How to troubleshoot Windows 10 Update Error 0x800F0982?

During the download of the latest Windows 10 build, the process may abruptly stop, resulting in an error and preventing the completion of the update.

We know how frustrating this situation can be. So, if you are on the lookout for a way to resolve the error, then this is the right place. We have created this guide just for you.

What Is the Error Code 0x800f0982?

Windows Update is important in maintaining your computer’s security. It is a utility that finds, downloads, and installs the latest updates for your operating system. However, no matter how crucial its role is, it can sometimes get stuck or break during the process. Consequently, it may display the Error Code 0x800f0982.

The Windows Update Error Code 0x800f0982 is a problem that may arise when users are installing or downloading updates. This can happen for any number of reasons, but it’s often due to the user not having enough hard disk space available on their machine. The issue may also happen because of the following:

• The Windows Update service is offline.
• You’re using an outdated version of Windows 10/11.
• There are corrupted files in your system directory.

According to affected users, the issue is usually associated with the KB4493509, KB4489899, and KB4493509 updates. It sometimes comes with a message which says, “There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later.”

How to Fix the Error 0x800f0982 on Windows 10

What if Windows Update ends with the Error 0x800f0982? What should you do? Below are some verified fixes that other affected users have tried, allowing them to install the pending update successfully.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter is a great tool that can fix any problems related to update components. It will automatically scan your system and find the issue. So, all you need to do is click on the correct option and it will take care of everything for you.

However, it is worth noting that Windows 10/11 has a lot of other tools that are designed to resolve common update failures. Although running the troubleshooter does not guarantee that the problem is resolved, it surely is a good starting point.

To use the Windows Update Troubleshooter to fix the 0x800f0982 error code, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Run utility by pressing the Windows + R keys.
2. Type “ms-settings:troubleshoot” (no quotes) into the text field and hit Enter. This will take you to the Troubleshooting tab of the Settings app.
3. Here, navigate to the right section and scroll down to the “Get up and running” section. Hit the Windows Update button.
4. In the menu that appears, click the “Run the Troubleshooter” button.
5. The troubleshooter will then launch and automatically start to scan your system for any problems. Wait until the scan is complete.
6. Once the scan is finished, the troubleshooter will suggest repair strategies that may help with the error you’re currently dealing with. If you agree with a recommendation, click the “Apply This Fix” button.
7. Once the action is completed, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Fix 2: Reset the WU Component

If you suspect that the issue is triggered by a glitch in the Windows Update utility itself, then resetting the WU component may do the trick.

The WU component, also called the WU service, is a part of the Windows Update utility. It is responsible for checking available updates, downloading them if necessary, and then installing them on your computer. When this service has issues or isn’t running properly on your computer there can be consequences such as errors while trying to download an update or install new software which would require a restart of the process.

To reset this component, here’s a quick guide:

1. Press the Windows + R keys to open the Run utility.
2. Type “cmd” (no quotes) into the text field and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys simultaneously. This will launch an elevated Command Prompt.
3. Into Command Prompt, enter the commands below in their recommended order to reset the WU component.

• 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

4. Once done, exit the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
5. Check if the issue has been fixed.

Fix 3: Force Install the Update Using PowerShell

If resetting the WU component does not get rid of the 0x800f0982 error, then you can use PowerShell to force install the update.

Windows PowerShell is a powerful command-line scripting and automation utility that enables you to control the Windows OS. You can use it for system administration, network programming, task automation, and others. You can also use it to resolve Windows Update-related errors.

Here’s how to use it to download and install any available Windows update:

1. Launch the Run dialog box using the Windows + R keys.
2. Type “powershell” (no quotes) into the text field and press the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys. This will open an elevated PowerShell window.
3. On Windows PowerShell, type “wuauclt.exe /UPDATENOW” (no quotes) command and hit Enter to force the installation of the update.
4. Once the update is installed, restart your computer and check if the update is still pending in the Windows Update utility.

Fix 4: Use the System File Checker

In some cases, the error occurs because system files are damaged. To fix these files, all you need is the System File Checker.

The System File Checker is a tool in Windows that can identify and replace missing, corrupted, or improperly installed system files. If there are problems with the registry, it may also be of use. This utility can help troubleshoot issues without having to take drastic measures like re-installing Windows.

To use this utility to resolve the 0x800f0982 error code, here are the steps to take:

1. Type “command prompt” (no quotes) into the search bar and right-click on the most relevant result.
2. Select Run as Administrator.
3. If asked to confirm your action, hit the Yes button.
4. Now, the Command Prompt window should appear. Type “sfc /scannow” (no quotes) and hit the Enter key.
5. At this point, the System File Checker should start the scan and repair process. Once done, restart your computer and try to install the update once again.

Fix 5: Perform a DISM Scan

If performing an SFC scan doesn’t help, then try running a Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scan. This is an equally handy utility that can detect and repair any issues with your system’s image files. It is a command-line tool that can be used for both diagnostic and repair purposes on Microsoft Windows systems.

