How To Fix Windows Update Error 0x800b0101

Error 0x800b0101 might sound like a cryptic code, but its impact is far from obscure. It’s the reason your well-intentioned attempts to keep your Windows system up-to-date might hit a snag. This error message often crops up when the validity period of a digital certificate—a critical component of secure software updates—doesn’t align with the current date. We’re here to guide you through the steps, demystify the technical jargon, and equip you with the know-how to bid farewell to Error 0x800b0101 and usher in a new era of hassle-free Windows updates.

What is error 0x800b0101 a required certificate?

Error 0x800b0101, commonly known as “A required certificate is not within its validity period,” occurs when a digital certificate’s validity period has expired or doesn’t match the current date. This error often affects software updates and installations, causing them to fail due to the certificate’s expired or invalid status. Resolving this issue involves addressing the certificate’s validity or updating it to ensure secure and successful operations.

How to fix Installer encountered an error 0X800B0101

You will see this error if the date and time on computer is incorrect. However, there are also other solutions that we will see some ways to fix Installer encountered an error 0X800B0101.

1.Update date and time

Step 1: Open Run type “timedate.cpl” and press Enter.

Step 2: Go to the “Internet Time tab” and pick “Change Settings”.

Step 3: Make sure that Synchronize with an “Internet time” server. Server is set to “time.windows.com” and click Ok.

Step 4: Go to the Date & Time tab, click Change time zone and make sure the time zone is set correctly.

2. Delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder

Step 1: Open Run with administrative privileges and run the following command to suspend the Windows Update service.

“net stop wuauserv”

Step 2: Now, run the following command to pause the Background Intelligent Transfer Service

“net stop bits”

Step 3: Press Win + R, paste the following location and press Enter.

“C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution”

Step 3: Delete all the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder and check if the problem persists.

3. Delete Catroot2 folder contents

Step 1: Open Run with administrative rights and input the upcoming commands one by one and press Enter.

“net stop cryptsvc”

“md %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old”

“xcopy %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old /s”

Step 2: Next, purge the catroot2 folder of all its contents.

“net start cryptsvc”

TIP: The freeware FixWin allows you to reset this and most other Windows settings or functions with a single click.

4. Delete the pending.xml . file

Step 1: Open Run with administrative rights and type the following and press Enter

Ren c:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml pending.old

5. Run SFC command

Step 1: Open Run with administrative rights and type the following and press Enter

“sfc /scannow”

Step 2: Once the SFC scan has been successfully completed, restart your computer to check if the problem has been fixed. To test this, perform the action that used to result in the 0x800b0101 error after the reboot.

When you try this, if the problem still appears, run a DISM scan and follow the on-screen instructions to end the process.

6. Performing a DISM scan 

Step 1: Similar to how to run SFC , first press Win + X then enter

“Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth”

Step 2: Restart your computer after the DISM scan is successful to observe if the 0x800b0101 error has been fixed.

Note: Unlike SFC, this utility downloads healthy alternatives to repair damaged system files using a feature of Windows Update. Because of this, before initiating this procedure, you need to confirm that you have consistent Internet. 

Conclusion

In wrapping up, the intricate error code 0x800b0101 doesn’t need to be an insurmountable obstacle. Armed with the insights gained, you now possess a toolkit of effective strategies to bid farewell to this Windows Update nuisance. By understanding the pivotal role of digital certificates and their alignment with the current date, you’re prepared to navigate this challenge with confidence.

From ensuring accurate time settings, and cleansing critical folders like SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2, to leveraging advanced techniques like modifying pending.xml, you’ve acquired a range of practical solutions at your fingertips. As you implement these steps, you’re taking back control over your system’s update process, ushering in an era of uninterrupted updates, enhanced security, and optimal performance. With these newfound skills, you’re ready to tackle 0x800b0101 head-on and transform it from a roadblock to a stepping stone toward a seamless digital experience.

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