat this process with Network troubleshooter.
• Restart your computer.

To run the Network troubleshooter in Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Right-click on Start and select Settings.
• Go to the Network & Internet section.
• On the right side, locate the Advanced network settings section.
• Click Network troubleshooter.
• Wait till the troubleshooter finishes the scan.
• The fixes should be applied automatically.

Fix 2. Perform Disk Cleanup

Disk cleanup can not only free up some space in your drive but also remove any potential buggy caches.

• Type Disk Cleanup in Windows search and press Enter.
• If your Windows is installed on drive C, pick it from the list (it should be by default) and press OK. If you only have one drive, you won't be asked to choose.
• Click Clean up system files.
• Select your main disk again and click OK.
• Here, select the largest portions of the data used – these typically include Temporary Internet Files, Windows Update, Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, Delivery Optimization Files, and others.
• Click OK – the process should be finished shortly.

Fix 3. Enable the Windows Update and other services

A disabled Windows Update (and other relevant services) can prevent updates from installing properly.

• Type in Services in Windows search and press Enter.
• Locate Windows Update Service.
• If it is already running, right-click and select Restart.
• If the service is not running, double-click it to open Properties.
• Under the Startup type, select Automatic from the drop-down menu.
• Click Start, Apply, and OK.
• Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic Service, and Windows Installer Service, and repeat the process.

Fix 4. Run SFC and DISM scans

Corrupted system files can block updates, and repairing them can restore functionality.

• Type in cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• In the User Account Control window, click Yes.
• Copy and paste this command and hit Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Wait for the scan to finish.
• As soon as it finishes, Windows will report whether integrity violations were found and if they could be fixed. Regardless of the outcome, use these commands next, pressing Enter after each:
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Close down the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Fix 5. Reset Windows Update components

A corrupted update cache in the SoftwareDistribution folder can halt the update process.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Stop the Windows Update-related services by running the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each one:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
• Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by running the following commands:
  ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  Note: If your Windows installation is not on the C drive, replace “C” with the appropriate drive letter.
  regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh winsock reset proxy
• Restart the Windows Update-related services by running the following commands:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
• Restart the computer.

Fix 6. Manually install the update

If the automatic update fails, downloading and installing it manually can bypass the issue.

• Type in Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select View update history.
• Find the update that failed with the 0xca00a000 error and copy its KB number.
• Open your browser and go to Microsoft Update Catalog.
• Within the search bar, type in the KB number and click Search.
• Find the correct version of the update for your operating system (to check this, right-click on Start and pick System. Under Device specifications and check the System type) and click Download.
• Use on-screen guidelines to finish the installation process and restart your computer.

Fix 7. Use the Media Creation Tool for a clean update

If the issue persists, an in-place upgrade with the Media Creation Tool can resolve deeper system problems.

• Visit the official Microsoft website and download Windows 10 installation media (Windows 11 version).
• Double-click the installer and select Yes when UAC shows up.
• Agree to terms.
• Select Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
• Windows will start downloading the needed files.
• Agree to the terms once again and click Next.
• Before installing, make sure that you are happy with your choices (otherwise, you can click the Change what to keep option).
• Finally, click Install to begin the upgrade process.

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