Cant update windows update

Question

I have tried all possible solutions to solve the problem (0x800f0983) update kb5077241. Is there a solution?

Answer 1

KB5077241 is an optional preview update, it is basically an early beta release of the March update that was released at the end of February.

The optional preview updates can be hard to install sometimes, may cointain bugs and there is no need to install the optional preview updates.

If that update is continually failing, below that update is a switch to 'Get the latest updates as soon as they are released', disable that option and restart your PC, that will stop the optional update continually trying to install and wait for the full March update to be released next week.

Answer 2

Error 0x800f0983 is a Windows Update installation failure. Since multiple fixes were already tried, follow these targeted steps that address common underlying causes from the official troubleshooting guidance:

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
   • Select Start > Settings > Update & Security (or System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters on newer builds).
   • Select Windows Update > Run.
   • Let it complete and apply any fixes it suggests, then try installing KB5077241 again.
2. Check disk space
   • Ensure there is at least 20 GB free for a 64‑bit Windows 11 installation.
   • If space is low, free space using the guidance in Free up drive space in Windows, then retry the update.
3. Repair system files
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
   • Run:
     • sfc /scannow
   • Wait for it to finish, then restart and try Windows Update again.
4. Reset Windows Update components (cache)
   • Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter.
   • Stop Windows Update service.
   • Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all files and folders inside.
   • Start Windows Update service again and retry the update.
   • Alternatively, use the command‑line method:
     1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
     2. Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
        • net stop bits
        • net stop wuauserv
        • ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
        • ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
        • net start bits
        • net start wuauserv
     3. Restart the PC and try installing KB5077241 again.
5. Run the Get Help Windows Update troubleshooter (Windows 10/11)
   • Use the Get Help app’s Windows Update troubleshooter: it runs diagnostics and attempts automatic repair.
   • If it cannot fix the issue, follow the additional steps it suggests, then retry the update.
6. Verify prerequisites and supersedence
   • For KB5077241, check its support article for any prerequisite updates that must be installed first.
   • Use Microsoft Update Catalog to confirm whether KB5077241 has been superseded by a newer cumulative update; if so, install the newer update instead.
7. General final checks
   • Temporarily disable third‑party antivirus or firewall software while installing the update.
   • Restart the PC and ensure no other updates are pending, then install KB5077241 again.

If KB5077241 continues to fail after these steps and a newer cumulative update is available that installs successfully, that newer update will typically replace KB5077241 and bring the system current.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows
• Windows Update troubleshooting guidance