Solved: How do I fix Windows Server 2019 Cumulative Update failed with Error 0x800f0985

Problem Symptom

Upon attempting to install the Windows Server 2019 Cumulative Update, the process failed to complete after reaching 100%. Troubleshooting was conducted through both the GUI and PowerShell; however, the installation of KB5005030, KB5005102, KB5005112, KB5009557, and KB5005030 has been unsuccessful, resulting in update failed error 0x800F0985.

The detailed error message is as below:

Windows Update

Updates failed

There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later.

Cumulative Update for Windows Server 2019 for x64-based Systems – Error 0x800f0985

From the Windows Event Viewer, it generates an Error entry Event ID 20 as shown below:

To resolve the Windows Server 2019 Cumulative Update failed with Error 0x800f0985, please follow the steps outlined below.

Content Summary

Solution 1: Reset Windows Update components manually
Solution 2: Repair Windows Update using SFCFix tool
Solution 3: Escalate to Microsoft Support
Reference

Solution 1: Reset Windows Update components manually

Step 1: Refer to this Microsoft Docs to reset Windows Update components manually.

Step 2: Install the latest SSU KB5000859: Servicing stack update for Windows 10, version 1809: March 9, 2021.

Step 3: Restart Windows Server 2019.

Step 4: Manually download and install the latest CU KB5001568 from Microsoft update catalog, this update fixes the known issue which might cause a blue screen when you attempt to print to certain printers using some apps.

Solution 2: Repair Windows Update using SFCFix tool

Step 1: Download the latest version of SFCFix and save it to your Desktop.

Step 2: Open SFCFix and click Yes on the UAC (User Account Control) prompt which appears.

Step 3: SFCFix will now open and guide you through the rest of the process. SFCFix will complete and report on whether it found any corruptions.

Step 4: SFCFix will open a log file called SFCFix.txt giving technical details on any problems which were found.

Step 5: Open Start, search for Command Prompt, right-click it and select the Run as administrator option.

Step 6: Type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 7: Run below commands on the command prompt to restart windows update services:
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
net stop wuauserv
net stop msiserver
Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
net start wuauserv
net start msiserver

Step 8: Restart your PC.

Solution 3: Escalate to Microsoft Support

Open a request ticket with Microsoft support.

Reference

Microsoft Docs > Q&A > Server 2019 Cumulative Updates failing every month