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How to Fix 0x800f081f DISM Error Code in Windows 10

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Deployment Image Servicing and Management, also called DISM, is a command-line tool introduced by Microsoft to mount Windows image (.wim) files or virtual hard disks. You can also manage and split .wim files using the DISM tool. Some users face DISM error 0x800f081f while using DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command in Windows 10. DISM command is used to install and configure Windows packages, drivers, and settings.

This command is used to repair Windows images. The RestoreHealth guide DISM to repair online Windows update images. Some users are facing issues while executing this command. The main reason for this error is, that DISM cannot find the required files to repair the Windows image.

Sometimes your component store is corrupted, or your system is unable to access Update servers. Also, .NET Framework installation can be the reason for this error. In this article, we are going to share how to fix the 0x800f081f DISM Error Code.

Other causes of the DISM error 0x800f081f include:

  • Corrupted Windows Update files
  • Incorrect configuration
  • Malware attack
  • Poor Internet connection

How to fix DISM 0x800f081f error in Windows 10/8

To fix this issue, you have to use an official Windows image file (install.wim) with valid Windows files.

Method 1: Performing a Component Cleanup

As we mentioned above, due to missing Windows components, you can face this type of error.

You have to use the DISM cleanup process to clean the Windows image and fix the issue.

Step 1: Open the start menu and then search for cmd. Then right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: Type the following command and press enter.

dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
sfc /scannow

Run StartComponentCleanup command

Step 3: Once the process is completed, run this command and press enter.

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

DISM-Restorehealth

You will see that the command works fine without any error.

Method 2: Getting Source from Windows Image

The main reason for the error is that your Windows is unable to access Windows update servers. DISM command requires a specific path of Windows image file to run the command. Also, if the Windows installation files are corrupted, you will face this error.

Step 1: Open the start menu and then search for cmd. Then right-click on the Command Prompt and then choose Run as Administrator.

Step 2: In the command prompt window, type the following command and press enter.

Note: Replace X with the drive where your Windows 10 ISO is stored and mounted.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:\Sources\Install.wim:1 /LimitAccess

Enable NetFramework using CMD

Step 3: Wait for some time till the command is running. Once completed, it will fix your error.

Method 3: Upgrading Windows

Upgrading your entire Windows OS solves the problem by reinstalling the entire Windows core with the latest image. This will surely fix this 0x800f081f DISM error.

Step 1: You can upgrade your Windows OS using Windows 10 update assistant. First, download Windows 10 update assistant and install it on your Windows 10. (https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/software-download/windows10)

download Windows 10 update assistant

Step 2: Now open update assistant and click on Upgrade PC. The tool will start downloading and installing all pending Windows 10 updates. Follow the prompts to complete the upgrade.

Once finished, you should have a fresh copy of Windows. Now you don’t need to run Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth but if you want to check if the error is solved, try it.

Method 4: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter Tool

Microsoft has added a new tool called Windows update troubleshooter that allows you to diagnose and fix many issues related to Windows update. The tool will automatically scan your system for any changes or missing files and guide you to fix these issues. To use the Windows troubleshooter tool, follow these steps:

Step 1: In the search bar of your Windows, open the start menu and then type “troubleshooting“.

Step 2: From the results, open the troubleshoot settings.

Troubleshoot-Setting

Step 3: Now in the troubleshooting section, click on “Additional Troubleshooters“. This will open all available troubleshooters to fix various issues on Windows 10.

Additional-troubleshooter

Step 4: Now click on the “Windows Update” in Get up and running section. Then again click on “Run the troubleshooter“.

Run-the-troubleshooter

Step 5: When you click on Run the troubleshooter, it will start detecting the issue. Wait for some time till it is running. It will start checking all pending restarts and missing files.

Step 6: Once completed, it will list down instructions to fix the issue. All you have to do is, follow these steps and then restart your computer.

Step 7: Now go to Windows Update in Settings and click on check for updates. It should work now.

Method 5: Configure Windows Update Settings

Wrong Windows update settings can be the reason for this dism source files could not be found error. So you have to fix your wrong Windows update settings. Here are the steps to configure Windows update settings.

Step 1: Open the start menu with the Windows button on your keyboard.

Step 2: Search for “Windows update settings” and click on it.

Step 3: Then click on Advanced Options.

Advanced-Options

Step 4: Enable the option “Restart the device after update“.

Turn-on-Restart-the-Device

When you first install the Windows Update, there will be an option to restart your computer. You should always click “restart”, even if your computer shows no signs of error. This ensures that the new features of the update have been properly applied.

Method 6: Restart Windows Update Service

The best way to avoid having Windows Update is to allow your computer to download the updates automatically by using the Windows Update service. This will ensure that Windows will only install the updates it needs from the correct locations. You can enable automatic updates using Windows services.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Open the start menu and then search for the control panel.

Step 2: Click on the control panel to open it.

open control-panel from start menu

Step 3: Now go to the search bar in the control panel and then type “Administrative Tools“.

Administrative-Tools

Step 4: Now find Services and open it.

find Services

Step 5: In the Windows services, find “Windows Update service“.

Windows-Update-service

Step 6: Right-click on it and go to Properties. In properties, click on the Stop button to stop the Windows update service. This will shut down your Windows update and also kill the services related to it.

Step 7: Now click on the start button to again start the update service.

Stop-and-Start-update-Service

Step 8: Click on Apply to save changes.

Restarting the update service will definitely fix 0x800f081f dism the source files could not be found an error in Windows 10.

Method 7: Reinstall Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5

Some users have commented that the dism 0x800f081f error is related to .NET Framework 3.5, and reinstalling Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 can fix the issue. So let’s try that too.

Step 1: You must uninstall NET Framework files from your computer. To do this, open the control panel from the start menu.

Step 2: Then go to Programs and Features and then navigate to Turn Windows features on or off.

Step 3: If not selected, then check the box .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) > Ok.

It will start downloading new .NET Framework 3.5 files. Once completed, restart your PC, and it’s done.

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Conclusion

The 0x800f081f windows update error is very rare but you can easily fix this error without reinstalling your Windows OS. You can also try system restore if you have a backup. It will revert all your recent changes made by you and your system.

We hope you understand our solutions and successfully fixed the issue. Comment below if you need any help.

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Rahul Patel
Rahul Patel

Rahul is a blogger and a tech geek. By reviewing the latest technology and finding the solution of pesky errors, he feels immense pleasure. Driven by his innate interest in blogging, he adapted blogging as a full-time profession 4 years ago.

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