Follow the steps below to perform a DISM scan:

1. Right-click on the Windows menu and select Run.
2. Into the text box, input “cmd” (no quotes) and hit the Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys simultaneously.
3. If prompted by the User Access Control wizard, hit the Yes button.
4. Now, on Command Prompt, type “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” (no quotes) and hit Enter.
5. The DISM tool will now begin scanning your system for any damaged system image and apply the necessary fixes.
6. Once it’s done, restart your computer and install the update one more time.

Fix 6: Install the Update Manually

If you think that a specific KB is causing the problem, you can download it manually from the official Microsoft Update Catalog. It is a repository of software updates, both security and non-security related. It’s an easy way to make sure you’re using the latest versions of installed applications on your PC or device. You can also find new apps in this catalog that are available for download.

To download the problematic KB here, follow these instructions:

1. Visit the official Microsoft Update Catalog.
2. Input the KB number into the search field.
3. A new web page will be displayed with all the updates related to your search. Hit the Download button next to the patch you need.
4. Once downloaded, install it on your device.
5. Restart your computer and see if the error has been resolved.

Fix 7: Clear the SoftwareDistribution and System Resources folders.

It is possible that the error code 0x800f0982 is showing because there are undeleted update files on your system. They may be interfering with the installation process, confusing the Windows update service. That is why experts suggest deleting them every now and then to avoid conflict.

However, before you can proceed and delete these unneeded files, you need to stop to important Windows services: the Windows Update Service and the Background Intelligent Service. For a detailed guide on what to do, see below:

1. Press the Windows + X keys to launch the Power User menu.
2. Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list.
3. Hit the Yes button when prompted by the UAC.
4. Run the following commands:

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits commands

Note: Make sure to hit the Enter key after each one of them.

5. Next, minimize the Command Prompt window and launch the Windows Explorer.
6. Navigate to the SoftwareDistribution folder by going to the Windows folder and selecting SoftwareDistribution.
7. Delete everything in this folder.
8. Next, go back to the main Windows folder and click System Resources. Delete everything inside the folder. If you get a warning, just ignore it or hit the Yes button.
9. After deleting the contents of both folders, restart the two services you disabled earlier. Do this by opening the Command Prompt window and running the following commands:

net start wuauserv

net start bits

Note: Make sure you hit Enter after each one.

10. At this point, reboot your computer and check if the error persists.

Fix 8: Uninstall and Reinstall the Language Packs

A language pack can be used when you are using an app or typing into the search bar of any application on Windows 10/11. It allows users to input text with their desired language’s characters instead of having them replaced by symbols or numbers.

Now, how is a language pack associated with the error? According to some affected users, the 0x800f0982 error code may be caused by a missing language pack. So, it’s something that you may want to test and verify.

Here’s how to proceed with this fix:

1. Go to the Start menu and select Settings.
2. Navigate to Time and Language and click Language.
3. Expand the Preferred Language section and select a language that you want to remove.
4. Hit the Remove button next to it.
5. Close Settings.
6. Open the Settings window again and go to Time and Language.
7. Choose Language.
8. Next, go to Preferred Languages and click Add a Language.
9. Select the language you have recently removed.
10. Click Options and hit the Download button to begin installing the language.
11. Exit the Settings app and install the update again.

Fix 9: Enable the Windows Module Installer Service

If you’ve exhausted all possible means but still to no avail, you can enable the Windows Module Installer service instead. This is an important Windows component that fetches updates and installs them. If you have accidentally disabled it, then the Windows update process may fail.

Here’s how to enable this service:

1. Launch an elevated Command Prompt by typing “cmd” (no quotes) into the search box and right-clicking on the most relevant result. Click Run as Administrator.
2. When prompted by the UAC, hit Yes to proceed.
3. On Command Prompt, type “SC config trustedinstaller start=auto” (no quotes) command.
4. Hit Enter.
5. Now, you have just enabled the Windows Update Installer service. The update process should now start.
6. Restart your system to apply the changes.

Regular System Maintenance

In addition to the steps outlined for resolving the Error Code 0x800f0982, it’s essential to emphasize the importance of regular system maintenance. Keeping your system updated, performing disk cleanups, and regularly checking for malware can prevent many common errors, including update issues. Tools like Windows Security are integral to maintaining your system’s health and should be used regularly to keep your system running smoothly.

Compatible Drivers and System Compatibility

Another crucial aspect to consider when facing update errors is ensuring that all your system drivers are up to date and compatible with the latest Windows 10/11 build. Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause various issues, including update failures. Users should regularly check the Device Manager for any exclamation marks indicating driver issues and use the Windows Update or manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers.

Preventative Measures and Best Practices

Lastly, adopting preventative measures and best practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of encountering update errors. This includes regularly backing up important data, avoiding the use of unsupported software, and staying informed about known issues and solutions through official Windows Update release notes and advisories.

Wrapping Up

If you are getting the Error Code 0x800f0982 when trying to install a new update on Windows 10/11, then don’t worry! There are many ways that this problem can be eliminated and we’ll walk you through some of them right now.

The first thing that most people try is using the Windows Update troubleshooter, which may work depending on your version of OS. If it still doesn’t work after running the troubleshooter multiple times without success, resetting the WU component might do the trick. Of course, there are a plethora of other fixes you can try! Refer to the solutions above for a detailed guide.