- Resolving RSAT Tools Installation Issues on Windows 11
- What Causes RSAT Installation Failures on Windows 11?
- Fixing RSAT Installation Failure on Windows 11
- 1. Restart Your PC
- 2. Install RSAT via PowerShell
- 3. Enable Downloading Optional Features from Windows Update
- 4. Reset the UseWUServer Registry Value
- 5. Reset Windows 11 Itself
- Prevent Future RSAT Installation Woes
- References
Resolving RSAT Tools Installation Issues on Windows 11
As IT administrators, we know the immense value of having the right tools to manage Windows environments efficiently. The Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) provide indispensable capabilities for handling Windows Server roles and features remotely from Windows client operating systems. However, RSAT installation doesn’t always go smoothly, especially on newer platforms like Windows 11.
In this post, we’ll share proven techniques for troubleshooting and resolving RSAT installation problems on Windows 11, drawing from insights shared by fellow IT pros in community forums.
What Causes RSAT Installation Failures on Windows 11?
Based on reports from Windows admins, the predominant RSAT installation error encountered on Windows 11 is the obscure 0x800f0955 code. This occurs when attempting to add RSAT capabilities through either the Settings app or PowerShell.
So what’s behind error 0x800f0955? After researching discussions by IT experts online, we found the root causes can include:
- Corrupted Windows Update client settings that prevent downloading optional features
- Incompatibility issues between RSAT packages and the Windows 11 version/build
- Glitches in the DISM component responsible for adding/removing features
Fortunately, IT professionals who have faced 0x800f0955 and other RSAT errors have identified several effective resolutions. We’ll cover these step-by-step in the next section.
Fixing RSAT Installation Failure on Windows 11
Here are the top troubleshooting methods for resolving RSAT tools installation problems on Windows 11 that have proven successful for other admins:
1. Restart Your PC
Before trying anything else, a simple restart of your Windows 11 computer can fix many minor issues that may be blocking RSAT installation. This refresh clears any temporary glitches.
2. Install RSAT via PowerShell
If restarting didn’t resolve the problem, bypass the Settings app and use PowerShell to install RSAT. Launch an elevated PowerShell prompt and run:
Get-WindowsCapability -Name RSAT* -Online | Add-WindowsCapability -OnlineThis downloads and configures the latest RSAT packages directly using PowerShell’s DISM integration.
3. Enable Downloading Optional Features from Windows Update
Some settings may prevent your PC from reaching out and grabbing RSAT packages from Microsoft’s servers. To eliminate this, enable the Group Policy:
Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Specify settings for optional component installation and component repairSet it to "Download repair content and optional features directly from Windows Update instead of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)".
4. Reset the UseWUServer Registry Value
Problematic Windows Update client settings may also block downloading RSAT tools. To reset them, open the Registry Editor and navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate\AUSet the UseWUServer value to 0.
5. Reset Windows 11 Itself
If you still can’t get RSAT installed, a full OS reset may be necessary. This will remove all apps and settings, while retaining your personal files. Go to Settings > System > Recovery and choose "Reset this PC" to get started.
Prevent Future RSAT Installation Woes
Once you’ve conquered RSAT installation issues on your Windows 11 computers, you can avoid repeat trouble in the future by:
- Maintaining consistent Windows Updates to ensure compatibility
- Periodically resetting the Windows Update client to defaults
- Downloading the latest optional features ISO from Microsoft to have on hand
With the fixes covered here, you’ll be well-equipped to troubleshoot any RSAT tools installation problems efficiently. Let us know in the comments if you have any other tips for smooth RSAT deployments on Windows 11!
