{"id":28395,"date":"2021-12-07T18:14:54","date_gmt":"2021-12-07T18:14:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/?p=28395"},"modified":"2025-04-04T16:07:52","modified_gmt":"2025-04-04T16:07:52","slug":"fix-error-0x800f0990-on-windows-10","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/fix-error-0x800f0990-on-windows-10\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Troubleshoot Error 0x800f0990 on Windows 10?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You have to configure your computer to automatically download and install updates if you want to use the best version of Windows. Updates released through the Windows Update client are deployed to fix problems in the operating system, add new features, and enhance security.<\/p>\n

However, the Windows Update client can encounter an issue when trying to download or install updates. Error code 0x800f0990 is one of those error messages that show up when such issues occur.<\/p>\n

The error can appear while trying to install a regular update or Windows Insider Preview build. Most users currently facing the problem are Insiders trying to download and install the Windows 10 KB004296 update.<\/p>\n

This article will show you how to fix the Windows Insider Update KB5004296 error 0x800f0990 if it keeps showing up on your screen.<\/p>\n

What Is the Cumulative Update KB004296?<\/h2>\n

This cumulative update is Windows 10 Version 21H2 Build 19044.1149. It follows Version 21H2 Build 19044.1147. You can only get the update through the Windows Insider Program\u2019s Release Preview Channel.<\/p>\n

Users in the Insider Release Preview Channel receive Windows versions before their official release. These builds are more stable than those published through the Beta and Dev channels.<\/p>\n

What Causes the Error 0x8000990?<\/h2>\n

The error can be caused by different system glitches, from problematic system files to network problems and antivirus interference.<\/p>\n

To get rid of the error, you’ll have to resolve its root cause. That means repairing system files, fixing network problems, and resolving application conflicts, among other troubleshooting activities.<\/p>\n

How to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x800f0990<\/h2>\n

We’ll show you all the steps to take to get rid of the error for good. You’ll have to apply the fixes one after another since you are not sure what is behind your system’s problem.<\/p>\n

Before you start, confirm that your computer can access the Internet without issues. You can easily do that by opening up your web browser and loading a webpage.<\/p>\n

Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter<\/h3>\n

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is the first tool to run when you’re dealing with update-related problems, whether you’re in the Insider program or not.<\/p>\n

The built-in tool’s job is to check for problems affecting the Windows Update client and resolve them. Sometimes, it will return an error that it can’t fix, but you can use it to pinpoint the exact problem and fix it yourself.<\/p>\n

Follow these steps:<\/h4>\n
    \n
  1. Launch the Settings application using the Win + I keyboard combo.<\/li>\n
  2. Click on Update & Security on the first page of the Settings app.<\/li>\n
  3. Go to the left side of the Windows Update interface and click on Troubleshoot.<\/li>\n
  4. After the Troubleshoot page shows up, click on “Additional Troubleshooters.”<\/li>\n
  5. Click on Windows Update Troubleshooter and select Run the Troubleshooter.<\/li>\n
  6. Allow the Troubleshooter to search for problems and fix them.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Solution 2: Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus Program<\/h3>\n

    Your antivirus program could be halting the update process and triggering the error. While this mostly happens with third-party security applications, Windows’ native antivirus program could also interfere.<\/p>\n

    So, disable the program and run the Windows Update utility to check if the error shows up again.<\/p>\n

    Follow these steps to disable Windows Security:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Tap the Windows flag on your keyboard to open the Start menu.<\/li>\n
    2. After the Start menu appears, type “Virus & threat” and click on “Virus & Threat Protection” in the search results.<\/li>\n
    3. After the Virus & Threat Protection window opens, click on Manage Settings under Virus & Threat Protection Settings.<\/li>\n
    4. Scroll down to Real-Time Protection and turn it off.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Solution 3: Turn Off Your Firewall<\/h3>\n

      Your firewall is another security program that can block Windows Update’s access to Microsoft’s servers. Turn off the application and check if that has resolved the problem.<\/p>\n

      Here’s how to turn Windows Defender Firewall off:<\/p>\n

        \n
      1. Open the Start menu by pressing the Windows logo key.<\/li>\n
      2. After the Start menu appears, type “Windows Defender Firewall” and click on Windows Defender Firewall in the search results.<\/li>\n
      3. Once the program opens, go to the left pane and click on “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.”<\/li>\n
      4. Select “Turn off Windows Defender Firewall” under Private Network Settings and Public Network Settings.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

        Solution 4: Restart Windows Update Services<\/h3>\n

        Services related to the Windows Update client, such as the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and the Update Orchestrator service, might act up. These services must function correctly for your computer to install updates successfully.<\/p>\n

        Restarting the services related to the component could get rid of the error code 0x800f0990 for good.<\/p>\n

        Follow these steps:<\/h4>\n
          \n
        1. Press the Win + S keyboard shortcut to open the search bar.<\/li>\n
        2. Type “services” into the text field and click on Services in the search results.<\/li>\n
        3. After the Services app opens, double-click on the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.<\/li>\n
        4. Once the service’s Properties window appears, click on the Stop button.<\/li>\n
        5. Go to the Startup Type menu and select Automatic.<\/li>\n
        6. Click on Start and select OK to save your changes.<\/li>\n
        7. Now, do the same for these services:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n