How to fix Windows Server 2019 Updates Failed with Error 0x800f0986

When you’re faced with the frustrating “Error 0x800f0986” while trying to install the Cumulative Update for Windows Server 2019, don’t despair. Here are two effective solutions to get your server up-to-date,

Solution 1: Execute DISM with RestoreHealth

1. Open an administrative Command Prompt.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:"*HealthyMachine*\C$\Windows" /LimitAccess

   (Replace “HealthyMachine” with the name of a server that has successfully installed all patches, including the current month’s updates.)

3. Reboot your server.
4. Attempt to install the problematic update again. It should now install successfully.

Solution 2: Reset Windows Update Service

1. Open an administrative Command Prompt.
2. Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

   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

3. Close the Command Prompt.
4. Check if Windows Updates are now functioning properly.

By following these straightforward steps, you can overcome the update roadblock and ensure your Windows Server 2019 is secure and up-to-date. Don’t let update errors hinder your server’s performance – take control and apply these solutions today.