"-2147205120" error code occurs when you set up Visual Studio

This article describes a setup error issue. This issue occurs when you run a Change operation in Visual Studio setup. A workaround is provided.

When you run a Change operation in Visual Studio setup from the Programs and Features item in Control Panel, you may see a notification page that prompts you to accept an important update to Visual Studio setup. If you accept the update, you may receive error messages that resemble the following shortly after the progress page is displayed:

Failed to install setup update. Error code: -2147205120. Please retry Visual Studio setup.  

Fatal error during installation  

This issue occurs if the computer has a pending restart that must be performed before Visual Studio setup can run the update process.

To work around this issue, restart your computer, and then rerun the Change operation in Visual Studio setup.