{"id":24785,"date":"2021-10-01T13:55:04","date_gmt":"2021-10-01T13:55:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/?p=24785"},"modified":"2025-03-18T13:18:53","modified_gmt":"2025-03-18T13:18:53","slug":"how-to-fix-windows-update-error-0x800f0986","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-fix-windows-update-error-0x800f0986\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0986?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Windows 10 works quite differently from the previous versions of the Windows OS, especially when it comes to updates. The system requires regular updates to keep functioning properly. Microsoft releases updates on the second Tuesday of each month to fix bugs, add new features and introduce security improvements.<\/p>\n

Usually, the update process is automatic, meaning Windows 10 searches for updates and automatically installs them whenever they are available. However, the process can sometimes be flawed, and it’s not uncommon to see Windows users complain about failed updates on online forums.<\/p>\n

The Windows 10 Update error 0x800f0986 is one such issue. In this post, we show you how to resolve the update error 0x800f0986 on your Windows 10 PC.<\/p>\n

What Is the Error 0x800f0986 in Windows 10?<\/h2>\n

Lately, quite a number of Windows users have been experiencing issues trying to update their Windows 10 systems. The updates fail with the update error 0x800f0986. The problem occurs when users are trying to update the OS, especially those running Windows 10 version 1909. Retrying the process results in the same error.<\/p>\n

The error message reads in full:<\/p>\n

\u201cThere were problems installing some updates, but we\u2019ll try again later.<\/strong><\/p>\n

2020-03 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 versions 1909 for x64-based Systems (KB4551762) \u2013 Error 0x800f0986.<\/strong>\u201d<\/p>\n

The real cause of the error is not exactly known, but corrupt system files and Windows Update components are mainly to blame.<\/p>\n

As frustrating as this scenario can be, you don\u2019t need to panic. We have the solutions to help you fix the problem.<\/p>\n

How to Fix the Windows 10 Update Error 0x800f0986<\/h2>\n

Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter<\/h2>\n

Given that you can’t pinpoint the cause of the error, running the Windows Update troubleshooter could prove useful.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s how to run it:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Press the Windows logo on your keyboard and select the cogwheel (gear icon) to launch the Windows Settings app.<\/li>\n
  2. Locate the \u201cUpdate & Security\u201d section, and click on it to display more settings.\"Open<\/li>\n
  3. Search for the \u201cTroubleshoot\u201d tab in the left pane and select \u201cAdditional troubleshooters\u201d in the right sidebar.\"Click<\/li>\n
  4. On the \u201cAdditional troubleshooters\u201d page, navigate to the \u201cWindows Update\u201d option, select it and click on \u201cRun the troubleshooter\u201d.\"Click<\/li>\n
  5. If the troubleshooter finds issues, it will attempt to automatically fix them. Be sure to implement any suggestions recommended. Once done, restart your PC to apply the changes you made.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Solution 2: Check If the Windows Update Service Is Running<\/h2>\n

    The Windows Update service is responsible for facilitating the detection, download, and installation of Windows updates and other programs. The service must be running for automatic updates to work.<\/p>\n

    Therefore, it’s crucial to check if the service is enabled and activate it if it isn\u2019t. Here’s how:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Press the Win + R shortcut on your keyboard, type\u00a0msc <\/strong>into the \u201cRun\u201d dialog box, and hit \u201cEnter\u201d. Alternatively, press the Windows logo key, type \u201cServices\u201d (without quotes), and press \u201cEnter\u201d.\"Open<\/li>\n
    2. In the \u201cServices\u201d window, navigate to \u201cWindows Update” and double-click on it to open its \u201cProperties\u201d window.\"Navigate<\/li>\n
    3. Under the \u201cGeneral\u201d tab, check if \u201cService status\u201d says \u201cStopped\u201d. If so, click the \u201cStartup type:\u201d drop-down list and select \u201cAutomatic\u201d.\"Go<\/li>\n
    4. Click on the \u201cStart\u201d button under the \u201cService status\u201d section.\"Click<\/li>\n
    5. Click Apply > OK, and exit all windows.\"Click<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      With the Windows Update service now running, check if the updates will install without throwing the error 0x800f0986.<\/p>\n

      Solution 3: Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder<\/h2>\n

      The SoftwareDistribution folder is a crucial Windows Update component. Its main function is to temporarily store files needed to install new updates, and it\u2019s maintained by the Windows Update Agent (WUAgent).<\/p>\n

      Under normal circumstances, the folder should be left alone. However, when faced with issues while trying to install Windows updates, flushing the contents of this folder has been known to help fix them.<\/p>\n

      Keep in mind that clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder deletes your Windows Update history. For this reason, the next time you run Windows Update, it will take longer than usual for the first time.<\/p>\n

      However, this is a necessary step if you can’t get the updates to install on your PC. After all, Windows 10 will repopulate all the necessary files in the folder.<\/p>\n

      Here are the steps to clear the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder:<\/h3>\n
        \n
      1. You first need to run the Command Prompt as an admin. To do that, press the Win + R keyboard shortcut, type\u00a0CMD <\/strong>into the \u201cRun\u201d box, and hit the Ctrl + Shift + Enter combo.\"Launch<\/li>\n
      2. Click \u201cYes\u201d in the User Account Control window to launch an elevated Command Prompt.\"Click<\/li>\n
      3. Next, type the command\u00a0net stop wuauserv <\/strong>and press \u201cEnter\u201d to stop the Windows Update Service.\"Enter<\/li>\n
      4. Type the command\u00a0net stop bits <\/strong>and press \u201cEnter\u201d to stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.\"Enter<\/li>\n
      5. Now, use the Win + E shortcut to open File Explorer.\"Open<\/li>\n
      6. Go to the location of the \u201cSoftwareDistribution\u201d folder, which is usually in C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution.\"Open<\/li>\n
      7. Select everything (use the Ctrl + A shortcut), and hit the \u201cDelete\u201d button. Be sure to empty the contents of the Recycle Bin to completely remove these files from your computer. If you’re having trouble clearing the folder, some of the files may be in use. Try rebooting your system to see if you can delete them.\"Delete<\/li>\n
      8. Launch the Command Prompt with admin rights as outlined above.\"Launch<\/li>\n
      9. Type the command\u00a0net start wuauserv <\/strong>and hit \u201cEnter\u201d to start the Windows Update Service.\"Enter<\/li>\n
      10. Type the command\u00a0net start bits <\/strong>and press \u201cEnter\u201d to start the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.\"Enter<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Once you’re done, Windows 10 will repopulate the folder afresh. Now try running Windows Update to see if you\u2019ll still run into the update error 0x800f0986.<\/p>\n

        Solution 4: Reset the Windows Update Components<\/h2>\n

        We mentioned that corrupt Windows Update Components may cause the update error 0x800f0986 in Windows 10. Resetting these components may resolve the issue.<\/p>\n

        Be sure to create a system restore point first in case something goes wrong.<\/p>\n

          \n
        1. Launch an elevated Command Prompt. To do so, press the Win + R keyboard shortcut, type\u00a0CMD <\/strong>into the \u201cRun\u201d dialog box, and hit the Ctrl + Shift + Enter shortcut at once.\"Enter<\/li>\n
        2. Click \u201cYes\u201d in the UAC window.\"Click<\/li>\n
        3. In the Command Prompt window, execute the following commands one by one, pressing \u201cEnter\u201d after each command:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n