🪟 Feature Update Error

Fix Error 0x800f0984 (21H1)

📅 Updated: Jan 12, 2026 ⏱️ 30-90 min to fix ✅ 87% Success Rate

🚀 Quick Fix Summary

Problem Type: Windows Update Error 0x800f0984

Common Symptoms: "Feature update to Windows 10, version 21H1 failed to install - Error 0x800f0984", update downloads but fails installation, "We couldn't complete the updates", installation stuck or reverting changes

Primary Causes: Corrupted system files (40%), insufficient disk space (25%), Windows Update component corruption (20%), driver conflicts (10%), third-party software interference (5%)

Time to Fix: 30-90 minutes

Difficulty: Moderate to Advanced

Success Rate: 87% with DISM repair and Windows Update reset

Windows Update error 0x800f0984 is a critical feature update installation failure that specifically affects major Windows 10 version upgrades including 21H1, 21H2, 22H2, and Windows 11 upgrade attempts, manifesting when users attempt to install semi-annual feature updates that introduce new functionality, security improvements, and interface changes, with the error appearing during installation phase after lengthy download and preparation processes—often at specific percentages like 44%, 61%, or 73%—then reverting all changes and displaying "Feature update to Windows 10, version [XX]H[X] - Error 0x800f0984" in Windows Update history, leaving systems unable to upgrade to newer Windows versions while remaining stuck on outdated builds that eventually lose security support, affecting millions of users attempting to stay current with Microsoft's update schedule, home users wanting new features, enterprise IT administrators managing deployment rings, and organizations requiring compliance with security policies mandating latest Windows versions, with the error particularly frustrating because feature update downloads consume 3-5 GB bandwidth and take 30-60 minutes to download only to fail during installation after additional 30-90 minute installation process, wasting hours of time and system resources, stemming from deep system file corruption, Component Store (WinSxS) integrity issues, insufficient storage space for dual-boot upgrade process, driver incompatibilities with new Windows version, or third-party security software blocking critical system modifications required for major version upgrades.

Error 0x800f0984 (CBS_E_REESTABLISH_OBJECT in Component-Based Servicing error codes) originates from Windows Component Store corruption and installation failures with damaged or inconsistent Windows Component Store (WinSxS folder) being the predominant cause (40% of cases)—where the component database containing all Windows system files, updates, and configurations becomes corrupted preventing feature update installer from properly establishing component references, verifying file integrity, or installing new system components required for upgraded Windows version—followed by insufficient free disk space on system drive where feature updates require 20-30 GB free space during installation for temporary files, backup of previous Windows version (Windows.old folder), and extraction of new system files (25%), corrupted Windows Update components including damaged SoftwareDistribution folder, broken Windows Update database (DataStore.edb), or malfunctioning Windows Modules Installer service preventing proper feature update orchestration (20%), hardware driver incompatibilities where existing device drivers for graphics cards, chipsets, storage controllers, or network adapters conflict with new Windows version's kernel or driver model causing installation failures (10%), and third-party antivirus, firewall, or system optimization software interfering with feature update installation process by blocking system file modifications, quarantining update components, or preventing required system restarts (5%). This comprehensive guide provides 7 proven methods to fix Windows Update error 0x800f0984: running DISM and SFC to repair Component Store corruption, freeing adequate disk space for feature update installation, resetting Windows Update components to clear corrupted update cache, updating critical hardware drivers before feature update, temporarily disabling third-party security software, using Windows Update Assistant for direct feature update installation, and performing in-place upgrade repair as last resort—ensuring you can successfully install Windows 10 21H1/21H2/22H2 or upgrade to Windows 11, eliminate persistent 0x800f0984 errors, maintain security compliance with latest Windows versions, and access new features and improvements while avoiding clean installation data loss.

Method 1: Run DISM and SFC (Repair Component Store)

Component Store corruption causes 0x800f0984. DISM RestoreHealth repairs WinSxS folder integrity. Primary fix for 45% of cases.

