5 Ways to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0983

While installing the latest updates on Windows 11, I encountered error 0x800f0983. In this post, I will share solutions to resolve the error code 0x800f0983 that primarily occurs while updating your Windows PC.

One frequently encountered problem that arises during Windows 11, Windows 10, and even Server operating system updates is the error code 0x800f0983. In the below screenshot, you can see that I encountered the installation error 0x800f0983 while installing Windows 11 Insider Preview (10.0.26120.1843) (KB5043185).

The installation of the other updates went well, but this one gave error code 0x800f0983. Based on my understanding, a package conflict or corruption during the update process is usually linked to the error code 0x800f0983.

Install and Update Third Party Applications with Patch My PC

Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0983

The Windows update error code 0x800f0983 translates to PSFX_E_MATCHING_COMPONENT_DIRECTORY_MISSING. This error occurs when there is a system file corruption issue on your PC. You must run the System File Checker tool or the Windows Update Troubleshooter to address such a potential cause.

When you are troubleshooting update installation errors, there can exist more than one solution. Hence, I will be sharing all the methods that you can try to get rid of error 0x800f0983. The solutions listed in this guide apply to:

Windows 10
Windows 11
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2022

1. Retry Installing the failed updates

If you run into the error code 0x80070643 when installing updates, you should try installing the failed update again. The screenshot below shows that the update failed to install, which is why it is displaying error code 0x80070643. Click the Retry button to see if Windows installs the update successfully.

Error Code 0x800f0983: Retry Updates Installation

In my case, the Retry option worked and it re-downloaded the update and installed it on my Windows 11 PC.

If the above solution did not work for you, go to the next solution.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 11 comes with a new update troubleshooter that you can use to resolve update-related issues automatically. You can run this tool whenever you encounter issues with Windows Updates.

To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, click on Start and launch the Settings App. Select System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Fix Windows Update Error 0x00000000 Snap3 — Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter starts up and checks for problems with Windows updates. The Windows Update Troubleshooter can find and fix the error 0x800f0983. The PC’s issues are listed in the final troubleshooting report. After running the Windows update troubleshooter, it is usually best to restart your computer.

3. Run System File Checker Scan (SFC Scan)

The SFC (System File Checker) scan locates the corrupted files and fixes them after scanning. If you are encountering Windows update error 0x800f0983, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files.

Moreover, running this can also assist in fixing the mentioned update error. Use the following instructions to launch the SFC Scan on your computer.

Click Start and type “Command Prompt” and select Run as administrator.
Enter the command sfc /scannow.
The sfc /scannow command will scan all protected system files, and replace corrupted files with a cached copy that is located in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache.

After the SFC scan was complete, the following message confirmed the successful repair: “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. The system file repair changes will take effect after the next reboot. Restart your computer and the error 0x800f0983 should now be fixed.

Run SFC Scan to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0983

4. Manually Reset Windows Update Components

If none of the above solutions work, you can try resetting the Windows Update components. To accomplish this, open an elevated command prompt and run the following commands:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

After running these commands, try installing the update again. I hope this permanently fixes the 0x800f0983 Windows update error.

5. Check the Network Connection

When you’re installing updates on your Windows PC, the updates may fail to install when there are internet connectivity issues. Error 0x800f0983 may occur when you have internet connectivity issues.

All updates are incapable of downloading whenever there are problems with network connectivity. Now that the browser is open, you must check your internet connection to see if you can browse the websites. Disconnect the computer’s VPN connection before attempting to download the updates.

An additional troubleshooting step that you can perform is to restart your router. This should be done if none of the updates are installing. Usually found on the back panel, the dedicated reboot button can be used, or you can unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.