The error 0x800f0990 occurred during cumulative or security updates for many users, while some also reported experiencing this error during the Windows Insider Preview update. There is no proper clarification on why this error occurs. However, the error prompts the following message when triggered: Now, if you are also getting the same error and are clueless about how you can fix it up, this article will help you out. Here, we are going to mention some working solutions to fix error 0x800f0990 while installing a Windows update. Let us checkout!
How to fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0990
Here are the solutions to fix the Windows update error 0x800f0990 which usually occurs when trying to install a Cumulative Update: Let us discuss the above-listed solutions in detail now!
1] Run Windows Update troubleshooter
The first thing you should consider to fix a Windows update-related error is to run the Windows Update troubleshooter. It might address and fix the issue for you. If not, try using some other solution to fix the issue.
2] Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan
Windows Update Error 0x800f0990 might be triggered due to corrupted registries and other system files, then running a System File Checker (SFC) scan to fix it up. It will attempt to scan and fix the corrupted system files. The scan will take few minutes to finish. As it finishes, restart your PC, and then install the updates and see if the error is gone.
3] Perform DISM Health Check
If an SFC scan is not able to fix the problem, Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scan might be able to resolve the error. It will restore disk health. So, perform a DISM scan and wait for the process to finish. After doing so, check if you are able to install the Windows update without error 0x800f0990.
4] Reset Windows Update components
Resetting Windows update components might work in case there are some corrupted update database files. So, try resetting Windows update components using the command prompt. Here are the steps to do so: Firstly, run Command Prompt as administrator. Now, you need to enter the below-mentioned commands one after one: After that, restart your PC and then reattempt to install Windows updates and see the error is gone.
5] Start/ Restart Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Windows Update services
Try restarting Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Windows Update services, and then check if the Windows update error 0x800f0990 is gone or not. Here are the steps to do so: Check if restarting the above relevant services helps you get rid of Windows update error 0x800f0990.
6] Install the update manually
If none of the above methods fixes the error for you, then you can try installing the update manually. Just note down the KB number of the failed update that threw error 0x800f0990 and then install the update manually. You can follow the below steps to install the Windows update manually: Firstly, press Windows + I to open up the Settings window. Now, click on the Updates & Security option and then go to the Windows Update tab. Next, tap on View Update History from the right-hand side. In the next window, you will see a list of updates. From this list, check for the failed update which was giving the 0x800f0990 error, and note down its KB number. After that, navigate to the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Then, enter the KB number that you previously noted down, and press the Search option. From the list of available updates, select the one which is compatible with your current operating system. And finally, hit the Download button and then follow the prompted instructions. When you have followed all the instructions and the process is done, reboot your PC.
7] Download and run Media Creation Tool
Some users have reportedly fixed this Windows update error by using the Media Creation Tool. So, you can also try using it and see if you can install Windows updates. Here are the main steps to use it:
8] Use the Reset This PC option
If nothing helps, you may use the Reset This PC option, making sure that you select the option to keep your existing files and data,
How do I fix a corrupted Windows Update?
You can fix a corrupted Windows update by running Windows Update Troubleshooter or the WU online troubleshooter. Here are additional troubleshooting steps to help you fix Windows Update errors.
How do I fix the Windows Update assistant error?
You can fix the Windows Update assistant error by using some fixes from this post, like Restart Windows Update Service, Use Windows Update Troubleshooter, etc. Apart from that, here are some guides that may help you fix Windows Update assistant errors:
Fix Windows Update Assistant is already running errorWindows Update Assistant error 0x80072f76Fix Error 0x80072efe on Windows 10 Update Assistant.
That’s it!
