How to fix windows 11 update error 0x800f0991?

Question

Trying to install 2026-02 Security Update (KB5077181) (26200.7840). It downloads, says it's installing, then eventually says "windows 11 update error 0x800f0991" Any solutions?

Answer 1

The error 0x800f0983 was shown to lots of people after trying to install the KB5077181 February monthly patch for Windows 11. Later, the error switched to the number with 991 at the end, you are not alone at all. All these people including me with my Vivobook tried all possible deletion of SoftwareDistribution, catroot2 folders, restarting WU related services, SFC, DISM with Scanhealth, Checkhealth, Restorehealth, without source, with source at Windows Update, and even with the full ISO source, and the MSU patch from Microsoft Catalog. Everything fails.

However, all ten+ people who have tried have succeeded a miraculous cure using a new Windows 11 tool. It is in Settings, System (in the left sidebar), Recovery (a right sidebar option), and "Fix Problems Using Windows Update" (second tool in the right sidebar). Click "reinstall now" and don't be afraid of the terrifying verb. It preserves apps, files, and settings. Except for asking whether you want an automatic restart at the end, it is nothing else than a Windows Update process (and has a similarly robust rollback cure if something goes wrong in the middle), just the patch is called "Windows 11 Recovery Edition". And it takes twice as long because it is really installing even things that the regular light Windows Update (incorrectly) decides that your PC does not need (that is really why these 800f errors appear). For me, a fast WiFi downloaded it in 10 minutes, followed by 55 minutes "installing" inside Windows, otherwise like a regular patch, and just 5 minutes of black-screen installation phase outside Windows, plus 2 extra minutes after the first login to a user profile. And when it was completed, I had the newest post-February-patch level of Windows 11.

You should simply do it, trust me, you are no longer a beta tester, this tool simply works (10 out of 10 confirm) and frankly speaking, it may be better to use it after any error of Windows Update.

Answer 2

Hi, good day!

Please let me know if you have tried the methods below.

• Make sure Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer services are available and running. Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: services.msc Press Enter to open Services app Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service. If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart Double-click Windows Update. If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart
• Reset Windows Update components manually  https://www.elevenforum.com/t/reset-windows-update-in-windows-11.3808/ After that, restart your computer
• Here's a direct download link of KB5077181 from Microsoft Update Catalog. Download and install the update manually.  https://catalog.sf.dl.delivery.mp.microsoft.com/filestreamingservice/files/eb8d76c6-f362-4354-ad8c-cdfd1d8390a8/public/windows11.0-kb5077181-x64_33d38563662e659ceb84fb8b65aa05ce5876f5a4.msu

If the issue persists, open Settings > System > Recovery.

Few things to check on the PC

• Unplug all external peripherals except for the Mouse, Keyboard, and LAN cable before starting
• Disable or uninstall any third-party Antivirus program to prevent it from interfering with the upgrade

Under Fix problems using Windows Update, click Reinstall Now

Once completed, your system will restart.

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

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Answer 3

To fix the Windows 11 update error 0x800f0991, you can try the following steps:

1. Run the DISM Tool: This tool can help repair Windows Update corruptions. Open an elevated command prompt and run the following command:

      DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
   

   This may take several minutes to complete. Ensure your computer is connected to the internet so DISM can download any necessary files.
2. Run the SFC Tool: After running DISM, execute the System File Checker tool to repair any corrupted system files. In the same elevated command prompt, type:

      sfc /scannow
   

   This process may also take some time.
3. Check for Other Issues: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, check for any other underlying problems that might be causing the update to fail. You can refer to the Windows Update history for more details on the errors.
4. Manual Update: If the error persists, consider downloading the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog and installing it directly.
5. Reset Windows Update Components: As a last resort, you might want to reset the Windows Update components. This involves stopping the Windows Update services, renaming the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders, and then restarting the services.

After performing these steps, try to install the update again.