How to fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0982?

Consider that you’re updating your build of Windows 10 to the latest available version. Everything is going swimmingly, and you’re just about ready to settle in and enjoy the goodies incorporated in the latest version. But before the update could complete, everything stops, and instead of updated firmware, you get an update bug.

Recently, the most common one has been the Windows Update Error 0x800f0982. This bug generally appears when users try to install the most recent builds of Windows 10. Sometimes, the error stops the installation of a feature update, such as Windows 10 version 1909. At other times, it interrupts the progress of an incremental update such as the Windows 10 Cumulative Update KB4505903. Both x64 and x86 versions of the operating system are affected by this annoying bug.

If you’re one of those looking for a way out of repeated Windows Update Error 0x800f0982 messages, you’ve come to the right place. We have put together this nifty guide for your sake. It will walk you through the causes of the bug. Next, you will learn about ways to fix Windows 10 Error 0x800f0982 so your computer can be updated with ease.

What Is Error 0x800f0982 in Windows 10?

Windows being Windows, there is usually something seemingly innocuous that ends up messing up the updates. However, let’s leave the cynicism aside this time and explore the actual known causes of the Windows Update Error 0x800f0982. As it turns out, this error is linked to a variety of issues with different aspects and components of the OS:

• Windows Registry. This is where the settings for the various apps and programs on Windows are stored. Both native applications and programs downloaded by the user use the registry. If an important registry key has been messed with, issues will occur. The Windows Update error we’re dealing with here could be due to corruption or modification of the Windows Update keys in the registry.
• Connection Issues. It shouldn’t be surprising that Windows requires an internet connection to download the necessary updates. They are first downloaded on the system before installation occurs. If something is wrong with the connection – the network is slow, or the capped subscription has been exhausted – the update might not download, resulting in an error such as the Windows Update Error 0x800f0982.
• File System Issues. After downloading the required update files, the Windows Update mechanism still requires access to the downloaded files to begin any updates. When something goes wrong and it can’t access the correct directory, the Error Code 0x800f0982 is often the result.
• File Corruption. Few things are more frustrating to users than downloading a very large file, only for the file to turn out corrupted. Imagine not being able to use a file several gigabytes large for the purpose it was intended for? Well, such things have been known to befall both downloaded feature updates and cumulative ones. The system can’t proceed with their installation because the files are corrupt. Instead, the user is inundated with the Error Code 0x800f0982.
• Windows Update Service. Windows is basically made up of different components, including services that do different things, all combining into the operating system we know and love. The Windows Update Service is the component responsible for finding, downloading and installing updates. Obviously, when a doctor falls sick, they become unable to treat their patients. In the same vein, sometimes the Windows Update Service runs into bugs or becomes corrupted or cannot run as usual. In such cases, the Error Code 0x800f0982 is often the inevitable result.
• This is one of the greatest banes of Windows 10 and the other versions of the OS. Malware can damage any number of things related to the update process. It can corrupt installation files, rendering the whole process unable to continue. This often leads to the system throwing out error codes, such as 0x800f0982.

Doubtless, there are other, less common reasons for the Windows Update Error 0x800f0982 out there. However, the ones above are the most widely known. Now that you have an idea of why this error interrupts the update process, you’re in a better position to successfully figure out a solution.

How to Resolve Windows Update Error 0x800f0982?

Of course, if you Google a solution to any Windows issue, you will find a thousand and one methods to try. But having a thousand solutions is of no use if you cannot find the one that works for you quickly enough. Dismissing the less reliable methods that abound on the net, we have gathered here the few legitimate methods that many users have testified solved their issue with updating Windows due to the Windows Update Error 0x800f0982.

You don’t have to rush to try each solution out. Work through them one by one. You will eventually land on the one that cures your system of its update issues.

Method 1: Retry the Update

Wonderfully simple, isn’t it? But sometimes, Windows, much like life, offers simple solutions to questions that look complex. You might not believe this, but some users have found that simply redoing the failed update solved the issue.

The question is, how do you redo a failed update? The answer can be surprisingly simple. It can be as simple as clicking the Retry button just below the “Updates failed” notification in Windows Update. It can also be as simple as exiting Settings, returning to the Windows Update menu and clicking the Update button once more. Sometimes, doing either of these a second or third time does the trick. This can prove effective when the cause is something like a simple glitch with the network.

Method 2: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If you think about it, Microsoft must have known that their precious operating system, the jewel in their software crown, is not without its bugs. No wonder they included a whole host of troubleshooters into the firmware. There is basically a troubleshooter for every common issue whether it be audio-, network-, or driver-related. Naturally, there is one to deal with Windows Update issues as well.

