Struggling with error 0x800B0108 when trying to install a patch or build? This issue is connected to the Windows Update Agent and occurs generally when working with COM-based APIs or libraries making the system unable to verify the digital signature of an update.
When witnessing this error, the message usually reads: [info- 0x800B0108. CERT_E_MALFORMED. A certificate is missing or has an empty value for an important field, such as a subject or issuer name]. This may be a cumbersome issue for customers who want to keep their system up to date with the most recent patches or builds. In some circumstances, changing the system’s security settings will remedy the problem, but in others, more complex troubleshooting is also required. See – Fix – The L2TP connection attempt failed because the security layer encountered a processing error in Windows 11 or 10.
Table of Contents
Windows update error 0x800B0108
Here is how to fix Windows update error 0x800B0108 –
Way-1: Correct the certificate issues
We have already mentioned that missing certificates are the root cause of Windows update error 0x800B0108 but there is a way out and this is manual installation of the same on certmgr.msc. To accomplish this, get the individual certificates from the relevant sources or publishers and then install them using Certificate Manager. This procedure allows you to install fresh certificates with the same or different keys, as well as import functions.
Follow the steps below to import a certificate into Windows using Certificate Manager. The Apps / Win32 / Desktop / Technologies / Security and Identity Cryptography folder contains a list of certificate and trust return values, which includes CERT_E_MALFORMED error 0x800B0108. Follow the steps:
- Press Windows key + R.
- Type certmgr.msc.
- Hit – Enter.
- Choose the shop from where you wish to import the certificate in the Certificate Management window. You can select one of the following options:
Personal: for certificates related to your user account
Trusted Root Certification Authorities: for certificates issued by trusted root authorities
Intermediate Certification Authorities: for certificates issued by intermediate authorities
- Click on Action and hover over All Tasks.
- Select Import from the context menu.
- Click Next from the Certificate Import Wizard.
- Go to the location where the certificate file is kept by clicking the Browse button.
- Click Open after selecting the certificate file.
- Select – Next.
- If the certificate contains a password, enter it in the field.
- After that, tick the checkbox saying Mark this key as an exportable if you wish to export it later.
- Click – Next.
- Again click Next after selecting the shop from which you wish to import the certificate.
- To finish the import, click Complete.
Way-2: Use the Windows Update troubleshooter
Another potential way to repair error 0x800B0108 is by running the Fixit tool Windows Update Troubleshooter. This built-in utility may discover and resolve typical Windows Update difficulties, such as digital signature verification and certificate failures. Therefore, as a solution, move forward with the steps:
- Hold down the Windows key and hit I on the keyboard.
- Click on – Troubleshoot from the right pane.
- Select Other Troubleshooters from the next page.
- Find Windows Update and click on Run.
- Wait for the troubleshooter to identify any issues and then follow the directions if appear on the screen.
Read – Use Common Windows Update Troubleshooter on Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 7
Way-3: Troubleshoot COM error
Still unable to resolve the Windows update error 0x800B0108 then no worry because troubleshooting the COM faults may fix it. Issues with the Component Object Model (COM) components which are utilized by Windows to interface with software and hardware components, maybe the possible reason for generating the error code.
The flaws are triggered if an installation of updates is attempted after a COM error has occurred and this might prevent the updates from being installed. Component Object Model (COM) issues can be troubleshooted with the help of the Component Services tool, which is included by default in Windows.
- Press Windows + R.
- Type comexp.msc.
- Press – Enter.
- When the Component Services window appears, double-click on Computers.
- Choose DCOM Config.
- Locate the piece of software that is producing the issue, right-click on it, and then select Properties from the context menu.
- Go to the Security tab.
- To modify the permissions for Launch and Activation, click the Edit button.
- Click on Add,
- Type Local Service into the box that appears as the object name.
- Click on Check Names and make sure that the object name is correct.
- Click the OK button.
- Choose Local Service from the drop-down menu that appears under Launch and Activation Permissions.
- Then click the checkbox that is located next to Allow for both Local Activation and Local Launch
- To save the changes, click the OK button.
- You will need to restart your PC and give Windows Update another chance to determine whether or not the issue has been fixed.
Way-4: Change date and time settings
Changing the date and time settings can be one of the easiest ways to fix update error 0x800B0108. If your system’s time and date are inaccurate, it may cause a discrepancy with the server’s date and time, resulting in a glitch. To change these, do the following:
- Press the Windows and I buttons on your keyboard.
- Select Time and language.
- Click on Date & time from the left-hand side.
- Check to ensure that the toggle switch labeled Set time automatically is in the on position.
- If the toggle switch is already activated, turn it off and then back it on again to see if this action resolves the issue.
- In case, that does not work, select the option to Set the date and time manually, and then make the appropriate changes.
We hope these 4 ways must have helped you to resolve Windows update error 0x800B0108 from your system.
Methods:
Way-1: Correct the certificate issues
Way-2: Use the Windows Update troubleshooter
Way-3: Troubleshoot COM errors
Way-4: Change date and time settings
That’s all!!