How to fix
Windows update error 0x800f0985
on Windows

Hello, I was wondering if you help me deal with a problem I have on Windows. I can't install the latest Windows update because of the error 0x800f0985.

Windows updates are essential to renew the services that help in keeping your system secure, stable, and updated. Sometimes, errors may occur during its process of updating - the 0x800f0985 error is among such errors you are likely to encounter. Users who run into this kind of issue usually complain that their update has failed and receive a simple notification that the installation did not complete.

What causes the 0x800f0985 error?

Problems with corrupted system files, inadequate disk space, and other issues with the Windows Update components have been known to be the culprit. Conflicts between updates and interference, when the update is in the process, could also be a cause of error 0x800f0985. It is also possible that the update cache has corrupted or incomplete files of the update.

What happens when the error occurs?

The 0x800f0985 error in question occurs when Windows fails to apply some of the very important updates; this leaves the system open to security risks and bugs. Typically, users see a message that update installation failed, without much explanation attached. As a result, further updates cannot be installed until this error gets fixed.

Possible solution to error 0x800f0985

Solutions to this problem may involve running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clearing the update cache, system resetting of Windows Update components, or checking that sufficient disk space has been availed.

Other times, downloading the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog and installing it manually may fix this problem. Steps on how these can be done are varied and shown in detail below.

Lastly, for an easier approach to resolving system errors like this one, consider using a trusted PC repair app [d1], which can help address corrupted files, registry errors, and other update-related issues.

Fix 1. Check if relevant services are running

• Type in Services in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Scroll down a bit to find Windows Update.
• If it is already running, right-click and select Restart.
• If the service is not running, double-click it, pick Automatic under the Startup type drop-down menu.
• Click Start, Apply, and OK.
• Repeat this process for Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Cryptographic services.

Fix 2. Perform Disk Cleanup

• Type Disk Cleanup in Windows search and hit Enter.
• If your Windows is installed on drive C, pick it from the list (it should be by default) and press OK.
• Click Clean up system files.
• Select your main disk again and click OK.
• Here, select the largest portions of the data used - these typically include Temporary Internet Files, Windows Update, Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, Delivery Optimization Files, and others.
• Click OK - the process should be finished shortly.

Fix 3. Run the troubleshooter

• 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.
• Restart your PC when the update process finishes.

Fix 4. Repair corrupted system files

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• The User Account Control window will ask whether you want to allow changes - click Yes.
• In the Command Prompt window, paste the following command and hit Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Once the scan is complete, use the following commands and press Enter after each:
  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).
• Restart your system.

Fix 5. Install manually

• Type in Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select View update history.
• Find the update that failed with the 0x800f0985 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 clicks 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 6. Reset Windows update components

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• In the new window, use 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 computer.

Fix 7. Use Media Creation Tool

• 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.