How to fix
Windows update error 0x800f0982 when installing KB5037765
on Windows

Hello. I was unable to install the latest Patch Tuesday updates on several PCs, all of which are running Windows 10 Enterprise. The error code was 0x800f0982 on all of them.

On May 14, 2024, Microsoft released the KB5037765 update for Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019, Windows 10 IoT Enterprise LTSC 2019, Windows 10 IoT Core 2019, and LTSC Windows Server 2019. The update focussed on addressing issues such as IE mode ceasing to respond and VPN connection failures, along with several security improvements.

However, KB5037765 installation may sometimes result in the error code 0x800f0982 during installation, particularly affecting systems without the English (United States) language pack. For users who have the English language pack installed, a similar issue may manifest as error code 0x80004005 instead. 

As a workaround, to fix the error, users are advised to install the KB5039705 update, released on May 23, 2024. This update targets and resolves the problems encountered with KB5037765, ensuring a smoother update process. Alternatively, users can install the missing English (United States) language pack.

In addition to these solutions, implementing standard troubleshooting steps can be beneficial. These steps include fixing corrupted system files using tools like the System File Checker or resetting Windows Update components. 

For comprehensive system maintenance, the [d1] repair and maintenance tool is highly effective in resolving various Windows issues, including system file corruption and DLL errors, enhancing overall system stability.

Fix 1. Install KB5039705 update

The KB5039705 update, released on May 23, 2024, specifically addresses and resolves the issues encountered with KB5037765, ensuring a smoother update process.

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to Update & Security.
• Click on Windows Update.
• Select Check for updates.
• Install KB5039705 if available.
• Restart your computer.

Fix 2. Install the English (United States) language pack

Missing English (United States) language pack can cause error 0x800f0982. Installing this language pack directly addresses the root cause.

• Open Settings.
• Go to Time & Language.
• Select Language.
• Click on Add a language.
• Choose English (United States).
• Install the language pack.
• Restart your device.

Fix 3. Install updates manually

Manually installing updates can bypass some issues that occur with automatic updates.

• Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
• In the search bar, type the update number (KB5037765 and/or KB5039705) and press Enter or click Search.
• Find the update that matches your system type (32-bit or 64-bit) and click Download.
• In the pop-up window, click the link to download the update.
• Once downloaded, run the update file and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Restart your system.

Fix 4. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter automatically detects and fixes many common update problems.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search.
• Select Additional troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update from the list.
• Click it and pick Run the troubleshooter.
• Apply the suggested steps and restart your device.

Fix 5. Repair corrupted system files

Corrupted system files can interfere with updates, so make sure it's what is causing the issue.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• User Account Control will ask you whether you want to allow changes – click Yes.
• Copy and paste this command and hit Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Wait for the scan to finish.
• As soon as it finishes, Windows will report whether integrity violations were found and if they could be fixed. Regardless of the outcome, use these commands next, pressing Enter after each:
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
• Close down the Command Prompt and reboot your PC.

Fix 6. Reset Windows Update components

Resetting Windows Update components can resolve underlying issues that prevent updates from installing properly.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• User Account Control window will show up - click Yes when prompted.
• Stop the BITS, Windows Update, and Cryptographic services by typing the following commands, and pressing Enter after each:
  • net stop bits
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop appidsvc
  • net stop cryptsvc
• To rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders (where Windows stores update files), type the following commands:
  • ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  • ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
• Restart the services stopped earlier by typing the following commands:
  • net start bits
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start appidsvc
  • net start cryptsvc
• Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer, then try updating Windows again.