Windows Update Stuck Or Failing? Fix - 0x800f0831

Your Windows Update downloads correctly but fails and rolls back with error 0x800f0831 every time you try to install it. This usually happens because a previous update left behind a corrupted or missing component, preventing the current one from applying correctly.

Why this happens

The error 0x800f0831 indicates a missing manifest or a corrupted update package from a prior installation attempt. You need to repair these components or bypass the automatic updater to get back to a clean state.

What you'll need

You will need administrator access to your PC to run system commands and perform manual installations from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Steps

1. 01
   Navigate to the Windows Update troubleshooter. In Windows 11, go to Settings/System/Troubleshoot/Other troubleshooters/Windows Update and click Run; in Windows 10, go to Settings/Update and Security/Troubleshoot/Additional troubleshooters/Windows Update and click Run.
2. 02
   Restart your computer after the troubleshooter finishes and check if the update completes successfully.
3. 03
   If the error persists, press the Windows key, type CMD, right-click Command Prompt, select Run as administrator, and click Yes.
4. 04
   Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. Let this process run to completion even if it appears to stall; it may take up to 10 minutes.
5. 05
   Once DISM finishes, type sfc /scannow and press Enter to repair corrupted system files, then restart your PC.
6. 06
   If you are still stuck, note the KB number of the failed update from your Update History, go to catalog.update.microsoft.com in your browser, and search for that specific KB number.
7. 07
   Download the version matching your Windows edition and architecture, run the downloaded file to install it manually, and restart your computer one final time.

Still not working?

If the update still rolls back, it is likely that the specific update package is incompatible with your current build or a deeper system component is severely damaged. Provide the specific KB number that is failing in the comments so we can check if there is a known conflict or a specific prerequisite update you are missing.

Frequently asked questions

Will these steps delete my personal files?

No, these commands only repair system files and update components. Your personal documents and installed apps remain untouched.

Why does the DISM command seem frozen?

DISM often stays at the same percentage for several minutes while it downloads and verifies files from Microsoft servers. Do not close the window until it explicitly says the operation completed successfully.

Do I need to do all three steps?

Most users resolve the error after the second step (DISM and SFC). Only proceed to the manual installation if the automated repair commands fail to fix the issue.