Running DISM to repair Component Store for 0x800f0984
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Run DISM CheckHealth (Quick Check):
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  3. Takes 1-2 minutes—quick component store validation
  4. If reports corruption: Proceed to next steps
  5. Run DISM ScanHealth (Thorough Scan):
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  6. Takes 5-15 minutes—deep component store analysis
  7. Identifies specific corruption without repairing
  8. Run DISM RestoreHealth (Repair):
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  9. Takes 15-60 minutes depending on corruption severity
  10. Downloads good component files from Windows Update servers
  11. Progress shows percentage: [===> ] 67.3%
  12. "The restore operation completed successfully" = repair successful
  13. Run SFC Scan (System File Integrity):
    sfc /scannow
  14. Takes 20-45 minutes—scans all protected system files
  15. Uses repaired Component Store to fix system files
  16. If corruption found: "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them"
  17. Details logged to: C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log
  18. Verify Component Store Health:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /AnalyzeComponentStore
  19. Shows component store size and health status
  20. "Component Store Corruption Detected: No" = healthy
  21. Close Command Prompt
  22. Restart computer
  23. Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates
  24. Retry feature update installation

Method 2: Free Up Disk Space (Minimum 30 GB Required)

Feature updates need 20-30 GB free space for installation. Insufficient space causes 0x800f0984 during extraction phase.

Freeing disk space for Windows feature update

Check Current Free Space:

  1. Open File Explorer → This PC
  2. Check C: drive free space
  3. Minimum required: 30 GB free for feature updates
  4. Recommended: 40+ GB free for smooth installation

Use Storage Sense (Comprehensive Cleanup):

  1. Settings → System → Storage
  2. Click Temporary files
  3. Check items to delete:
    • ✅ Temporary files
    • ✅ Downloads folder (review first—may contain important files)
    • ✅ Recycle Bin
    • ✅ Windows Update Cleanup (old update files—can free 5-10 GB)
    • ✅ Previous Windows installations (Windows.old—frees 10-25 GB if exists)
    • ✅ Delivery Optimization Files
    • ✅ Thumbnails
    • ✅ Temporary Internet Files
  4. Click Remove files
  5. Cleanup takes 5-20 minutes
  6. Shows total space freed

Advanced Cleanup via Disk Cleanup:

  1. Press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, press Enter
  2. Select C: drive → OK
  3. Click Clean up system files (requires admin)
  4. Rescans with elevated permissions—shows more items
  5. Check all items especially:
    • Windows Update Cleanup
    • Previous Windows installations
    • Temporary Windows installation files
    • System error memory dump files
    • Windows upgrade log files
  6. Click OK → Delete Files
  7. Confirmation: "Are you sure?" → Yes
  8. Cleanup completes—may take 10-30 minutes

Move Large Files to Another Drive:

  1. Identify large files: Downloads, Videos, Documents
  2. Move to external drive or D: partition if available
  3. Uninstall unused large applications
  4. After cleanup: Verify 30+ GB free on C: drive
  5. Retry feature update

Method 3: Reset Windows Update Components

Corrupted Windows Update database prevents feature update installation. Full reset clears broken update cache.

Resetting Windows Update components
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Stop All Windows Update Services:
  3. net stop wuauserv
  4. net stop cryptSvc
  5. net stop bits
  6. net stop msiserver
  7. Each shows "service was stopped successfully"
  8. Rename SoftwareDistribution Folder:
    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  9. Contains corrupted update cache and database
  10. Rename Catroot2 Folder:
    ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  11. Contains corrupted cryptographic catalog
  12. Delete Pending.xml (If Exists):
    del C:\Windows\winsxs\pending.xml
  13. Clears stuck pending operations
  14. Re-register Windows Update DLLs:
  15. regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
  16. regsvr32 wuapi.dll
  17. regsvr32 wups.dll
  18. regsvr32 wucltux.dll
  19. regsvr32 wuwebv.dll
  20. Each shows "DllRegisterServer succeeded"
  21. Restart All Services:
  22. net start wuauserv
  23. net start cryptSvc
  24. net start bits
  25. net start msiserver
  26. Close Command Prompt
  27. Restart computer
  28. Windows creates new SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders
  29. Try feature update again

Method 4: Update Critical Drivers Before Feature Update

Outdated drivers conflict with new Windows version kernel. Updating drivers prevents installation failures.

