Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0905
At times, Windows may take a very long time, and that’s why let’s start with a bit of wait. You will need admin permission to resolve this.
1] Let Windows Update Itself
If you have slow hardware, especially an HDD, then downloading and installing Windows Update may take longer than itself. In fact, at times, it results in timeout, and Windows itself throws an error. The point is that you may have to wait for this and try a couple of times. Windows Updates work better compared to previous, but they still share their own set of problems. Make sure to disable all sleep mode, in fact, Power Toys offer this feature without changing the core settings. Let it run overnight, and see if it gets resolved.
2] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows offers a built-in troubleshooter that can help you resolve Windows Update. It’s an automated solution where a lot of services are restarted, the Update cache is cleared, and so on. Go to Windows Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooter. If you are using Windows 10, then it is available under Update and Security instead of System.
3] Refresh Windows Update Services
The best way to reset Windows Update Service is to restart them, delete any downloaded files, and reset WINSOCK for network issues. Open PowerShell or Windows Terminal or Command Prompt with admin permission, and execute the commands one after another: Once done, you can restart Windows PC and then manually initiate the download once you log in again. This will remove any chance of errors caused by any of these services and files.
4] Repair Corrupt System Files
System File Checker (SFC) and DISM are built-in tools that can fix any corrupt system file by replacing them with a new copy. Open an elevated PowerShell or Command Prompt or Windows Terminal, and execute the following commands. First run the SFC command, and second DISM. If any of these find a corrupted file system, they will be replaced. Once done, restart the PC, and then check for updates again or try installing it.
5] Peform an InPlace Upgrade
This method is a bit of overkill but if you cannot update, and it’s a major one, then you can choose to perform an in-place upgrade that will not remove anything from the system. The method is also called Refresh your PC. It can fix a lot of software, and system file issues by reinstalling the OS still preserving user data. During the process, the wizard also offers you to download the latest version of Windows from the cloud, and then upgrade.
The option is available in Settings > Recovery > Reset this PC in Windows 11.If you are on Windows 10, navigate to Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.
How Do I Know if My Windows Update Is Corrupted?
If you are unable to install Windows update, or unable to download it, the update keeps failing in between, then it’s a hint that Windows Update is corrupted. The best way to restart the process is to delete everything in the Software Distribution folder and redownload everything.
Will Resetting PC Fix Corrupted Files?
It helps when you do not have any other option, and should be used when you are unable to next major update. You can use the Reset this PC option, followed by downloading the latest version of Windows using the cloud option.
Is It Better to Reset or Reinstall Windows?
Reset is a better option because it will save a lot of time, and also ensure the data on the PC is wiped clean. While both are eventually the same process, Reset option doesn’t need you to be around.
How Do I Fix a Corrupted Windows Update?
The best fix is using the Troubleshooter tool available in Windows along with DISM and SFC tools. They will replace everything that is corrupted. You can also follow the manual method, but that will involve deleting files from System Folders so make sure you clearly understand before doing it. I hope the post was easy to follow, and you were able to resolve the Windows Update Error 0x800f0905.
