How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0983 [2026 Latest Guide]

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How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0983 [2026 Latest Guide]

Windows Update error 0x800f0983 has been increasingly reported since late 2025 through 2026, causing cumulative update installations to fail on Windows 11. This comprehensive guide thoroughly analyzes the causes of this error and provides detailed, step-by-step solutions that even beginners can follow. If you’re among the many Windows 11 version 24H2 and 25H2 users affected by this issue, this article will help you resolve it.

What Is This Error? Symptoms You’ll Experience

Error code 0x800f0983 is an error that occurs in the CBS (Component-Based Servicing) pipeline, which is Windows Update’s internal processing system. Technically known as “PSFX_E_MATCHING_COMPONENT_DIRECTORY_MISSING,” it means that the component directory required for Windows updates is either missing or corrupted.

Specific Symptoms

When this error occurs, you’ll experience the following symptoms:

  • In the Windows Update settings screen, cumulative updates (e.g., KB5074109, KB5067036) download successfully but fail during the installation phase
  • The update history displays “Install error – 0x800f0983” in red text
  • The same error occurs repeatedly no matter how many times you retry, creating an update loop
  • After restarting your PC, you may see the message “We couldn’t configure Windows Updates. Reverting changes”

Affected Versions

This error has been widely reported in the following environments:

  • Windows 11 Version 25H2 (most frequently reported)
  • Windows 11 Version 24H2
  • Windows Server 2019 / 2022
  • Some versions of Windows 10

A particularly large-scale occurrence was confirmed with the January 2026 security update (KB5074109), resulting in a flood of questions posted to technical forums such as Microsoft Q&A, Eleven Forum, and Sysnative Forums. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is gradually rolling out fixes.

Why This Error Occurs

Cause 1: Corruption of the Windows Component Store (WinSxS)

The most common cause of error 0x800f0983 is corruption of the Windows Component Store (WinSxS folder). The WinSxS folder, located at C:\Windows\WinSxS, contains all the system component files needed for Windows updates.

When files in this folder become corrupted or partially missing for any reason, Windows Update cannot find the required “matching component directory” and reports it as a PSFX_E_MATCHING_COMPONENT_DIRECTORY_MISSING error.

Common causes of corruption include incomplete application of past updates, unexpected shutdowns, and disk errors.

Cause 2: Corrupted Windows Update Cache

Windows Update saves downloaded update files as cache in the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder. If this cache becomes corrupted or contains incomplete download files, the installation process cannot execute properly.

In particular, when you attempt to update again while a cache from a previously failed update remains, the system reuses the corrupted files, causing the same error to occur repeatedly.

Cause 3: Interference from Third-Party Security Software

Some third-party antivirus and security software can block Windows Update processes or mistakenly quarantine files needed for updates. Real-time protection and firewall features, in particular, may interfere with communication to Windows Update servers or the rewriting of system files, triggering the 0x800f0983 error.

Cause 4: Stopped Windows Update-Related Services

Windows Update requires the following services to be running:

  • Windows Update (wuauserv)
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
  • Cryptographic Services (CryptSvc)

If these services are stopped or unable to start properly for any reason, update installation will fail.

Cause 5: Insufficient Disk Space or Disk Errors

Windows Update requires sufficient free disk space. Update installation can also fail if the C: drive lacks free space or if there are physical errors such as bad sectors on the disk.

Solution 1: System Repair Using DISM and SFC Commands (Recommended)

This is the most effective method, with which many users have had success. It uses Windows’ built-in system repair tools to fix the corrupted component store and system files.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

  1. Type “cmd” in the taskbar search box
  2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” in the search results
  3. Select “Run as administrator“
  4. Click “Yes” when the User Account Control dialog appears

Step 2: Repair the Component Store with DISM Commands

Run the following commands in order. Wait for each command to complete before proceeding to the next one.

First, check the health of the component store:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Next, run a more detailed scan:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Finally, run the repair if corruption is detected:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This command may take 15 to 30 minutes to complete. Even if progress appears to stall, do not interrupt the process.

Step 3: Repair System Files with SFC Command

After DISM repair is complete, run the following command:

sfc /scannow

This command scans Windows’ protected system files and automatically restores any corrupted files from cached copies. It takes approximately 10 to 20 minutes to complete.

