How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0986? (2023)

Windows 10 works very differently from previous versions of the Windows operating system, especially when it comes to updates. The system requires regular updates to function properly. Microsoft releases updates on the second Tuesday of every month to fix bugs, add new features, and introduce security improvements.

Normally the update process is automatic, i. h Windows 10 checks for updates and automatically installs them as they become available. However, the process can be buggy at times and it is not uncommon for Windows users to complain about failed updates on online forums.

Windows 10 update error 0x800f0986 is one such issue. In this post, we will show you how to fix update error 0x800f0986 on your Windows 10 PC.

What is error 0x800f0986 in Windows 10?

Recently, a large number of Windows users are facing issues while trying to update their Windows 10 systems. Updates fail with update error 0x800f0986. The problem occurs when users try to update the operating system especially those running Windows 10 version 1909. Trying the operation again results in the same error.

The error message is complete:

„There were issues installing some updates, but we'll try again later.

2020-03 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1909 for x64-based Systems (KB4551762): Error 0x800f0986.”

The true cause of the error is not exactly known, but corrupted system files and Windows Update components are the main culprits.

As frustrating as this scenario is, there is no need to panic. We have the solutions to help you solve the problem.

How to Fix Windows 10 Update Error 0x800f0986

Solution 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

As you cannot pinpoint the exact cause of the error, it might be helpful to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

That's how it's done:

1. Press the Windows logo on the keyboard and select the gear (gear icon) to launch the Windows Settings app.
2. Find the "Update & Security" section and click on it to see more settings.
3. Find the "Troubleshooting" tab in the left pane and select "Additional Troubleshooting" in the right sidebar.
4. On the Additional Troubleshooters page, go to the Windows Update option, select it and click Run the troubleshooter.
5. If the troubleshooter finds problems, it will try to fix them automatically. Make sure you implement all recommended tips. When finished, restart your computer to apply the changes made.

Solution 2 – Check if the Windows Update service is running

The Windows Update service makes it easy to detect, download, and install updates for Windows and other programs. The service must be running for automatic updates to work.

Therefore, it is important to check if the service is activated and activate it if not. That's how:

1. Press the Win + R key combination on your keyboard, typemscin the Run dialog box and press Enter. Alternatively, you can also press the Windows logo key, type "Services" (without the quotes) and press "Enter".
2. In the Services window, go to Windows Update and double-click to open the Properties window.
3. On the General tab, verify that the Service Status says Stopped. In this case, click the "Startup type:" drop-down list and select "Automatic".
4. In the Service Status section, click the Start button.
5. Click Apply > OK and close all windows.

With the Windows Update service running, verify that updates are installing without throwing error 0x800f0986.

Solution 3 – Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder is a crucial component of Windows Update. Its main function is to temporarily store the files needed to install new updates and is managed by the Windows Update Agent (WUAgent).

Under normal circumstances, the paste should be left alone. However, if you're having problems trying to install Windows updates, emptying the contents of that folder might help fix them.

Note that deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder will delete the Windows Update History. Because of this, the next time you run Windows Update, it will take longer than usual the first time.

However, this is a necessary step if you are unable to install updates on your PC. Finally, Windows 10 will repopulate all the necessary files in the folder.

Here are the steps to remove the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder:

1. You must first run the command prompt as an administrator. To do this, press the Win + R key combination, typeCMDin the "Run" box and press the combination Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
2. In the User Account Control window, click Yes to launch an elevated command prompt.
3. Then type the commandnet stop wuauservand press "Enter" to stop the Windows update service.
4. Enter the commandNetto-Stopbitsand press "Enter" to stop the background smart transfer service.
5. Now use shortcut Win + E to open File Explorer.
6. Browse to the location of the SoftwareDistribution folder, which is typically located at C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
7. Select everything (use the shortcut Ctrl + A) and click on the "Delete" button. Be sure to empty the contents of the Recycle Bin to completely remove these files from your computer. If you're having trouble deleting the folder, some of the files might be in use. Try restarting your system to see if you can remove them.
8. Launch the command prompt with administrator rights as described above.
9. Enter the commandwuauserv net startand press "Enter" to start the Windows update service.
10. Enter the commandnet start bitsand press "Enter" to start the background smart transfer service.

