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Windows Update · scoped error record
0x800F081F

Windows Update error 0x800F081F: repair source missing

In Microsoft’s servicing guidance, 0x800F081F maps to CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING and calls for component-store repair or a valid matching source.

Applies to: Windows 11 Windows Update/servicing contextReviewed: 2026-09-17

What it means in this context

Microsoft documents 0x800F081F as CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING: the source for a required package or file could not be found. In Windows Update servicing, the standard branch is component-store repair first, then a valid repair source only if required.

Start here
  1. Confirm the code came from Windows Update or servicing.
  2. Record the update/feature that failed.
  3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter and retry once.
  4. If the same code returns, move to DISM component-store repair.
1

Run DISM RestoreHealth

Medium risk

Why: Microsoft’s current common-error guidance uses DISM RestoreHealth for 0x800F081F.

  1. Open an elevated Terminal or Command Prompt.
  2. Run DISM RestoreHealth.
  3. Wait for completion and record any new DISM error.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
2

Run SFC after DISM

Medium risk

Why: SFC verifies protected system files after the component repair stage.

  1. Run SFC in the elevated terminal.
  2. Restart Windows after it completes.
  3. Retry the failed update.
sfc /scannow
Scope boundary

When not to use this record

Do not use a random ISO or /Source path copied from another machine. The repair source must match the Windows installation being repaired.

If it persists

If DISM itself returns source-missing errors, verify edition/build and use Microsoft’s supported matching-source or repair-reinstall path.

Evidence

Reviewed source

Related authority records

Continue with the same failing system

These links share the same component or repair context; they are not generic keyword suggestions.

Error0x80070002 — Windows Update error 0x80070002: what it means and what to try first

Microsoft groups 0x80070002 among update install failures; preserve the context before using broader repair steps.

Error0x80073712 — Windows Update error 0x80073712: component store inconsistent

Microsoft maps 0x80073712 to ERROR_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT in the Windows servicing context.

Error0x800F0831 — Windows Update error 0x800F0831: CBS store corruption

Microsoft classifies 0x800F0831 as CBS_E_STORE_CORRUPTION and directs troubleshooting toward component-store repair.

GuideWindows 11 update not installing: troubleshoot from simple checks to repair tools

A conservative sequence for Windows Update failures before resetting update components.

GuideWindows Update component-store corruption: DISM and SFC repair path

Use this path for servicing errors such as 0x800F081F, 0x800F0831 and 0x80073712 when component-store repair is relevant.

Windows updateKB5120998 — August 27, 2026 Windows 11 preview update

An optional preview cumulative update that later appeared in release-health history for desktop-background and mouse-personalization regressions on affected systems.