Step 4: Run Component Cleanup

Additionally, run a cleanup of old components:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Step 5: Restart and Retry Windows Update

Once all commands have completed successfully, restart your PC. After restarting, navigate to Settings → Windows Update and retry installing the update.

Important Notes

  • If the RestoreHealth command returns a “source files not found” error, mount a Windows 11 ISO file and specify the repair source with the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:E:\Sources\install.wim /LimitAccess

(Replace “E:” with the drive letter of your mounted ISO)

  • Maintain an internet connection throughout all command execution

Solution 2: Reset Windows Update Cache

If Solution 1 doesn’t resolve the issue, completely resetting the Windows Update cache may fix the problem.

Step 1: Stop Related Services

Run the following commands in order in an administrator Command Prompt:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

Step 2: Rename Cache Folders

Next, rename the update cache folders (keeping them as backups):

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Step 3: Restart Services

Restart the stopped services:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Step 4: Restart PC and Run Windows Update

After restarting your PC, open Windows Update from Settings and check for and reinstall updates.

This method causes Windows to create new cache folders and download and install updates from a clean state. After the update completes successfully, you can safely delete the old folders (SoftwareDistribution.old and catroot2.old).

Solution 3: Repair Installation (Advanced – Most Reliable)

If the above methods don’t resolve the issue, perform a Windows repair installation (in-place upgrade). This method completely rebuilds Windows system files while preserving your personal files, settings, and installed apps, making it the most reliable solution.

Method A: Repair via Settings (Windows 11 25H2 and Later)

The latest versions of Windows 11 allow you to easily perform a repair installation from the Settings screen.

  1. Open Settings → System → Recovery
  2. Click “Reinstall now” under the “Fix problems using Windows Update” section
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the repair
  4. After repair is complete, return to Windows Update and retry installing the cumulative update

Method B: Repair Installation Using an ISO File

If the option doesn’t appear in Settings or Method A doesn’t resolve the issue, use an ISO file.

  1. Download the Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft’s official website
  2. Double-click the downloaded ISO file to mount it
  3. Run setup.exe from the mounted drive
  4. Select “Keep personal files and apps” and proceed
  5. Wait for installation to complete (approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour)

Important Notes

  • Always back up important data before performing a repair installation
  • Do not turn off your PC during installation
  • For laptops, always ensure the AC adapter is connected
  • The ISO file version should match the version of Windows currently installed

How to Prevent This Error

To prevent the recurrence of error 0x800f0983, we recommend implementing the following preventive measures regularly.

Regular System Health Checks

Run the following commands approximately once a month to verify your system’s health:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
sfc /scannow

Detecting and repairing issues early can prevent major problems.

Maintain Free Space on the C: Drive

Ensure at least 20 GB of free space on the C: drive for Windows Update to operate smoothly. Regularly free up space using the Disk Cleanup feature or by removing unnecessary applications.

Verify Windows Update-Related Services

Confirm that the following services are set to start “Automatically”:

  • Windows Update (wuauserv)
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
  • Cryptographic Services

You can check these in the Services app (services.msc).

Check Security Software Settings

If you use third-party security software, temporarily disable real-time protection during Windows Update execution, or add the Windows Update process to the exception list.

Stable Internet Connection

Maintain a stable internet connection during Windows Update. If Wi-Fi is unstable, consider switching to a wired LAN connection. Disconnection during download can cause cache corruption.

Summary

Windows Update error 0x800f0983 is an error primarily caused by corruption of the Windows Component Store (WinSxS), and as of 2026, many users running Windows 11 versions 25H2 and 24H2 are encountering it.

We recommend trying solutions in the following priority order:

  1. System repair using DISM and SFC commands (high success rate, no data loss)
  2. Windows Update cache reset (effective when cache corruption is the cause)
  3. Repair installation (most reliable but time-consuming)

Microsoft is also gradually distributing fixes for 0x800f0983, so checking for the latest Windows Updates is also important.

If the issue persists, consider the following steps:

  • Post a question on Microsoft’s official support forum (Microsoft Q&A)
  • Report the issue through Windows Feedback Hub
  • Contact Microsoft Support directly

We hope this article helps you resolve Windows Update error 0x800f0983.

References

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