How to fix
Windows update error 0x800F0955
on Windows

Hello. I tried to update my Windows 10 PC to version 1809 but I received this message - "Error on installation - Code 0x800f0955." How can I fix this?

Windows is the most popular operating system in the world. People love it for various reasons, including the user-friendly interface, customization abilities, and built-in troubleshooters. Microsoft regularly releases updates which include new features and security patches. It is important to install them to keep the system running smoothly.

However, sometimes users run into issues when trying to install Windows updates. We previously wrote about update errors such as 0x800f0831, 0x8024a223, and 0x8009001D. Recently, users reported receiving an update error 0x800F0955. It is unclear why this error appeared specifically. There may be various reasons for failed update installation.

Sometimes the updates fail to install because of corrupted files, memory issues, or malfunctioning update components. In this guide, you will find 6 steps that could help you fix the Windows update error 0x800F0955. However, manual troubleshooting can be a lengthy process.

We recommend using a maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-1] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-2] issues. This powerful software can also clear cookies and cache[ref en-3] automatically, which are often the culprits of many malfunctions. Otherwise, follow the steps in the guide below carefully. 

Solution 1. Run the Update Troubleshooter

• Press the Windows + X keys and go to Settings
• Go to Update and Security
• Click Troubleshooter
• Select Additional troubleshooters

• Run the Update troubleshooter
• Restart

Solution 2. Repair Corrupted System Files and Check Disk

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

• 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 3. Run Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool

Windows has a built-in RAM testing tool. It’s included on Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows 7, and all other modern versions of Windows.

• Open the Start menu, type Windows Memory Diagnostic, and press Enter
• Click Restart now and check for problems (recommended)

• Your computer will now restart
• The test may take several minutes. You will see a progress bar and a Status message will inform you if any problems have been detected during the process

Solution 4. 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 5. 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

(Note: if you are dealing with a Windows upgrade issue, make sure you also download KB4498524 and KB4515384 updates as well)

Solution 6. Update via Media Creation Tool

• Download Windows 10 installation media from the official website
• Open the tool once it installed
• Agree to license terms
• Choose Upgrade this PC now

• Wait for the update to be installed