How to fix Windows update error 0x800F0841?

Question

Issue: How to fix Windows update error 0x800F0841?

Hello. When I try to install Windows updates I get the 0x800F0841 error. Is there a way to fix this?

Solved Answer

When attempting to install or update Windows on their computers, users may encounter error code 0x800F0841. This error typically occurs when the Windows Update service fails or when certain system files required for the update are missing or corrupted. It is critical to resolve this error because updates are critical to the security, stability, and functionality of the Windows operating system.

Updates are necessary for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, they provide critical security patches that aid in the protection of your computer against known vulnerabilities and malware. These updates frequently address critical security flaws that malicious actors could otherwise exploit to gain unauthorized access to your system or steal sensitive information. By keeping your operating system up to date, you reduce your vulnerability to cyber threats.

In addition to increased security, updates improve system performance and stability. They can optimize various aspects of the operating system, fix bugs, and improve software and hardware compatibility. Users can benefit from the latest features and technological advancements by installing updates, ensuring a smoother and more efficient computing experience.

When users encounter the 0x800F0841 error, it can prevent them from successfully installing or updating Windows. This issue has the potential to cause a variety of issues. For example, if the system lacks the most recent security patches, it may be more vulnerable to cyber attacks, putting personal data and privacy at risk. Furthermore, users may miss out on critical bug fixes, performance improvements, and new features introduced in updates, resulting in suboptimal system performance or the inability to use certain software or hardware.

In this guide, you will find 8 steps that should help you fix Windows update error 0x800F0841. You can also try a repair tool like FortectMac Washing Machine X9 that can fix most system errors, BSODs,^[1] corrupted files, registry^[2] issues, or clear cookies and cache.^[3] Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Solution 1. Repair Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 2. Run the Update Troubleshooter

• Press the Windows key + X and go to Settings.
• Go to Update and Security.
• Click Troubleshooter.

• Select Additional troubleshooters.
• Run the Update troubleshooter.
• Restart the computer.

Solution 3. Check Disk

Ensure that your disk is not damaged. You can perform checks using Administrative Command Prompt:

• If you are using an HDD as your main driver (where your operating system is installed – C: by default), use the following command and press Enter:
  chkdsk c: /f
• If you are using SSD, use this command:
  chkdsk c: /f /r /x

• If you receive an error, type in Y and hit Enter.
• Restart your device to perform the check.

Solution 4. Restart Windows Services

• Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
• Type in services.msc and press OK.
• Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
• If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK.

• If the status is Running, right-click then select Restart.
• Locate the Windows Update service and double-click it.
• If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and OK. If the status is Running, right-click, then select Restart.

Solution 5. Update Drivers

Outdated drivers could be the cause of this issue. In this case, you can fix it automatically by using DriverFix which will scan your PC for missing and out-of-date device drivers. Or you can update them manually:

• Open Settings
• Click on Update & Security
• Click on Windows Update
• Click the Check for updates button
• Click the View optional updates option
• Click the Driver updates tab
• Select the driver you want to update
• Click the Download and install button

If the View optional updates link is not available after checking for updates, then Windows Update does not have any new drivers or any updates for other products at that particular time.

Solution 6. Install the Update Manually

Whenever Windows updates fail to install automatically, you can always try doing it manually. First, you need to find out which KB number is relevant to you.

• Right-click Start button and pick Settings.
• Go to Update & Security.
• On the right, locate and click View update history.
• From the list, note the KB number that fails to install with the error code.

• Go to Microsoft Update Catalog page, type in the KB number, and press Search.
• Download the update and install it manually.

Solution 7. Reset Windows Update Components

• Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
• Copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  net stop bits
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop appidsvc
  net stop cryptsvc
  Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*”
  rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
  rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
  regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh winsock reset proxy
  net start bits
  net start wuauserv
  net start appidsvc
  net start cryptsvc

• Restart your PC.

Solution 8. Upgrade Install Windows

• Download Windows 10 installation media or Windows 11 installation media from the official website.
• Open the tool once it is installed.
• Agree to license terms.

• Choose Upgrade this PC now.
• Wait for the update to be installed.

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