If a retry doesn’t work, you can use the Windows Update Troubleshooter to investigate the problem and resolve it in one fell swoop. Isn’t that nice? The tool can fix damaged files with the click of a button, restoring missing items that were preventing the update from installing at all.

Using the Windows Update Troubleshooter isn’t anything herculean. It’s pretty simple, actually. Here’s what you need to do:

• You need to find the Gear icon, which represents the Settings application, and click it. Just press the Windows key and then click the icon on the start menu bar. You can also open Settings through the Windows Key+I combination or select it from the Windows Tools menu (Win Key+X).
• The Settings app will be launched and opened to the Home screen with different options. What you’re looking for here is the Updates & Security option. Select the icon when you see it.
• Next, you need to find the Troubleshoot option in the left menu pane of the Updates & Security menu. Select that to open the page that lets you choose from several troubleshooting tools.
• In the right pane, scroll down until you find the Windows Update option.
• Next, you need to click the Windows Update option once. Doing this expands that option so you see the “Run the troubleshooter” button.
• That’s the button we’ve been looking for. Hit the “Run the troubleshooter” button, and the Windows Update Troubleshooter will detect and repair the cause of the failed installation.

From here on, you don’t need to do much. Just sit by and watch as the troubleshooter does what it does best. Once the process is complete, the next thing is to reboot the computer so that the changes carried out by the repair tool can take effect.

After a reboot and login, return to the Windows Update screen again and try to install the update once again. This time, you’re likely to have better luck — the Windows Update Error 0x800f0982 should no longer appear.

Method 3: Run Scans with the DISM Tool and System File Checker

We mentioned earlier how Microsoft basically preempted bugs on Windows by putting a whole host of troubleshooters to help with errors. Well, they definitely didn’t stop at that. You see, not just programs and applications but individual files can be corrupted as well. Some of these files could be Windows Update files. This means the Windows Update Service cannot run properly, which, in turn, translates into errors like the Windows Update Error 0x800f0982.

Microsoft created the System File Checker utility to deal with cases of missing or corrupted files, especially system files. It works by scanning the system for file errors and replacing any problematic files with fresh ones. Therefore, if an important function like Windows Update is throwing errors all over the place instead of working correctly, a scan or two with System File Checker are worth a try.

Before you proceed, Microsoft recommends you run a DISM scan before running an SFC scan. DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management. The DISM tool checks the OS image and fixes what is broken.

Without beating about the bush further, here’s how to run a DISM scan on Windows 10:

• The first thing you require is a command prompt with administrative privileges. This is also called an elevated Command Prompt.
• Move your cursor over the Start Menu icon at the bottom left of the desktop screen and right-click the icon. Next, select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list that shows up. Accept any UAC window that pops up.
• Now, you’ve opened an elevated Command Prompt. Next thing is to restore the health of the OS. Run the following command in the window:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Assuming everything goes fine up to this point, you’re now ready to run a scan with System File Checker. This is what you need to do:

• Run the following command in the Command Prompt window:

sfc /scannow

That’s it. Just sit back and watch while the System File Checker scans all protected files on the computer. Microsoft claims it will replace any corrupted file with a cached copy stored in a special folder in the Windows directory. You’re advised not to close the window while the operation is in progress.

When the SFC tool is done (which can take between a few minutes to an hour depending on the PC hardware), you will be presented with one of four messages, representing the success or failure of the operation:

• Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.

• Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation.

• Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. Details are included in the CBS.Log %WinDir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log.

• Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. Details are included in the CBS.Log %WinDir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log.

The first message indicates there are no corrupt files, which means you have to try another solution for this Windows update issue. The second message is a result of SFC not succeeding in the scan. It’s best to try the scan in Safe Mode, then. Getting the third message indicates that there were indeed corrupt files but SFC has found and fixed them. In this scenario, you can probably try the update once more with an increased chance of success this time. However, the fourth message means that not all the files found were fixed.

If you get the third error message, the issue has likely been fixed. Simply reboot the computer and try to update Windows once more. This time, it should work without any annoying Error Code 0x800f0982 interfering.

If this method doesn’t work either, move to the next fix.

Method 4: Update Windows Manually

Microsoft wants everyone to update Windows through the official automatic update channels accessible via Settings. However, with all the problems and bugs that often frustrate users, manual updates are sometimes the only option left.

Luckily, whether the issue happens with a feature update or a cumulative one makes no difference: you can update the system manually in either case. Although the process is different for each type of update, the principle remains the same.

Manual Update of a Feature Build of Windows

To bypass an automatic feature update, the Windows Media Creation Tool is the best option:

• Visit this site to download an image file of the latest version of Windows 10.
• Make sure that the correct architecture and language for your system are selected.
• After downloading, burn the image to a DVD or flash drive or simply save it anywhere on your computer.
• When you’re ready to install the new Windows build, mount the image file.
• Run the file and follow the instructions to install the latest build of Windows 10.

