Windows 11 Update Error Installation -0x800700c1

John Quasar 20 Reputation points
2026-09-01T09:44:20.08+00:00

Hi,

I've been trying to update my PC for months now to no avail as I always get the 0x800700c1 error or 0x80070643, with the error 0x80070643 being for the "Security Update for Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Service Pack 1 Redistributable Package (KB2538243)". I've tried to update to the latest windows 10 22h2 and get 0x800700c1 every time since. I've also tried to reinstall windows 10 to try and fix it and when it gets to like 30 something percent it stops and a little window pops up that says the windows 10 installation failed. I've also just recently tried to do the same in-place upgrade to get windows 11 and it gets to a certain percent on installing and then says the same thing. The troubleshooters seem to spot no problems so I'm really lost on how to fix any of this.

Also just recently tried the dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and get "Error: 0x800f081f

The source files could not be found.

Use the "Source" option to specify the location of the files that are required to restore the feature. For more information on specifying a source location, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=243077.

The DISM log file can be found at C:\Windows\Logs\DISM\dism.log"

Nothing seems to be working as I've tried for months and months and get the same problems even when I try to install something like DirectPlay to play older games I get the 0x800700c1 error. I'm attaching an image and my dism log to see if I can hopefully get this problem fixed and not have to worry about windows updates or DirectPlay anymore as I want to play some old games and I'm out of options of what to do anymore.

dism.log

Screenshot (131)

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Install and upgrade
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Answer accepted by question author
Ramesh 180.6K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-09-01T09:54:58.21+00:00

Please run the following fix exact as mentioned:

  • Download SFCFix.exe by niemiro of Sysnative forums, and save this to your Desktop.
  • Download the file, SFCFix.zip, and save this to your Desktop. Ensure that this file is named SFCFix.zip - do not rename it.
  • On your Desktop, you should see two files: SFCFix.exe and SFCFix.zip. Drag the file SFCFix.zip onto the file SFCFix.exe and release it. See illustration image
  • When you see the prompt "Will you allow SFCFix to communicate with Sysnative servers?", type "n" for no. Press Enter to continue.
  • SFCFix will now process the script. It will take some time to complete. Upload the output file SFCFix.txt to your OneDrive.
  • Restart Windows and try running the following command:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

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  1. Ramesh 180.6K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-09-01T09:48:41.1833333+00:00

    Hi John,

    Please upload the following log file in your next reply.

    C:\Windows\logs\cbs\cbs.log

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-01T09:44:45.82+00:00

    Since DISM /RestoreHealth failed with 0x800f081f and Windows feature installs, Windows updates, and in-place upgrades are all failing, the most supported next step is to repair the Windows image and system files, then retry Windows Update.

    1. Open an elevated Command Prompt:
      • Select Start
      • Type Command Prompt
      • Right-click Command Prompt
      • Select Run as administrator
    2. Run DISM again: 
         DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
      Expected result: a success message such as “The restore operation completed successfully” or “The operation completed successfully.”
    3. If DISM cannot get files from Windows Update, use a repair source instead. The documented option is: 
         DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:\\<servername>\c$\windows /LimitAccess
      The repair source must be a working Windows installation running the same operating system version.
    4. After DISM completes successfully, run System File Checker: 
         sfc /scannow
      Wait for verification to reach 100%.
    5. Close Command Prompt and run Windows Update again.
    6. If updates still fail, reset the Windows Update components. This requires administrator permissions and command-line work: 
         net stop bits
   net stop wuauserv
   ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
   ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
   net start bits
   net start wuauserv
      Then restart the PC.
    7. Before retrying the upgrade, apply the common upgrade fixes that are specifically recommended:
      • Unplug nonessential external hardware such as USB drives, printers, scanners, speakers, and external hard drives.
      • If using a laptop dock, undock it.
      • Uninstall non-Microsoft antivirus temporarily.
      • Uninstall nonessential or outdated software that could block setup.
      • Make sure all important Windows updates and hardware driver updates are installed.
    8. Run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter:
      • Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
      • Find Windows Update and select Run
    9. Check free disk space before another feature update attempt. Windows requires at least:
      • 16 GB free for a 32-bit OS
      • 20 GB free for a 64-bit OS
    10. If the update or upgrade still fails after the repair steps above, try a clean restart into Windows to reduce software conflicts, then retry the update.
    11. If the problem continues after DISM/SFC, Windows Update reset, and the general upgrade fixes, contact Microsoft support.

    Important:

    • Avoid manually editing or deleting Windows Registry keys to force past restart or update problems. That is specifically warned against because it can cause later issues.
    • The command-line steps above require administrator permissions.
    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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