Troubleshooting Error 0x800f0900 – Windows Update Issues Resolved

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Resolving Windows Update Error 0x800f0900 – A Step-by-Step Guide

As Windows users, we’ve all encountered our fair share of frustrating update errors. One of the more common issues plaguing Windows 10 is the 0x800f0900 error code. This perplexing error prevents critical system updates from properly installing, leaving your PC vulnerable and unstable.

After digging into numerous technical forum threads, we’ve pieced together a definitive troubleshooting guide for resolving error 0x800f0900 once and for all. By following these proven methods, you can get Windows Update working again and enjoy uninterrupted access to the latest features and security patches.

What Triggers Error 0x800f0900?

Error 0x800f0900 points to corruption in your Windows Update components. It’s often triggered when an update only partially installs or if certain files become misconfigured.

Is Windows 10 the newest version of Windows?

Although Windows 10 is no longer the newest version of Windows software, you may still want to run Windows 10. This wikiHow article will show you how to update to the latest version of Windows 10. Note: Security patches are supplied automatically at an ongoing rate via Windows Update.

How do I fix a Windows Update error?

Double-click Windows Update. If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart **Please try to run SFC and DISM to check for any system errors and corrupted files.

This error may also appear after enabling Windows Update delivery optimization, installing non-Microsoft software, or tweaking registry settings related to Windows Update. Faulty drivers, pending restarts, and full storage could likewise prevent updates from applying smoothly.

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

As a quick first step, run the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter. This automated tool sniffs out and repairs common update issues:

  1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot.

  2. Under Get up and running, select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

  3. Allow the troubleshooter to analyze your system and make the necessary repairs.

  4. Restart your PC when prompted.

  5. Check if Windows Update is now able to download and install updates without error 0x800f0900.

The Windows Update Troubleshooter works remarkably well at identifying and rectifying corrupted components. It’s by far the easiest first line of defense against error 0x800f0900.

Reset Windows Update Components

If the troubleshooter comes up empty, take matters into your own hands by resetting the Windows Update components. This reverts the update services to their default settings:

How do I fix Windows Update error 0x800f0900?

The Windows Update Troubleshooter was specifically designed to fix errors such as error 0x800f0900. 1. Right-click the Start Menu button and select Settings. 2. Select Update & Security. 3. Click Troubleshoot. 4. Then, select Additional troubleshooters.

How do I download the latest Windows Update?

Explore subscription benefits, browse training courses, learn how to secure your device, and more. When the latest Windows update is ready for your device, it will be available to download from the Windows Update page in Settings.

  1. Open an elevated Command Prompt by searching for cmd, right-clicking the result, and selecting Run as administrator.

  2. Execute the following commands, pressing Enter after each line:

net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
  1. Restart your system and retry the failed update.

These commands safely restart the background Windows Update services. Renaming the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders forces Windows to recreate its update cache and schemas from scratch.

Perform an SFC and DISM Scan

An SFC scan verifies your system files while DISM specifically checks Windows image integrity. Corrupt operating system files could definitely cause error 0x800f0900 during updates.

To run these commands:

  1. Open an admin Command Prompt.

  2. Typesfc /scannowand hit Enter to start the System File Checker. Allow it to complete.

  3. Next, runDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthto scan your Windows image for errors.

    How do I run Windows Update troubleshooter?

    Follow these steps to run Windows Update troubleshooter: 1. Press Windows key + W and type troubleshooting. 2. Select Troubleshooting. 3. Select View all on the top left corner. 4. Click Windows Update troubleshooter. 5. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter. 6. Check if issue persists.

    How do I know if my Windows 10 update failed?

    You can find the error code for the failed update by viewing your update history. Look for the update that wasn’t installed, note the error code, and then contact Microsoft support. Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history. Error: The update isn’t applicable to your computer.

  4. Restart your PC once finished and test if the error persists.

Together, SFC and DISM will patch incorrect OS files that may be interfering with updates. Use them in tandem for best results.

Clean Install the Problematic Updates

If you can identify which specific Windows updates trigger the 0x800f0900 error, try clean installing just those updates:

  1. Head to Microsoft Update Catalog and manually download the relevant update packages. Make sure to match your system architecture and version.

  2. Uninstall those same problematic updates from your PC first via Settings > Update & security > View update history > Uninstall updates.

  3. Once removed, reboot your system and freshly install the updates you downloaded from the catalog.

By reinstalling only the affected updates, you often clear up whatever glitch caused them to error out originally. Download standalone packages from the Microsoft Update Catalog when dealing with a single troublesome update.

Refresh Windows Update Itself

As a last resort, completely refresh Windows Update by re-registering its files and services. This ensures no remnants of the error persist:

Which NET framework updates are failing to update?

The updates failing to update are as follows: 2022-12 Cumulative Update for .NET Framework 3.5 and 4.8.1 for Windows 11, version 22H2 for x64 (KB5020880) and 2022-12 Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 22H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5021255). I keep getting the install error 0x800f0900 for both of them.

How to fix update error 0x800f0900 on Windows 11 or 10?

To resolve the update error 0x800f0900 on Windows 11 or 10 PC, use the following workarounds – To get rid of the update-related issue such as code 0x800f0900, one should first run the update troubleshooter. This built-in tool not only identifies the damaged files but also fixes the underlying cause. Let’s see how to use this tool –

What does error 0x800f0900 mean?

The error 0x800f0900 is an error that has to do with system files. It means the system files needed for the Windows 10/11 update are corrupt or faulty. This stops you from installing the update and rolls your PC back to the last major update. There are numerous reasons that can cause Windows 10 not to update.

What does error 0x800f0922 mean?

It says… When attempting to install this update, it might fail to install, and you might receive Error 0x800f0922. Note This issue only affects this security update for Secure Boot DBX (KB5012170) and does not affect the latest cumulative security updates, monthly rollups, or security-only updates released on August 9, 2022.

  1. Open an elevated command prompt.

  2. Enter these commands:

net stop wuauserv cd %systemroot%\System32 ren SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old net start wuauserv
  1. Navigate to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features > Select Windows Update and select Repair.

  2. Restart your PC and run Windows Update again. The full refresh should have cleared error 0x800f0900.

Be sure to backup data beforehand when attempting this full reset. While unlikely, refreshing Windows Update could potentially remove installed updates or tweak system settings.

Prevent Future Update Errors

With error 0x800f0900 resolved, implement these tips to avoid update issues going forward:

  • Maintain your PC through periodic scanning, performance tuning, and drive optimization.

  • Never stop a Windows update prematurely once initiated. Allow it to fully complete.

  • Connect your PC directly to the internet rather than behind a VPN while updating.

  • Avoid using third-party system utilities that modify core Windows settings.

  • Regularly backup critical data in case an update causes unforeseen issues.

    Why is Windows Update not working?

    If you’re trying to update your device and Windows Update isn’t working, you can follow a few necessary steps to resolve the problem, including restarting your computer, checking to make sure that you have a working internet connection, and using the feature to pause updates. Open Start. Click the Power options menu. Click the Restart button.

By remembering these best practices, you can streamline the Windows update experience and install the latest patches smoothly.

We hope this comprehensive troubleshooting guide helps you banish error 0x800f0900 for good. Let us know in the comments below if any of these solutions succeeded for you or if you have any other tips to share!

References

  1. https://www.partitionwizard.com/resizepartition/0x800f0900.html
  2. https://windowsreport.com/error-0x800f0900-windows-10/

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