How to fix Windows Update error 0x800f0806

What is error 0x800f0806

0x800f0806 is a popular error code that marks itself known while trying to install an update on Windows 11. According to most reported issue scenarios, the error is triggered when failing to install Cumulative Update for Windows 11 Version 22H2 (KB5017321). The most common reasons for this update problem are often related to corrupted system files, damaged update components, bugged Windows Update service, incompatibilities caused by antivirus software, and other possible causes as well. To fix the 0x800f0806 error and install the problematic update, try each solution from our guide until one of them finally bypasses the issue.

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

If you have not tried this alternative yet, we suggest beginning your fixing journey with the in-built Windows Update Troubleshooter. Although it may not have a high success rate for resolving such issues, cases when this feature can still be effective and save you quite a significant amount of time. Follow the steps below to try this feature and rectify the detected issues.

1. Open Settings from the bottom taskbar.
2. Choose System on the left and go to Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters on the right pane.
3. Then, find Windows Update and click Run next to it.
4. Finish the process following the on-screen instructions and restart your PC.

After this, try to perform the update again. If this does not work and the same error appears, go further to other solutions.

2. Disable third-party antivirus

It is sometimes the case that third-party anti-malware software decides to interfere with certain system processes (like updating) and cause them to fail. To check whether it is your case, we recommend you disable your third-party antivirus to see if this will resolve the problem. If everything functions properly after turning off the antivirus, then you might have identified the root cause of the problem. If you want to consider another less conflicting and effective antivirus for future usage – our advice is MalwareBytes. This trusted and reliable is constantly updated to combat both minor and major threats. It is now available for Windows 11 as well. You can download it now using the link below and take advantage of a 14-day trial of the ultimate antimalware experience for free.

Malwarebytes main window

Malwarebytes settings

Malwarebytes scan results

3. Check integrity of the system files

Some system files may also be damaged and lead to the appearance of the 0x800f0806 error. To check this, we will use SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scanning utilities to detect and restore absent components if any will be eventually found. Make sure to use both utilities as they may generate different outcomes on solving the problem. This is how:

Using SFC

1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd into the searching loop next to the Windows 11 icon.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Once the console is opened, type the sfc /scannow command and click Enter.
4. When the fixing process is done, restart your computer.

Using DISM

1. Open Command Prompt as we did in the previous step.
2. Copy and paste this command DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
3. Click Enter and wait until Windows ends the scanning and fixing.
4. Once done, restart your PC and try to install the update again.

After performing both of these scans, attempt to install the update again.

4. Restart the Windows Update service

So easy as restarting the Windows Update service can fix the update issue and let you install it eventually. You can make sure the Windows Update service is working the right way using these steps down below:

1. Press Windows key + R buttons together and copy-paste services.msc. Press OK or Enter to open.
2. Find Windows Update on the list, right-click on it, and choose Properties.
3. In the General tab, make sure Startup type is set to Automatic.
4. Once done, click Apply and Start afterwards.
5. After this, try to install the faulty update once more.

5. Reset Windows Update components

You can also try resetting Windows Update settings along with its components. This method has proven to be quite effective when handling a vast range of update problems. The whole procedure involves restarting BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer, and Windows Update services as well as renaming some update folders (SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2). These folders contain temporary files necessary for implementing Windows Updates. By doing this, we will force Windows to delete corrupted elements and create new update-related components from scratch. Although the entire process may seem advanced and complicated, it will not require too much of your time and knowledge. Simply follow the steps provided below:

1. Open Command Prompt by typing cmd into the searching box next to the Windows 11 button.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
3. Copy-paste this list of commands one by one clicking Enter after each. (This action will disable services responsible for Windows Updates)

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

4. Then, we have to rename the above-mentioned folders. Simply paste these commands by clicking Enter after each.

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

5. Finally, all left to do is to turn the disabled services back. So apply these commands likewise we did previously.

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

6. Now we are all done with it. Go to the Windows Update center and try to perform the installation again.

6. Download a conflicting update from Microsoft Catalog

You can also try to bypass the 0x800f0806 error by downloading and installing a separate update file directly from the Microsoft Catalog. Here is how:

1. Open Settings from the bottom taskbar.
2. Then go to Windows Update on the left pane.
3. On the right side of the window, choose Update history.
4. After this, find and note the most recent update (usually starts with “KB” and is on top of the list).
5. You can also find this out by noting the name of the failing update (in case it displays).
6. Once done, search and download the noted update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
7. Execute the download file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

7. Use Media Creation Tool

If none of the previous methods eliminated the issue and allowed us to install of the necessary update, then our concluding suggestion is to try Media Creation Tool. Apart from only being designed for reinstalling Windows, it can also be used to obtain the latest available updates by circumventing traditional methods. Do not worry, your data will not be erased in the process. Follow the instructions below:

1. At first, you have to download the utility from the Microsoft website.
2. Then, execute the downloaded file.
3. After agreeing with the Terms of use, there will be two options to choose from. Select Upgrade this PC now.
4. Choose to Keep Personal Files to ensure they will be untouched.
5. Finally, launch the process and wait until it ends.
6. Hopefully, this method helped you overcome the 0x800f0806 error.

Summary

Encountering unexpected errors while trying to update your system can no doubt be frustrating. However, with the solutions provided in our guide, you no longer need to worry about such issues. We hope you were successfully able to bypass the 0x800f0806 error and update your Windows 11 using the suggested solutions. Keep in mind that these methods are versatile and can be used for fixing similar issues in Windows. Therefore, if you ever encounter a similar problem in the future, feel free to refer to these methods another time.