How to fix the 0x800f0801 error code in Windows 11

The seemingly straightforward process of installing a Windows update may result in problems that render your system vulnerable and deprived of critical enhancements. One of the causes is the error 0x800f0801, which prevents the downloaded files from being installed on the computer.

When you receive the CBS_E_NOT_APPLICABLE message, it signifies one of two things: either the update cannot be installed on this machine or the system is unable to handle the update.

In this article, we will discuss how to resolve the Windows 11 update error 0x800f0801 by implementing a few straightforward options. But first, let’s understand what has caused this issue to happen in the first place.

What causes the 0x800f0801 error to occur?

It is possible to receive an error code of 0x800F081F, which is one of four possible error codes, all of which indicate the same underlying problem. The other three error codes are 0x800F0906, 0x800F0907, and 0x800F0922, which are all related to the same thing.

Each of these error codes is caused by incompatibilities with the Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5. Typically, they will occur when you enable the framework using the installation process, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, or through the use of Windows PowerShell.

The codes will only appear on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2012. They will not appear on any other versions of Windows.

Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5 is available as a Feature on Demand on the operating systems listed above (i.e., it is not enabled by default).

When you enable this feature, Windows Update attempts to download .NET binaries, as well as any other required files from the Internet. It is possible that you will see the codes if your machine is not properly configured. Here’s a list with the codes and what they mean:

• 0x800F081F: In order for the installation to begin, Windows could not locate any.NET source files to work with.
• 0x800F0906: Windows was unable to download the.NET source files, connect to the Internet, or install a role, role service, or feature because it could not connect to the internet or download the.NET source files.
• 0x800F0907: Your network policy settings may have blocked Windows from connecting to the Internet because the DISM program did not work.
• 0x800F0922: The processing of .NET advanced installers or generic commands failAttempts to process.NET advanced installers or generic commands were unsuccessful.

How can I fix the 0x800f0801 error code in Windows 11?

1. Use the Windows Update troubleshooter

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, and navigate to System in the left panel followed by Troubleshoot from the right side.
2. Once you are inside the Troubleshoot menu, click on the Other trouble-shooters option.
3. Now scroll down until you meet the Windows Update troubleshooter and click Run next to it.

The troubleshooter will display the specific bug that happened and instructions on how to fix it after it has finished searching for errors. Keep in mind to carefully read and follow the directions on your screen. For more advanced features we recommend trying Restoro which will scan your PC and repair errors related to damaged system files, missing DLLs, or corrupted registry entries.

2. Run DISM

1. Press the Windows + S key to open the Search bar, then type cmd and right-click on the most relevant result to run it as an Administrator.
2. Type or paste in the following commands and press Enter after each: DISM /online /Cleanup-Image / ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Relax and patiently await the completion of the complete process. It’s important to remember that the process could take up to ten minutes. Once you’ve completed this step, restart your computer to ensure that the modifications are applied.

3. Check the compatibility of system files using the SFC scan

1. Press the Windows + S key to open the Search bar, then type cmd, and right-click on the most relevant result to run it as an Administrator.
2. Type or paste in the following command and press Enter:
   sfc /scannow

You only need to wait for the procedure to finish (which could take some time), then restart your computer to ensure that the modifications are applied. SFC will automatically detect and repair corrupted files and directories on your computer.

4. Update Windows manually

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app, then click on Windows Update in the left panel.
2. If you have any new updates to download, click on the Install now button and wait for the process to finish, otherwise click on the Check for updates button.

If you are running an older version of Windows, it is possible that this is a contributing factor to the error, which can be rectified by updating the operating system. Most likely, the bug will be addressed in a subsequent update of the software.

5. Turn on the Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 feature

1. Press the Windows key + R to open a new Run box, then type or paste in appwiz.cpl, and hit Enter.
2. After the Programs and Features window appears, click on Turn Windows features on or off from the left sidebar.
3. Tick the box next to .NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0) then click OK.

6. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder

1. Press the Windows + S key to open the Search bar, then type cmd, and right-click on the most relevant result to run it as an administrator.
2. Now type or paste in the following commands one by one and press Enter after each: net stop wuauserv net stop bits net stop cryptsvc c:windowsSoftwareDistribution c:windowsSoftwareDistribution.OLD net start cryptsvc net start bits net start wuauserv

Why is it important to keep my OS up to date?

The installation of monthly system updates is not something that system administrators look forward to, but they are essential and extremely critical in our current technological environment.

The vast bulk of the monthly improvements is dedicated to security measures. Security vulnerabilities are the most dangerous form of a problem to have since they have the potential to be exploited by cybercriminals.

Other Windows updates are intended to correct flaws and issues that have developed in the operating system. Even though these apps are not directly responsible for security vulnerabilities, the stability of your operating system may be jeopardized.

Finally, but certainly not least, Windows updates can introduce whole new capabilities while also addressing previously known issues. The best examples of this are IIS and Internet Explorer, both of which are available for free.

Security vulnerabilities, defects, incompatibilities, and out-of-date software components can all be found in the code that makes up the Windows operating system’s source code. Briefly stated, we are all aware that Windows is not without its shortcomings.

On a regular basis, new security vulnerabilities in various components of the Windows operating system, including the basic platform, are identified. If you do not utilize the corresponding program, you run the risk of failing to update it due to the fact that it is already installed on your computer.

If the above solutions didn’t fix your problem so far, we suggest you read our post on how to fix Windows 11 installation issues to find more potential methods to tackle the issue at hand.

Alternatively, users benefitted from taking a look at the five best antiviruses that are compatible with Windows 11, in order to secure your computer from unwanted attacks. Make sure to check it out!

And finally, you might want to check how to easily install Windows 11 or update from Windows 10, in case you want to perform a full OS reinstallation.

Let us know in the comments section below which solution worked best for you as well as how often you update your OS to stay up to date!