How to Fix 0x800F0906 (Windows Update)
Quick Answer
Error 0x800F0906 indicates that Windows Update cannot download necessary source files, often due to network issues, corrupted system files, or incorrect Group Policy settings. The fastest fix often involves enabling the 'Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair' Group Policy setting or using the DISM tool with a specified source.
What Causes This Error
- Corrupted Windows Update components or system files.
- Network connectivity issues preventing access to Microsoft update servers.
- Incorrect Group Policy settings blocking access to Windows Update or specifying an invalid source.
- Firewall or antivirus software interfering with the download process.
- Insufficient disk space on the system drive.
- Missing or damaged .NET Framework components.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Open 'Settings' by pressing the Windows key + I.
- Navigate to 'Update & Security' > 'Troubleshoot' > 'Additional troubleshooters'.
- Select 'Windows Update' and then click 'Run the troubleshooter'.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.
- Restart your computer and attempt the update again.
2Reset Windows Update Components
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for 'cmd', right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
- Stop the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer, and Windows Update Services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: 'net stop wuauserv', 'net stop cryptSvc', 'net stop bits', 'net stop msiserver'.
- Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders: 'ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old', 'ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old'.
- Restart the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer, and Windows Update Services: 'net start wuauserv', 'net start cryptSvc', 'net start bits', 'net start msiserver'.
- Close Command Prompt and attempt the update again.
3Check and Enable Group Policy Settings for 0x800F0906
- Open the Local Group Policy Editor by typing 'gpedit.msc' into the Run dialog (Windows key + R) and pressing Enter. If you are on Windows Home, this feature is not available.
- Navigate to 'Computer Configuration' > 'Administrative Templates' > 'System' > 'Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair'.
- Double-click this policy setting to open its configuration window.
- Select 'Enabled' and ensure that the option 'Download repair content and optional features directly from Windows Update instead of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS)' is checked.
- Click 'Apply' then 'OK'. Close the Group Policy Editor and restart your computer before attempting the update.
4Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for 'cmd', right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
- Run the System File Checker tool by typing 'sfc /scannow' and pressing Enter. Allow the scan to complete.
- After SFC completes, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool by typing 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' and pressing Enter. This command uses Windows Update to provide the files required to fix corruptions.
- Allow the DISM process to complete. This may take several minutes.
- Restart your computer and attempt the update or feature installation again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does error 0x800F0906 mean?
Error 0x800F0906 indicates that Windows Update or a feature installation process failed because it could not download the necessary source files. This typically points to issues with network connectivity, corrupted system components, or incorrect configuration settings preventing access to the required installation or repair files.
Can antivirus software cause 0x800F0906?
Yes, in some cases, overly aggressive antivirus or firewall software can interfere with Windows Update's ability to download files from Microsoft servers, leading to error 0x800F0906. Temporarily disabling your antivirus or firewall (if safe to do so) can help diagnose if it is the cause.
Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?
Renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder (e.g., to SoftwareDistribution.old) is a common and safe troubleshooting step. Windows will recreate a new folder and redownload necessary update components. This often resolves issues caused by corrupted update files without affecting installed programs or user data.
How can I specify a source for the files if I have an installation media?
You can use the DISM command with the '/Source' parameter. For example, if your Windows installation media is mounted as drive D:, you would use: 'DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:YourFeatureName /All /LimitAccess /Source:D:\sources\sxs'. Replace 'YourFeatureName' with the actual feature you are trying to install.
Does this error affect only Windows Update?
While commonly seen with Windows Update, error 0x800F0906 can also occur when installing optional features, such as .NET Framework 3.5, or when attempting to repair corrupted Windows components using DISM, as it signifies a failure to access or download required source files for these operations.