How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0838 on Windows 11
Learn how to fix Windows update error 0x800f0838 on Windows 11
How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0838 on Windows 11
One of the simplest ways to resolve error 0x800f0838 is by using Windows 11’s built-in troubleshooting tool.
- Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings menu.
- Navigate to System, then click Troubleshoot.
- Select Windows Update from the list and click Run.
- Follow the instructions on the screen and allow the tool to detect and fix any issues.
Once the troubleshooting process finishes, attempt to update Windows again.
Remove Delivery Optimization Files
If the troubleshooter didn’t resolve the problem, clearing the Delivery Optimization Files might help.
- Open Settings and go to System > Storage.
- Click on Temporary Files and locate Delivery Optimization Files.
- Ensure the box next to Delivery Optimization Files is checked.
- Click Remove files to clear any cached update data.
Roll Back the Most Recent Windows Update
At times, uninstalling a recent update can help resolve update errors. Microsoft occasionally releases updates that inadvertently cause compatibility issues with future updates. Rolling back and retrying the update process can sometimes do the trick.
For detailed steps on how to remove a recent Windows update, refer to this guide: How to Uninstall a Windows 11 Update
Download and Install the Latest Windows Update
Once you’ve removed a problematic update, you should try installing the latest version of Windows 11. A newer update may contain fixes that resolve the error.
To perform a manual update:
- Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates.
- If an update is available, install it.
Manually Install Windows 11 Updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog
If the previous methods don’t work, you can try manually downloading and installing the problematic update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
- Search for the specific update causing issues or a newer version.
- Download and install the update manually.
Don’t worry if you pick the wrong update—Windows will prevent you from installing incompatible updates.
Why Do Windows Updates Keep Failing?
Microsoft Store and Windows updates are notorious for encountering problems, especially following previous updates. No one fully understands why this happens—not even Microsoft—but it’s likely due to minor corruption in update files or unanticipated compatibility conflicts between updates. Because of this, rolling back one update and then trying to install the latest version usually resolves the issue.