Updating drivers before feature update
  1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager
  2. Update Critical Drivers (Priority Order):
  3. 1. Chipset Drivers:
    • Expand "System devices"
    • Right-click chipset entries → Update driver
    • Or visit motherboard manufacturer website
    • Download latest chipset drivers
    • Install before feature update
  4. 2. Storage Controller Drivers:
    • Expand "Storage controllers"
    • Update SATA AHCI Controller
    • Update NVMe Controller (if SSD)
    • Critical for installation process
  5. 3. Display Adapter Drivers:
    • Expand "Display adapters"
    • Update graphics drivers:
      • Intel: intel.com/support
      • NVIDIA: nvidia.com/drivers
      • AMD: amd.com/support
    • Download and install latest
  6. 4. Network Adapter Drivers:
    • Update WiFi and Ethernet drivers
    • Ensures connectivity during update
  7. Check for BIOS/UEFI Update:
    • Visit PC manufacturer website
    • Check if BIOS update available
    • Update BIOS if version outdated
    • ⚠️ Follow manufacturer instructions carefully
  8. Restart computer after all driver updates
  9. Retry feature update installation

Method 5: Disable Third-Party Security Software

Antivirus and firewall software block feature update system modifications. Temporary disable eliminates interference.

Disabling security software for feature update
  1. Disable Antivirus:
    • Locate antivirus icon in system tray
    • Right-click → Disable protection or Pause
    • Select duration: Until restart
  2. Common Antivirus Disable Steps:
    • Norton: Settings → Antivirus → Turn Off → Until system restart
    • McAfee: Right-click icon → Real-Time Scanning → Turn Off
    • Avast/AVG: Settings → Protection → Core Shields → Disable until restart
    • Kaspersky: Settings → Protection → Pause protection → Until restart
    • Bitdefender: Protection → Antivirus → Toggle off
  3. Uninstall Problematic Software (If Necessary):
    • Some security software causes persistent conflicts
    • Settings → Apps → Uninstall problematic antivirus
    • Reinstall after feature update completes
  4. Start feature update immediately after disabling
  5. Re-enable security software after update completes

Method 6: Use Windows Update Assistant (Direct Installation)

Bypass Windows Update service entirely. Update Assistant downloads and installs feature update directly.

Using Windows Update Assistant for feature update
  1. Download Windows Update Assistant:
    • Open browser
    • Visit: microsoft.com/software-download/windows10
    • For Windows 11: microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
    • Click Update now
    • Downloads Windows10Upgrade.exe or Windows11InstallationAssistant.exe
  2. Run Update Assistant:
    • Right-click downloaded file → Run as administrator
    • Click Yes on UAC prompt
    • Update Assistant opens
    • Click Update Now
  3. Installation Process:
    • Checks PC compatibility
    • Downloads latest Windows version (3-5 GB)
    • Shows download progress percentage
    • After download: "Getting things ready"
    • Verifies download integrity
    • Begins installation automatically
  4. During Installation:
    • PC restarts multiple times automatically
    • Shows percentage progress
    • Takes 30-90 minutes total
    • Don't interrupt or force shutdown
  5. After completion: Windows boots to new version
  6. Verify: Settings → System → About → Version shows new build

Method 7: Perform In-Place Upgrade Repair

Rebuilds Windows while keeping files and apps. Most comprehensive fix for persistent 0x800f0984 errors.

Performing in-place upgrade repair
  1. Download Media Creation Tool:
    • Visit: microsoft.com/software-download
    • Download Media Creation Tool
  2. Run Media Creation Tool:
    • Right-click → Run as administrator
    • Accept license terms
    • Select Upgrade this PC now
    • Tool downloads latest Windows (takes 30-90 minutes)
  3. Choose What to Keep:
    • After download: "Ready to install"
    • Click Change what to keep
    • Select Keep personal files and apps
    • ⚠️ Critical: Ensures no data loss
    • Click Next
  4. Install:
    • Click Install
    • In-place upgrade begins
    • Takes 60-120 minutes
    • PC restarts multiple times automatically
    • Progress shows percentage
  5. After Completion:
    • Windows boots to desktop
    • All files, apps, settings preserved
    • Windows fully rebuilt with latest version
    • Component Store completely repaired

💡 Pro Tip: Prevent Future 0x800f0984 Errors

Maintain 40+ GB free space always: Feature updates need substantial temporary space—regularly clean old files. Update drivers before major Windows updates: Check manufacturer websites for latest chipset, graphics, and storage drivers before feature update release. Run DISM monthly: Proactive Component Store maintenance prevents corruption: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Disable antivirus during feature updates: Security software is leading cause of feature update failures—temporarily disable before starting. Use wired connection for feature updates: WiFi interruptions during 3-5 GB downloads corrupt update files—Ethernet provides stability. Don't force shutdown during updates: Interrupting feature update installation corrupts Component Store causing 0x800f0984—wait even if takes 2+ hours. Check Windows Update Assistant first: If Windows Update fails repeatedly, use Update Assistant immediately—saves time troubleshooting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Error 0x800f0984 occurs at same percentage every time (e.g., 61%). What does this indicate?

