How to fix the 0x800f0831 Windows 11 update error

by Vladimir Popescu

Being an artist his entire life while also playing handball at a professional level, Vladimir has also developed a passion for all things computer-related. With an innate fascination for research and analysis, and realizing... Read more

Posted: Jan 3, 2022

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Error code 0x800f0831 is an update error that may occur in Windows 11. Whenever you get this error message in the Windows Update tab, it restricts you from updating your OS. 

These alphanumeric characters indicate nothing, but there are problems while installing the updates. The reason can be anything why this error occurs and your system halts the OS update for an infinite time. And, it is not a pleasant scenario to come across.

Many Windows 11 users have reported not being able to install the update files even after downloading them. This is a bug check that can’t be fixed yet with any official patch.

However, nothing to worry about! There are different workarounds you can try to fix this error. But before that, know the actual causes to apply the right troubleshooting method.

What causes the error code 0x800f0831 in Windows 11?

The potential triggers are quite similar to that of other Windows update errors. Here we’ve listed all major aspects that may lead to 0x800f0831 Windows 11 error. 

• Conflict with another software: If the Windows update service is inaccessible due to conflict with an existing VPN, antivirus software, or a potentially unwanted program, you will see this error. You can remove any pre-installed software using AdwCleaner. 
• Corrupted system files: Update file corruption can also be the trigger to show you this error code.
• Limited disk space: In case your disk drive is filled up with junk files and there is little to no storage left to save the Windows update files, error code 0x800f0831 will pop up. Remove junk files and free up space using CCleaner, one of the most-trusted PC cleaning tools. 
• Damaged Windows update components: If the Windows update components are corrupted or damaged, your system can’t run the update service. 

Irrespective of what is the reason in your case, our list of methods will enable you to resolve the update error 0x800f0831 on Windows 11.

NOTE

Apart from the error code 0x800f0831, there is a list of Windows update errors that you may come across at any point in time.

For example., error codes 0x80080005, 0x80072EE7, 0x800f0988, 0x800f0986, 0xc1900107, 0x80070652, 0x8024a10a, 0x8024200D, or the annoying error message There were some problems installing updates but we’ll try again later ,etc.

Troubleshooting these errors in Windows 11 is quite similar to the process in Windows 10.

How do I fix the 0x800f0831 Windows 11 update error?

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + I keys to open Settings, then select System from the left pane and click on Troubleshoot from the right side.
2. In the next window, click on Other troubleshooters.
3. Navigate to Windows Update and click on the Run button at right.
4. Finally, give the Windows Update troubleshooter a few minutes to scan and detect the problems in your system.

Once the diagnostic results are displayed, you can view the detailed information about the problems and resolve them manually. Then try to install the update again, and you shouldn’t face any issues anymore.

If nothing is found in the scan, close the troubleshooter and proceed to the next method to understand whether or not your system files are corrupted.

2. Run System File Checker

1. Click the Windows icon from the taskbar.
2. Type cmd in the search bar and from the search results, open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the command and press Enter to run it: sfc/scannow
4. Give it a few minutes to complete the scan and restart your computer.

Now try to install the update files again. If there was any system file corruption, it should be repaired, and you must not further see the error code 0x800f0831.

In case that did not help, we recommend using Restoro that will automatically repair your PC after scanning it for any corrupted files or damaged registry entries.

3. Run DISM command tool

1. Click the Windows icon from the taskbar.
2. Type cmd in the search bar and choose Command Prompt to Run as administrator.
3. Type the following commands in the Administrator: Command Prompt window and hit Enter after each command: DISM.exe / Online / Cleanup-image / Scanhealth DISM.exe / Online/ Cleanup-image / Restorehealth

4. Once done, type Exit and hit Enter to close the Administrator: Command Prompt window.

The DISM tool will take some time to finish the scan and fix the damaged system files. It is mostly used to fix different Windows corruption errors.

So, in this case, if your Windows 11 update files or service packs are not installed because of the corrupted system dependencies, that issue will get resolved.

4. Perform a clean boot

NOTE

To perform a clean boot, first log into your PC with administrative privileges.

1. Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box, type in msconfig, and hit Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, navigate to the Services tab.
3. Check the box next to Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all from the bottom.
4. Now move on to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
5. In the Task Manager window, click each entry and Disable them individually.
6. Exit Task Manager and go back to the Startup tab in the System Configuration window, and select OK.
7. Finally, restart your computer.

Your system will restart in a clean boot environment. Now try to install Windows update once again. If you’re still unable to run the latest version of Windows 11, try our next method.

5. Reset Windows Update components manually

1. Click on the Windows icon from the taskbar first.
2. Type in cmd in the search box and choose Run as administrator option for Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands and hit Enter after each one: net stop wuauserv net stop bits net stop cryptsvc net start wuauserv net start bits net start cryptsvc %systemroot%SoftwareDistributionSoftwareDistribution.bak %systemroot%system32catroot2catroot2.bak

When done, go to Task Manager to check whether the Windows Update service, BITS service, and Cryptographic service got stopped or not.

All the mentioned services should be stopped, and you must not see the error code 0x800f0831 again on Windows 11.

How to manually download and install Windows 11 updates from Microsoft Catalog?

If your Windows Update service remains unresponsive even after trying all the above-mentioned solutions, don’t worry. There is a way to manually download and install Windows 11 update files.

Microsoft Update Catalog includes a repository of Windows updates where you can find and install suitable updates on your system. Here is how to do that:

1. First, access the Microsoft Update Catalog.
2. Next, enter the KB number of the update you want to download in the Search box.
3. Now, from the search results, Download the one that matches your Windows OS version and system architecture.
4. Once downloaded, open the file and install Windows 11 update.

The error code 0x800f0831 won’t pop up this time.

What to do if my PC doesn’t work as expected after an update?

Sometimes you may face issues on your system after installing certain Windows updates. Other than waiting for the next update to fix the issue, you can roll back to the previous version for an instant solution.

Follow the below steps to delete an update from Settings:

1. Press the Windows + I buttons, select Windows Update, and navigate to Update History.
2. On the next page, scroll down to find and click Uninstall updates.
3. A new window will open now comprising all the updates, choose the one you want to uninstall and right-click.
4. Finally, hit the Uninstall button.

The latest Windows update version will get uninstalled now. However, you should always try a fresh installation of the latest OS version as Windows updates are necessary for your PC to run smoothly.

That’s all! Our list of the 5 best methods to fix the 0x800f0831 Windows 11 update error ends here. No matter what workaround you try, if you follow each step as mentioned, you must not face any error.

Let us know which method worked for you. And, if you have anything else to add to this list, let us know through the comments box below.

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