Manual Update of a Cumulative Windows 10 Update

Most Windows updates are actually incremental updates rather than anything major. They are released with a Knowledge Base (KB) ID, which makes them easy to search for manually should the need arise. If Windows Update is failing due to Error Code 0x800f0982, you simply need to manually download the update file and install it yourself. Follow the steps below to do so without any hassle:

• Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website created by Microsoft. The company uploads all the recently released updates here using the site as their official KB update directory.
• Type the correct KB ID for the update you’re looking for in the search box provided.
• Select the correct file for your computer’s architecture. Select x64 for a 64-bit PC and x86 for a 32-bit computer.
• Hit the download button, and the selected update will be downloaded in MSU (Microsoft Standalone Update Package) format.
• Click the downloaded file, and the installation will begin.

That’s it. You’ve managed to evade the Windows Update Error 0x800f0982 and installed the updates. However, this is more of a workaround rather than a real solution. For something rather more long-lasting as a remedy, see the next fix.

Method 5: Activate the Windows Module Installer Service

If the updates prove stubborn and continue to fail despite your best efforts, it might be due to the deactivation of the Windows Module Installer Service. This is a component in Windows responsible for fetching and installing updates. If it has been mistakenly turned off or stopped, things won’t work as well as they ought. They might not work at all.

You can check that the WMIS is active and start the service if it happens to be turned off by following these simple steps:

• Open an elevated Command Prompt by any means you’re familiar with. You can type CMD in the Search box, right-click the top result and select Run as Administrator.
• The ubiquitous User Account Control notification will obviously pop up. Simply click Yes to load an elevated Command Prompt.
• In the Command Prompt window, type the following and hit the Enter key:
  • SC config trustedinstaller start=auto

What you’ve just done automatically turned on the Windows Update Installer Service, and the update process will now begin automatically. You need to reboot the system for the changes to take effect. After this, try to update Windows again, and it should work this time.

Method 6: Delete Everything in the SoftwareDistribution and SystemResources Folders

Actually, the Windows Error Code 0x800f0982 issue can occur due to the interference of undeleted update files and caches already on the system. These unneeded files are often not automatically removed once an installation is complete. Thus, they sometimes conflict with any new files being downloaded via the update process. Many users have finally solved the Error Code 0x800f0982 issue after clearing the contents of both folders.

Before we attempt to clear these folders, we must stop two important Windows services that make use of these folders. These are the Windows Update Service (wuauserv) and Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) respectively. The fastest way is through an elevated Command Prompt:

• Press the Windows key and X buttons at the same time to bring up the Windows Tools menu.
• Now select Command Prompt (Admin) from the system options that appear.
• Click Yes when the UAC prompt shows up.
• Run each command below in the CMD window, not forgetting to hit the Enter key after each line:

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

Now, minimize the Command Prompt (you can close it and launch it again later) and launch File Explorer by clicking its icon on the taskbar. Go to the Software Distribution folder through this path: C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution. Then delete all the contents within the folder.

Next, navigate to C:\Windows\System Resources and delete everything inside the folder as well. If you get an administrator warning, either ignore it or press Yes to continue.

Once done, you need to restart the two services you temporarily disabled so Windows Update can get to work downloading fresh files without interference from any leftovers.

Open the elevated Command Prompt window and run the following commands:

net start wuauserv

net start bits

After you complete everything here, a reboot is required. Once you log in again, you shouldn’t face any more problems with updating Windows.

Clean Up Unnecessary Files with Auslogics BoostSpeed

 Although the process above sometimes proves sufficient to restore Windows Update functionality, it doesn’t always work. Not every file downloaded by Windows Update is in the Software Distribution or System Resource folder. Some are hidden in other places deep in the catacombs of the Windows OS. Finding them will be herculean without the aid of an advanced PC optimization tool like Auslogics BoostSpeed.

Auslogics BoostSpeed has been approved by Microsoft to give your PC a full performance boost. It improves system stability by removing useless items causing glitches and crashes. It is packed full with different features, such as the Deep Disk Cleaner utility that dives deep into the system and fishes out unneeded Windows Update files so you can delete them easily. The steps below will take you through how to download Auslogics BoostSpeed and use the Deep Disk Cleaner function to clear your system of unnecessary Windows update caches and files:

• Download the Auslogics BoostSpeed installer from tthis link. Make sure to save it somewhere you can easily find it, such as your desktop.
• Run the setup file and choose your preferences on the first page of the setup wizard. You can set your language, preferred install location, desktop icon preference, and auto start preference.
• Once you’re done, click the Click to Install button, and BoostSpeed will be installed to the chosen location.

