Windows Update Error 0x800f0984: Defined and Fixed

Keeping your Windows OS up to date with the latest updates is crucial for maintaining the security and performance of your PC. However, when installing updates, you may encounter errors such as Windows Update Error 0x800f0984.

This error can prevent you from installing the latest updates and leave your PC vulnerable to security threats. In this context, it’s essential to understand why this error occurs and what steps you can take to prevent it from happening in the future. 

In this article, we will investigate the causes of Windows Update Error 0x800f0984 and provide solutions to assist you in troubleshooting and settling the issue.

Why Does Windows Update Error 0x800f0984 Occur?

Windows Update error 0x800f0984 can occur due to several reasons, including:

1. Power Saving Mode: If your PC is in Power Saving Mode, it may prioritize the battery over performance, leading to the low performance of many essential system services/resources. This low performance of the services/resources can cause conflicts with Windows Update and result in error 0x800f0984.
2. Third-Party Antivirus Software: Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can conflict with Windows Update and prevent it from installing updates, leading to error 0x800f0984.
3. Corrupt Windows Update Components: Corrupted Windows Update components can cause the update process to fail, leading to error 0x800f0984.
4. Software Conflicts: Other software conflicts or issues with your PC’s configuration or settings may also cause error 0x800f0984.

How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0984?

Now let’s discuss how to fix this error:

Fix 1: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

You can use the built-in troubleshooter to resolve the 0x800f0984 error when installing the Windows Store app update. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and tap on Settings.
2. Click on System in the Settings window.
3. Select Troubleshoot from the options on the right-hand side of the System window.
4. Click on Other troubleshooters located in the Troubleshoot window.
5. Scroll down to the base of the list of troubleshooters and find Windows Store Apps.
6. Click on Run to start the troubleshooting.
7. Wait for the troubleshooter to complete scanning and recommend a fix.
8. Pursue the on-screen instructions to settle the error if any fix is recommended.

Once the troubleshooting process is complete, restart your computer and check if the error 0x800f0984 has been fixed.

Fix 2: Change the Power Plan of Your System

1. Go to Control Panel and Select Power Options.
2. On the left pane, click on Create a Power Plan.
3. Select High Performance and click on Next. You can name the Power Plan as per your preference.
4. Click Create. 

Once the new Power Plan is applied, retry the update to check if it can be installed without encountering error code 0x800f0984.

Fix 3: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help identify software conflicts on your PC by starting it in a minimal environment with only essential drivers and startup programs. This can help resolve software conflicts that may arise when installing third-party applications on Windows. If your PC runs smoothly without any errors in this state, then it means that external factors cause the issue. Here are the steps to perform a clean boot:

1. To launch System Configuration, press the Windows logo key on your keyboard, type “msconfig” into the Windows Search box, and click on its icon to launch.
2. To perform the desired action, navigate to the “General” tab in the System Configuration window and uncheck the Load startup items box. However, check the Load system services and Use original boot configuration options.
3. Go to the “Services” tab, click on the “Hide all Microsoft services” checkbox, and then click the Disable all button. This will disable all non-Microsoft services.
4. Under the “Startup” tab and click Open Task Manager.
5. Disable all items set to start up when you boot the computer. Once done, exit the Task Manager and return to the System Configuration window.
6. Click on Apply > OK and restart your PC.
7. Suppose the PC runs without any issues in this state. In that case, one of your third-party applications is responsible for the Windows Update error code 0x800f0984. To identify the culprit, enable the applications individually and restart your PC whenever possible.
8. Once you identify the problematic application, consider removing it from your PC or leaving it disabled. To return to the typical Windows environment, undo the changes you made by following the steps above.

Fix 4: Disable Firewall

Microsoft developed the Windows Defender Firewall to safeguard against unauthorized use, access, and other types of interference. Nonetheless, this native software may occasionally misidentify and prohibit certain links and operations. If you encounter the 0x800f0984 error, disabling the firewall temporarily could be a viable resolution since it may be the root cause.

Here is how you can disable it:

1. In the Search Section of your Task Bar, search defender firewall and select Windows Defender Firewall.
2. Locate and click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option on the left side.
3. Disable Windows Defender Firewall temporarily under private and public network headings and click the OK button.
4. Try to update again.

Fix 5: Delete the Contents of the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The Windows directory hosts the SoftwareDistribution folder, a temporary repository for crucial files required to install the latest Windows updates on your PC. The WUagent manages the read and writes operations within this folder. However, if the files housed inside become corrupted, it can trigger errors when attempting to update Windows.

Note: This method will also clear your update history.

1. Launch the Command Prompt with the administrative rights.
2. On the command line window, use the net stop wuauserv command to stop the Windows Update service and the net stop bits command to stop Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
3. Now launch the File Explorer and navigate to the following address: “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution“
4. Delete the contents(files and folders) of the SoftwareDistribution folder.
5. Now again, launch the Command Prompt window and use the net start wuauserv command to start the Windows Update service and the net start bits command to start Background Intelligent Transfer Service.

Fix 6: Run the DISM and SFC Tools

Installing Windows updates may encounter significant obstacles if system files are damaged, missing, or corrupted. To diagnose such issues that could lead to the 0x800f0984 error, DISM and SFC scans are valuable tools that can identify outdated, absent, or damaged system files.

Here is how you can do the SFC scans:

1. Search for the “Command Prompt” on the Windows search box, right-click its icon, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type SFC /scannow in the command prompt window and press Enter to execute it.
3. Wait for the scan to finish. It might take a few minutes.
4. Once the scan is completed, you can install updates properly.

Here is how you can do the DISM scan:

1. Open the Command Prompt window with administrator privileges, as mentioned earlier.
2. Type “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth” and press Enter to execute the command.
3. Wait for the DISM command to finish running. This might take a few minutes.
4. After executing the command, try installing updates again to see if it works.

Fix 7: Perform the System Restore

A System Restore Point is automatically generated when updates are installed on Windows 10 and 11. Alternatively, users can manually create a System Restore Point before installing updates. If installing updates is still unsuccessful, a system restore may be attempted. This process will revert the entire Windows environment to a previous working state, allowing for the successful installation of updates.

To perform a system restore, follow these steps:

1. Launch the Run dialog box by pressing Win + R keys together.
2. Type rstrui in the Run dialog box and hit Enter.
   
3. This will launch the System Restore wizard. Click Next to proceed.
4. Now select a restore point from the list of available points created either automatically or manually by you and click Next to continue.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish up the system restore process.

Fix 8: Reset Your PC

If none of the previously mentioned methods apply to your situation, you can attempt to reset your PC. During this process, you will be given the option to retain or remove your files.

1. Access the Start menu and select Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Click on the Reset PC button located under Recovery options.
3. Select Keep my files.
4. Enter your password and confirm your selection by clicking Reset.

Conclusion

Windows Update Error 0x800f0984 can occur for various reasons, including Power Saving Mode, third-party antivirus software, corrupt Windows Update components, and software conflicts. However, by taking preventative measures such as disabling Power Saving Mode, using Windows Security, keeping Windows up to date, and performing regular maintenance, you can help prevent this error and ensure your PC runs smoothly. In addition, if you encounter this error, troubleshooting the specific cause and following the appropriate solution can help resolve the issue and get your PC up to date with the latest updates.

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