Quick Fixes for Windows Update Error 0x800f0986 on Windows 10

If you're encountering the Windows Update Error 0x800f0986 on your Windows 10 device, don't worry. Here are some quick and effective fixes to get your updates back on track.

How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800F0986?​

1. Enable Windows Update Service​

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. In the Services window, scroll down and find Windows Update.
4. Right-click Windows Update and select Properties.
5. Set the Startup type to Automatic.
6. If the Service status shows Stopped, click the Start button.
7. Click Apply and then OK.

Enabling the Windows Update Service ensures that your system can download and install updates properly.

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter​

1. Press the Windows Key + S and type troubleshoot in the search utility.
   
   
   
2. Click Troubleshoot settings, then select Troubleshoot.
   
3. Select Additional troubleshooters, then Windows Update.
   
   
   
4. Click the Run the troubleshooter button to open the window in the snapshot directly below.
   
   
   
5. After the troubleshooting process is complete, restart your PC.

The Windows Update Troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix issues related to Windows Update.

3. Repair System Files​

1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows key + R.
2. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. In the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer.
5. Open Command Prompt as an administrator again and type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
6. Restart your computer.

Repairing system files using SFC and DISM commands can fix corrupted or missing system files that may be causing the update error.

4. Reset Windows Update Components​

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   • 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
3. Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Resetting Windows Update components can resolve issues with corrupted update files and services.

5. Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder​

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop bits
3. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
4. Select all files and folders inside the SoftwareDistribution folder and delete them.
5. Return to Command Prompt and type the following commands to restart the services:
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start bits
6. Restart your computer.

Clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder removes corrupted update files and allows Windows to download fresh copies.

6. Update from a Healthy Machine​

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator on a healthy machine.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:"\\HealthyMachine\C$\Windows" /LimitAccess
3. Restart the affected server and try installing the update again.

Using a healthy machine as a source allows DISM to repair corrupted files on the affected server.

7. Perform an In-Place Upgrade​

1. Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website.
2. Run the tool and select Upgrade this PC now.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the upgrade, ensuring you select the option to keep personal files and apps.
4. Restart your computer after the upgrade.

An in-place upgrade can repair corrupted Windows components and ensure that all updates are applied correctly.

Additional Tips​

• Disable Antivirus and Firewall: Temporarily disable any third-party antivirus programs or firewalls as they might interfere with the update process.
• Check Disk Health: Use tools like CHKDSK or MiniTool Partition Wizard to check for and fix disk errors.
• Manual Update Installation: Download the specific update from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it manually.

By following these comprehensive solutions, you should be able to resolve the Windows Update error 0x800F0986 and keep your system up to date.