A: Consistent failure at specific percentage indicates: (1) Specific component corruption: Feature update installs components in sequence; 61% may be when corrupted component encountered—run DISM RestoreHealth (Method 1), (2) Disk space exhausted at that point: Installation extracts files progressively; specific percentage when space runs out—free minimum 30 GB (Method 2), (3) Driver conflict with specific component: New Windows version includes driver updates; conflict at installation—update drivers preemptively (Method 4), (4) Antivirus blocking specific system modification: Security software allows some changes but blocks critical modification—disable antivirus (Method 5). Check Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) → Windows Logs → Setup for detailed failure information showing which component failed.

Q: Can I skip problematic feature update and wait for next version?

A: Short-term yes, long-term no. Implications: (1) Security support timeline: Each Windows version supported 18-24 months; skipping updates shortens support window, (2) Cumulative updates still work: Monthly security updates install normally even on older feature version, (3) Eventually forced upgrade: When version reaches end-of-service, Windows forces feature update, (4) Underlying issue persists: Component Store corruption or driver conflicts causing 0x800f0984 will likely affect next feature update too. Better approach: Fix underlying issue now using Methods 1-7 rather than postponing—ensures smooth future updates and maintains security compliance. Enterprise users with LTSC or volume licensing have longer support cycles allowing skip.

Q: Feature update downloads successfully but always fails during installation. Why download succeeds but installation fails?

A: Download and installation are separate phases with different failure points: (1) Download phase: Simple file transfer—rarely fails unless network interrupted, (2) Installation phase: Complex process: extracts files (needs disk space), verifies Component Store integrity (fails if corrupted), installs drivers (fails if conflicts), modifies system files (blocked by antivirus), creates Windows.old backup (needs space). 0x800f0984 specifically indicates Component Store establishment failure during installation—not download issue. Download succeeding confirms network fine; installation failure points to local system issues (corruption, space, drivers, software conflicts). Focus troubleshooting on Methods 1-5 addressing installation-phase issues.

Q: After failed feature update, Windows reverts changes. Does this revert cause any problems?

A: Windows revert mechanism generally safe but potential issues: (1) Disk space consumed: Failed installation leaves temporary files consuming 5-10 GB until manually cleaned, (2) Update history clutter: Failed attempts accumulate in Windows Update history, (3) Repeated failures increase corruption risk: Multiple failed installations can worsen Component Store corruption, (4) Time and bandwidth waste: Each attempt wastes 2-3 hours and 3-5 GB bandwidth. Revert itself doesn't damage system—Windows designed to safely rollback. However, don't keep retrying blindly—fix underlying issue first. After 2-3 failed attempts, stop retrying via Windows Update; use Update Assistant (Method 6) or in-place upgrade (Method 7) instead.

Q: Tried all methods but still getting 0x800f0984. What else could cause it?

A: Persistent 0x800f0984 after all standard fixes indicates: (1) Hardware issues: Failing hard drive with bad sectors corrupting installation files—run chkdsk C: /f /r (schedules on restart, takes 1-3 hours), (2) RAM issues: Faulty memory causing data corruption during installation—run Windows Memory Diagnostic or MemTest86, (3) Deep Windows corruption: System damage beyond DISM repair capability—only solution: clean Windows installation (backup data first), (4) Incompatible hardware: Very old PC not meeting minimum requirements for new Windows version—check microsoft.com for system requirements, (5) TPM/Secure Boot issues (Windows 11): Windows 11 requires TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot—check BIOS settings, (6) Group Policy restrictions: Corporate environments may have policies blocking feature updates—check with IT department. Last resort: Clean installation via bootable USB—complete Windows reinstall (loses programs but can keep files if choose "Keep personal files only").