How to fix Windows update error 0x800f0989?

Question

Issue: How to fix Windows update error 0x800f0989?

Hello, I can't install the latest Windows update KB5004237, error code is 0x800f0989: Your device is missing important security and quality fixes. I tried several times, but it came back with the same error. Anything that can be done about this, or should I just keep waiting?

Solved Answer

Microsoft releases updates on a regular basis, namely, every second Tuesday^[1] of every month. These updates include important bug and vulnerability fixes, feature improvements of implementation, UI changes, and much more. Since Windows is operated as a service, new versions of the OS come out regularly as well – there are over 13 released so far.^[2]

However, not everything always goes as planned. Windows updates are known to straight out break^[3] some features for some users, so it is not surprising that those affected are hesitant applying new patches. Despite this, the updates are particularly important and the percentage of people that receive errors or come across other issues is relatively low. In other words, don't stop updating Windows, as most of the problems that come after are quickly fixed by Microsoft.

In the meantime, others are suffering from a different problem – they are unable to update Windows and receive an error in the process. This time, we are talking about Windows update error 0x800f0989 that users have come across for several years now.

Windows update errors is nothing new – they have been reported on the official and other IT forums since the release of the latest OS version in 2015. There are hundreds of error codes that are assigned when the update fails to download, e.g., 0x800f0984, 0x80070026, 0x80070541, and many others.

Some of these issues go away by themselves (or Microsoft resolves them), although, in most cases, users have to fend for themselves in order to fix these issues. If you have encountered 0x800f0989 and it does not go away, you should not worry, as there are several solutions you could try to make the update succeed.

In most cases, the reason for an update error lies within corrupted system files, inactive Windows Update/BITS service, failed data packages, networking problems, incorrectly installed previous update, etc. Below you will find several ways to fix 0x800f0989 on Windows, although you might go through several methods before one works for you.

If you would like to avoid tedious troubleshooting, you should try running a scan with FortectMac Washing Machine X9 repair software. It can locate and replace damaged Windows components automatically, fixing BSODs, registry issues, and more.

Fix 1. Run Windows update troubleshooter

You should always start from the basics. Using a built-in troubleshooter might help you resolve this error, although this does not help everyone.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search
• Select Additional troubleshooters
• Find Windows Update from the list
• Click it and select Run the troubleshooter
• Wait till fixes are applied.

Fix 2. Restart Windows update services

• Type Services in Windows search and press Enter
• Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and double-click it
• From the drop-down menu, pick Automatic and click Start, Apply, and OK
• If the service was running already, right-click it and select Restart
• Now to the same with Windows Update service.

Fix 3. Uninstall your third-party antivirus

Windows provides its own security solution – Microsoft Defender. There are many third-party solutions that can be used instead, be it due to usability or efficiency. In fact, the former is enough for blocking the most dangerous malware, although if you would want more extensive protection (for example, a web shield can warn you about high-risk websites), a third-party app might be better for you.

Unfortunately, some security programs might be conflicting with Microsoft servers and data packages that they send during the update process, mistakenly perceiving these servers as insecure. Thus, it is known that removing AV software helped some users when trying to remove Windows update errors.

Alternatively, accessing your security app's settings and trying to add an exception for Microsoft servers might also work. Here is the list of the update server addresses:

• http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com
• http://*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
• https://*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
• http://*.update.microsoft.com
• https://*.update.microsoft.com
• http://*.windowsupdate.com
• http://download.windowsupdate.com
• https://download.microsoft.com
• http://*.download.windowsupdate.com
• http://wustat.windows.com
• http://ntservicepack.microsoft.com
• http://go.microsoft.com

Fix 4. Use commands in Command Prompt

If the second method did not work for you, you could try using this one, as it is a more comprehensive one. It will reset your internet connection, delete Windows update remnant files, and restart and the necessary services.

• Type cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
• When User Account Control shows up, click Yes
• Run 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.

Fix 5. Run DISM and SFC

If the above method restarts your internet connection and services, this one will let you fix broken Windows system files.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Paste the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Once the scan is complete and it is indicated that file corruption was fixed, restart your system. If SFC was unable to fix the file integrity violations, use the following commands:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Fix 6. Install the update manually

• Type in Update in Windows search and press Enter
• Click View Update History on the right side of the window
• From the list of updates, note the KB number of the one that failed to be installed
• Go to Microsoft Update Catalog
• Here, type in the KB number and click Search
• Pick the version that is compatible with your operating system (ignore updates for the server) and click Download
• Proceed with on-screen instructions and restart your system once done.

Fix 7. Use Media Creation Tool

Before you begin, please make sure all external devices are disconnected (such as a printer, camera, etc.) apart from your mouse, keyboard, and internet cable. Also, uninstall any third-party security software and backup your data (Windows provides an option to keep your files, but this measure is just a precaution in case something goes wrong).

• Go to the official Microsoft website and download Media Creation Tool
• Agree to terms and click Next
• Select Upgrade this PC now and select Next
• Proceed with on-screen instructions
• Keep in mind that this process might take hours to complete, so be patient.

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