Once this is done, Windows 10 will repopulate the folder. Now try running Windows Update to see if you are still facing update error 0x800f0986.

Solution 4 – Reset Windows Update Components

We mentioned that corrupt Windows Update components can cause update error 0x800f0986 in Windows 10. Resetting these components can resolve the issue.

Make sure you create a system restore point first in case something goes wrong.

1. Launch an elevated command prompt. To do this, press the Win + R key combination, typeCMDin the Run dialog and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter at the same time.
2. In the UAC window, click Yes.
3. In the Command Prompt window, run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptSvc
• Netto-Stopbits
• net stop server
• Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
• Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
• wuauserv net start
• net start cryptSvc
• net start bits
• liquid boot msi server

4. Exit the command prompt and check if Windows update error 0x800f0986 is resolved.

Corrupt system files can cause error 0x800f0986 on your PC. Fortunately, Windows 10 has useful tools to help you with this. System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools are used to fix Windows corruption issues. This is what you must do:

1. We'll start by running an SFC scan to repair any damaged system files. To do this, press the Windows logo key, typeCMDand choose Run as administrator.
2. typesfc /scan, press "Enter" and wait for the scan to finish.
3. Then run the DISM tool to repair the Windows image. In the same Command Prompt window, type the following commands and press Enter after each command:
   • DISM /Online /Clear Image /CheckHealth
   • DISM /Online /Image Cleanup /ScanHealth
   • DISM /Online /Clear Image /RestoreHealth
4. After that, restart your PC to check if the update error is fixed.

Solution 6 – Try installing updates manually

Although Windows 10 installs updates automatically, sometimes you have to install updates manually especially when it fails multiple times with error code 0x800f0986. These are the next steps:

1. Open the Windows Settings app with the Win + I keyboard shortcut and go to Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Click Windows Update.
4. In the right sidebar, find and select the "View Update History" option.
5. This page lists all successfully and failed installed updates.
6. Write down the KB number, for example B. KB4551762, along with the update with error code 0x800f0986.
7. then visit theMicrosoft Update-CatalogueOn the official Microsoft website, type or paste the KB number into the search box and click "Search".
8. From the results, select the correct KB compatible with your operating system and follow the on-screen instructions.
9. After installing the update, restart your computer.

Windows update error 0x800f0986 should not appear again. In this case, you may need to do an in-place upgrade.

Solution 7: Perform an in-place upgrade

You can fix Windows update error with Windows Media Creation Tool. For the process to be successful, you must disable Secure Boot in the system BIOS. Also, your system must have enough storage space (at least 20GB).

These are the next steps:

1. Start your browser and open theWindows Media Creation Tooldownload page
2. Scroll down to the Create Windows 10 Installation Media section and click the Download Tool Now button.
3. Once downloaded, double-click the installer and select "Upgrade this PC now".
4. Click Next and your operating system should download and install the latest version of Windows 10.
5. Reboot your system once the update completes successfully.

Optimize your PC for optimal performance

Occasionally, your Windows PC may experience a system error. While this is to be expected, you don't have to suffer from common mistakes. With a PC optimizer likeAuslogics Speed ​​Boost, you can sit back and relax knowing your system is being taken care of.

The program offers over a dozen PC optimization tools that you can use to optimize and increase your PC's performance. From removing unnecessary programs and duplicate files to cleaning PC junk and repairing the registry, you can count on the software to get the job done safely.

Windows update error 0x800f0986 is most likely caused by slowness issues on your system or faulty internet settings. Or maybe the accumulated junk files are corrupted and interrupting certain basic system functions.

BoostSpeed ​​​​​​​​​​is easy to use and it only takes a few clicks to solve these problems with it. You will be guided step-by-step with easy-to-understand instructions and can use any of their tools to restore system stability and improve performance.

That is all! We hope you managed to fix update error 0x800f0986 on your Windows 10 computer. If you need any further help, feel free to contact us by commenting below.