Now you’re ready to use BoostSpeed. Here’s how to use its Deep Disk Cleaner feature for the purpose of eliminating pointless update files and solving the Windows Update Error Code 0x800f0982:

• Run Auslogics BoostSpeed.
• On the home page, you will see a list of different tools that do different things. Select the Clean Up tab.
• A new window opens to a list of drives on your computer. The Deep Disk Cleaner utility works on a per-drive basis, so you must select the drive containing the Windows installation.
• You will see the “Deep Disk Cleaner” button below the selected drive. Click that button to open a new tab that represents the deep disk cleanup area of Auslogics BoostSpeed.
• In the left pane, you will see different scannable items grouped together. Your focus is on System Files.
• Tick the boxes next to the following: Windows Update Files, Windows Installer Cache, Files in the Prefetch Folder, Windows System Cache, and Windows Defender Files.
• In the central window, tick the option to “wipe files being removed”.
• Next, click the Scan Now button.
• The program will bring up a list of all the files that match your selection. You can untick those you wish to keep, but that isn’t necessary.
• When you’re satisfied with everything, click the Clean Up button to erase all the discovered hidden files related to Windows Update.

After everything, reboot the system and start the update process again. This time, you’re unlikely to experience the annoying Error Code 0x800f0982 bug.

Method 7: Reset All Components Related to Windows Update

Sometimes, the error 0x800f0982 has nothing to do with Windows Update files and everything to do with faulty Windows Update components. So, even if you’ve been barking up the wrong tree so far, you can still solve the issue by resetting the Windows Update components. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go through the hassle of finding and resetting them one by one. One or two commands in Command Prompt will do the trick.

Before that, we need to disable the following services temporarily:

• Windows Update Service
• Background Intelligent Transfer Service
• Application Identity Service
• Cryptographic Service

Doing so is easy. Open an elevated Command Prompt as explained previously and run each command below, one by one:

• net stop bits
• net stop wuauserv
• net stop appidsvc

net stop cryptsvc

Next, run the command below to delete the Queue Manager data file:

Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\

Next, run the commands below:

rename %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak

xcopy %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.bak /s

Finally, run these commands to restart the services you disabled earlier:

• net start bits
• net start wuauserv
• net start appidsvc
• net start cryptsvc

This concludes the reset of all Windows Update components. Simply reboot your system and carry out updating Windows with ease.

Method 8: Uninstall and Reinstall Language Packs

There are claims in some quarters that the code 0x800f0982 stands for PSFX_E_MATCHING_COMPONENT_NOT_FOUND, which basically means that some components related to language packs are missing. This is worth testing out if every other method so far has failed to resolve the issue:

• Go to Start Menu > Settings > Time & Language > Language.
• Expand the Preferred Language section, choose a language to remove and click Remove.
• Close the Settings app, open it again and return to Time & Language > Language.
• Go to Preferred Languages > Add a Language and choose the removed language from the list.
• Select Options and click Download to install that language.
• Close the Settings app and check for updates again.

Now install the updates, and hopefully, no error 0x800f0982 will show up to interfere.

Method 9

The above methods should have answered the question of how to get rid of Windows 10 Update Error 0x800f0982. If the issue persists, one of the few things that can still be done is a Clean Boot.

Loading Windows in a Clean Boot environment means that all the third-party programs and services are prevented from loading alongside the core operating system startups and services. This has the effect of eliminating programs that might clash with the Windows Update process. Thus, Windows Update will have a free environment to run. If the update succeeds in a Clean Boot environment, then one of the disabled services is obviously the culprit.

Running Windows in a Clean Boot isn’t as daunting as it sounds. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be home and dry in no time:

• Log into Windows 10 with an administrator account. You cannot load a Clean Boot environment otherwise.
• Next, you need to open the System Configuration utility. The fastest way is to launch the Run box with Win Key+R, type “msconfig” (without quotes) in the box, and press the Enter key.
• When the System Configuration window shows up, select the Services tab.
• Tick the “Hide all Microsoft services” checkbox.
• Next, click the “Disable all” button on the right.
• Select the Startup tab and click the Open File Manager link.
• Right-click each enabled startup item and select Disable.
• Close Task Manager.
• Click the OK button in the System Configuration window.
• Reboot the system.
• That’s it. Upon a reboot, you will be in a Clean Boot environment and be able to troubleshoot your issue without interference from third-party drivers and startup items, etc.

Run Windows Update in this environment, and chances are everything will proceed smoothly. If it works, you can keep using this method until you figure out which program, process, driver, or startup item is interfering with your updates.

Conclusion

We have confidence that the above tips will help you to easily solve the Windows Update Error 0x800f0982 in Windows 10. You can also use a security tool like Auslogics Anti-Malware to do a thorough system scan in case the error is related to malware infection.