Many users have reported 0x800f0831 Windows 10 errors when you use Windows update services. When you face this error, you cannot install any cumulative, security, or other essential updates on your PC. This error occurs when you install a particular update KB5012599 in your Windows 10/11. Usually, this error is triggered by a corrupt Windows Store cache and disabled Windows update service, antivirus program, or damaged update files. If you are also facing the same update error on your Windows 10 PC, the troubleshooting methods in this article will help you attain 0x800f0831 21h1 fix. So, continue reading!

How to Fix 0x800f0831 Windows 10 Update Error

There are a few reasons that contribute to the discussed error code in your Windows 10 PC. They are listed below.

• Windows version does not support upgrading the computer.
• Plugged-in external USB devices are incompatible.
• Few essential services are not running.
• Antivirus and Malware are preventing the update.
• Not enough space for a computer to install new updates.
• Corrupt data, inadequate internet supply.
• Outdated BIOS and very old computer.
• Corrupt Windows registry and Windows File System.

Now, you know the reasons that cause the discussed error. Follow the below-mentioned troubleshooting methods to fix the same.

Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Methods

Following are the basic methods to fix the issue.

1A. Repair System Files

If your system has any corrupt files, you must repair them first before installing any updates. System File Checker (SFC command) scans and fixes any corrupt files in your computer. Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) repairs Windows OS errors with a powerful command line. To resolve update error 0x800f0831 Windows 10, you are advised to run SFC/DISM utilities on your Windows 10 computer as instructed in our guide How to Repair System Files on Windows 10.

Once you have completed the scanning process, check if you can install the latest updates.

1B. Disable Antivirus Temporarily (If Applicable)

The antivirus suite may sometimes prevent any new latest updates from being installed on your PC. Many compatibility issues are identified by several Windows users they are difficult to fix. Antivirus software like Norton and Avast may prevent any latest Windows update and you are advised to disable any inbuilt or third-party antivirus software temporarily to resolve the same. Read our guide on How to Disable Antivirus Temporarily on Windows 10 and follow the instructions to disable your Antivirus program temporarily on your PC.

After fixing 0x800f0831 error on your Windows 10 PC, make sure to re-enable the antivirus program since a system without a security suite is always a threat.

1C. Use Google DNS

Some users have suggested that changing the DNS addresses has helped them 0x800f0831 fix in Windows 10 computers. Google DNS has 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4 IP addresses that are simple and easy to remember to establish a secure DNS connection between the client and the server.

Here is our simple guide on How to change DNS settings in Windows 10 that will help you change your DNS addresses on your computer. You can also switch to any Open DNS or Google DNS on your Windows 10 computer by following our guide on How to Switch to OpenDNS or Google DNS on Windows. Follow as instructed and check if you can install cumulative updates on your PC.

1D. Disable Proxy Server

Sometimes, with inappropriate network configurations on your Windows 10 computer, you will face 0x800f0831 Windows 10 20h2 error. If you have installed any VPN service or use proxy servers on your PC, read out How to Disable VPN and Proxy on Windows 10 and implement the steps as instructed in the article.

After disabling the VPN client and proxy servers, check if you have fixed the discussed error. Still, if you face the same problem, try connecting to a Mobile hotspot.

1E. Update BIOS

Several Windows 10 users around the world have reported that 0x800f0831 error vanished after updating BIOS. But in case, if you have the latest version of BIOS and still face the same error, you must reinstall BIOS. If all above methods fail to fix your problem, you are advised to update BIOS as instructed in our guide What is BIOS and how to update BIOS?

Once you have updated your BIOS, then you would have fixed update error 0x800f0831 Windows 10.

Method 2: Unplug External Devices

When you face an update error 0x800f0831 21h1 error in your Windows 10 computer, check if you have connected any external peripheral devices or USB devices. If so, you are advised to remove them to avoid any electromagnetic interference contributing to the error. Follow as instructed.

1. Firstly, unplug all external USB devices connected to your computer.

2. Then, disconnect the webcam devices, printer, and other peripherals and leave the most extremely necessary devices connected.

Check if you have fixed the 0x800f0831 error.

Also Read: Fix Windows Update Error 0x800704c7

Method 3: Set Proper Date & Time Settings

Incorrect date and time settings in your computer may contribute to 0x800f0831 Windows 10 21h1 error on Windows PC. To sync the date, region, and time settings in your Windows 10 computer, follow the below-listed instructions.

1. Press the Windows + I keys together to open Windows Settings.

2. Now, select Time & Language setting.

3. Next, in the Date & time tab, ensure the two values Set the time automatically and Set the time zone automatically options are toggled on.

