Install error - 0x800f0983 for the Windows update 2025-12 Security Update

The error code 0x800f0983 typically indicates that there is a problem with the update installation process, often related to missing or corrupted files or prerequisites that need to be installed first. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and resolve this issue:

1. Check for Prerequisite Updates: Ensure that all prerequisite updates for the 2025-12 Security Update are installed. You can check the update's article for any specific prerequisites.
2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Use the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter to automatically detect and fix issues with Windows Update.
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update.
3. Clear Windows Update Cache: Sometimes, clearing the Windows Update cache can help resolve installation issues. You can do this by stopping the Windows Update service, deleting the contents of the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download folder, and then restarting the service.
4. Install the Update Manually: If the above steps do not work, you can try to download and install the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog by searching for the update's KB number.
5. Check System Files: Run the System File Checker (SFC) to check for and repair any corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command sfc /scannow.
6. Review CBS.log: If the issue persists, check the CBS.log file located at C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log for more detailed error messages that can provide insight into the problem.

If none of these steps resolve the issue, consider contacting Microsoft Support for further assistance.

References:

• Troubleshoot Windows Update installation error 0x800f0831
• Windows Update troubleshooting guidance

Hello AIY E, thanks for posting this in our community.

First, open Settings, go to Update & Security, then Troubleshoot, select Additional troubleshooters, and run Windows Update. This tool helps identify and fix common update problems.

Next, clear the Windows Update cache. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits

Then navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\ and delete all contents. After that, restart the services by running:

net start wuauserv
net start bits

Try the update again.

If the issue persists, repair system files using SFC and DISM. Open an elevated Command Prompt or Windows Terminal and run:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands repair corrupted system and servicing stack files.

If that doesn’t resolve the problem, refresh Windows servicing components. Go to Settings, then System, then Recovery, and under Fix problems using Windows Update, click Reinstall now. This non-destructive reinstall refreshes core components and often resolves CBS errors.

If that option is unavailable, perform an in-place repair. Download the official Windows 11 ISO, mount it, and run setup.exe, choosing to keep your personal files and apps. After completion, retry the update.

Kind regards,

John Oli