Windows Update fails with Error 0x80070015  

Well I have everything shut off per your instructions. Do you mean I can turn everything back on? (ie: msconfig, task manager)

Here is dump file you wanted:
win32k.sys-20180926-0430.7z - Google Drive

I backed up my bookmarks to be safe.
Download HP Diagnostics UEFI. It downloads as sp91916. I need to install and restart to run it. I may still have questions about using this software. I assume it can test a whole bunch of different things. Are we looking at memory or disk drives or anything else for that matter?

Do not install the HP UEFI diagnostics.
Only run the Windows version.

Damn, I already installed it. can and should I uninstall it? I don't see it in Apps and Features where it could be uninstalled.
What about all the other stuff?
Setting msconfig to normal start, enabling items in task manager and turning Windows Defender back on?

Well now I'm confused. The Windows version you mentioned is trying to install itself as well. Am I downloading the wrong package again?

Sorry to pepper you with small questions and concerns. But.... ha ha, I already have "HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows" installed on my computer. Can we just use that or should I follow through with the install in the pic above?
Uggh. Never ending stream of questions. I don't see a way to loop the system tests in HP PC Hardware Diagnostics Windows. It only offers a "Run Once" button.

There are multiple version of the HP hardware diagnostics.
The Windows version is fine.
The UEFI BIOS version should not be installed.
The default edition on most computer only tests the RAM and HD.
The Windows version should have an extensive, loop until failure, and component tests.
Overnight run the HP Windows version in loop until failure.
In the AM if it is still running that is a good sign and means it did not find any problems.
If it finds hardware problems it will automatically abort.
So it should test the major components except the RAM as typically the RAM requires a reboot and not using Windows.

The logs did not reveal anything that I could interpret as fixable.
The plan is a reset save applictions after the hardware is checked.
Then install all drivers from the HP website.

Options once all files are backed up:
reset remove files
factory restore
clean install

If you are able to factory restore that is a good option.
There may be some HP bloatware installed that you could then uninstall.
A clean install is another option that won't have any bloatware.
The HP support assistant should be ran to make sure drivers are up to date.
Driver - HP ENVY Phoenix Desktop - 860-014 (ENERGY STAR) | HP® Customer Support
The HP support assistant does not always detect everything so the HP website should be viewed for any needed or useful software/firmware.
There are software/firmware that is available on the HP website that may be of interest.

Contact HP Customer Support | HP® Customer Support

UEFI was already installed mistakenly. I don't see a way to remove it.
The Windows version of HP diagnostics does not have an option to loop testing. There is only a "Run Once" button. No other options are there.

If there is no loop until failure then run just the extensive test.

Ok. Will do. Sorry for my lack of ability to understand everything you want done.

The HP Widows testing should take approximately 2 hours for the extensive test.
If there are any storage drives attached to the computer please disconnect them for the HP BIOS UEFI testing.
Then power on the computer and repetitively click the F2 key.
This should open the default HP UEFI diagnostics which typically test RAM and HD.
Run these overnight. These are the longest tests and may take 4 to 5 hours or more depending on the size of the drive and the amount of RAM.

If all hardware tests pass then plan to perform one of the steps in the earlier post to fix the operating system/registry.