How to fix
Windows update error 0x800B010F
on Windows

I am getting the following error when I click Check for Updates on Windows: "Windows Update failed to check for updates with error 0x800B010F." What is that?

While you might be encountering a Windows update error 0x800B010F for the first time, you should not worry because there are thousands of users who successfully dealt with it, and we will explain how.

Error code 0x800B010F typically occurs when Windows Update cannot establish a proper connection with its service. This can be related to various issues, including network connectivity problems, incorrect system settings, misconfigured services, or corrupted system files.

Additionally, conflicts with other software or misconfigured Windows Update components can also lead to this error. The Event Viewer may provide a message stating: "Error Encountered. We ran into a problem while connecting to the Windows Update service. We'll try to connect again later, or you can select Retry now."

To fix the 0x800B010F error, you can check your internet connection, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, reset Windows Update components, clear the update cache, and repair system files.

Since the main reason for the error is failure to establish a connection to the server, the most likely culprit is the internet. - network issues can often prevent successful updates. On the other hand, checking the Microsoft server status can also provide the reason why the 0x800B010F error occurs. In this case, waiting some time will likely solve the problem.

While in some cases it might be difficult to find the right solution, you should fix the update error if you follow the guidelines below. Alternatively, you can employ [d1] maintenance and repair utility for dealing with complex issues like broken registries or DLLs, corrupted system files, BSODs, and even Windows update problems. 

Fix 1. Check Microsoft server status

Sometimes, Windows Update errors can occur due to issues with Microsoft's servers. Checking the server status ensures that the problem is not on their end.

• Visit the Microsoft service status website.
• Look for any ongoing issues.
• If there are service disruptions, wait for Microsoft to resolve them.

Fix 2. Run network and Windows update troubleshooters

Running the network and Windows Update troubleshooters can automatically detect and fix common issues that might be preventing updates.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update from the list.
• Click it and select Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• The troubleshooter will automatically scan your system for potential problems and display any issues it finds.
• Repeat the process with Network and Internet troubleshooter.

To run Network troubleshooter in Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to the Network & Internet section.
• On the right side, find the Advanced network settings section.
• Click Network troubleshooter, specify the problem, and wait till the scan is finished.
• When done, apply all the recommendations.

Fix 3. Repair corrupted files

• Type in cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• In the User Account Control window, click Yes.
• In the Command Prompt window, paste the following command and hit Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Next, use the following commands, pressing Enter each time:
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  (Note: if you get an error executing this last command, add /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess to it and try again).
• Reboot your computer.

Fix 4. Install the update manually

• Type in Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select View update history.
• Find the update that failed with the 0x800B010F error and copy its KB number.
• Open your browser and go to Microsoft Update Catalog.
• Within the search bar, type in the KB number and click Search.
• Find the correct version of the update for your operating system (to check this, right-click on Start and pick System. Under Device specifications and check the System type) and click Download.
• Use on-screen guidelines to finish the installation process and restart your system.

Fix 5. Reset Windows update components

Resetting Windows Update components can fix corrupted components.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Type 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 
• Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.

Fix 6. Use Media Creation Tool

MCT can help you repair defective components and update Windows to the latest version. Before proceeding, uninstall third-party security software and disconnect any unnecessary peripherals (such as printers, external HDDs, etc.)

• Visit the official Microsoft website and download Windows 10 installation media (Windows 11 version).
• Double-click the installer, select Yes when UAC shows up, and agree to the terms.
• Launch the installer.
• Agree to the terms and click Next.
• Select Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
• Windows will start downloading the needed files.
• Agree to terms once again and click Next.
• Before installing, make sure that you are happy with your choices (otherwise, you can click Change what to keep option).
• Finally, click Install to begin the upgrade process.