4. Then, click on Sync now as highlighted above. Check if you can have attained 0x800f0831 fix.

Method 4: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

If there are any bugs and problems in your computer, you cannot update your Windows PC. Windows built-in troubleshooter helps you fix network connectivity issues, corrupt registry keys, and corrupt Windows components contributing to 0x800f0831 Windows 10 21h1 error can also be fixed by this tool. Follow the steps instructed in our guide How to Run Windows Update Troubleshooter.

Perform as demonstrated and thereby resolve the problems identified by the troubleshooter.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error 80072ee2

Method 5: Reset Windows Update Components

An effective way to fix 0x800f0831 Windows 10 21h1 is resetting Windows update components if no other options have helped you. All the Windows update files are stored on your computer and if it is corrupt or incompatible, you must face several frustrating problems. To fix the corrupt Windows Update components in your computer, follow our guide on How to Reset Windows Update Components on Windows 10.

This simple process involves running a set of commands in the command prompt so that all the essential Windows services are restarted on your Windows 10 PC. After executing all the commands, check if you can install Cumulative Updates.

Method 6: Restart Essential Windows Services

Some essential Windows services like Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer services must be enabled on your computer to avoid error code 0x800f0831 21h1. The Background Intelligent Transfer services use available bandwidth to install any latest updates so that your computer installs any update only if there is no other installation in progress. If these services are disabled in your system, you are more likely to face the discussed error. Hence, restart essential Windows services as instructed below.

1. Hit the Windows key, type Services, and click on Run as administrator.

2. Now, scroll down and double-click on Background Intelligent Transfer Service.

3. Now, select Startup type to Automatic, as depicted.

Note: If the Service status is Stopped, then click on the Start button. If the Service status is Running, click on Stop and Start it again.

4. Click on Apply > OK to save the changes. Check if you can attain 0x800f0831 21h1 fix.

5. Repeat all these steps for other Windows services like Cryptographic, MSI Installer, and Windows Update Services.

Also Read: 7 Ways to Fix iaStorA.sys BSOD Error on Windows 10

Method 7: Delete Software Distribution Folder

If you have ensured Windows Update services are running and still face update errors in Windows 10, then there is another simple workaround to fix update problems. Firstly, stop the Windows Update service and delete the Software Distribution folder in your File Explorer. Then again start Windows Update services. Follow as instructed below.

1. Launch the Services window as an administrator as you did in Method 4.

2. Now, scroll down the screen and right-click on Windows Update.

3A. If the Status is not set to Running, skip to Step 5.

3B. If the Status is Running, click on Stop as shown.

4. Wait for 2 to 3 seconds on the prompt screen, Windows is attempting to stop the following service on Local Computer…

5. Now, open File Explorer by clicking Windows + E keys simultaneously. Now, navigate to the following path.

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore

6. Now, select and right-click on all the files and folders and click on Delete option.

7. Similarly, navigate to the path, and Delete all the files and folders.

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

8. Again, switch to Services window and right-click on the Windows Update, and select the Start option.

9. Wait for 3 to 5 seconds in the prompt, Windows is attempting to start the following service on Local Computer…

Finally, you have restarted your Windows Update services thereby deleting the contents in the Software Distribution folder. Check if you can 0x800f0831 fix.

Method 8: Uninstall Recent Updates

Any previous incompatible updates in your Windows 10 PC might not allow new updates to be downloaded in it. Hence, you are advised to uninstall the recent updates that are being installed on your computer to 0x800f0831 fix. It is very easy to do the task and the steps are demonstrated as follows.

1. Hit the Windows key and type Control Panel, then click on Open.

2. Set View by > Category, then click on Uninstall a program option under the Programs menu as depicted.

3. Now, click on View installed updates in the left pane as shown.

4. Next, search and select the most recent update by referring to Installed On the date and clicking on Uninstall option as shown below.

5. Finally, confirm any prompt and restart your computer.

Check if you can fix the discussed update error on Windows 10.

Also Read: How to Delete Win Setup Files in Windows 10

Method 9: Extend System Partition

If there is insufficient space in the system partition, you cannot install any new updates on your Windows 10 PC. There are several other ways to increase the memory space of your computer, but they may not help you all the time. You must extend the system reserved partition to fix 0x800f0831 Windows 10 20h2 error. Although there are many third-party tools to increase the system reserved partition, we prefer manually doing it by following our guide How to Extend System Drive Partition (C:) in Windows 10.

Once you have extended your system partition, check if you have fixed the issue.

Method 10: Clear Storage Space

If your PC does not have any drive space to install any new applications from Microsoft Store, you will face the discussed error code. Hence, firstly check the drive space and clean the temporary files if necessary.

Step I: Check Drive Space

To check the drive space in your Windows 10 PC, follow the below-mentioned steps.

1. Press the Windows + E keys together to open File Explorer.

2. Now, click on This PC from the left screen.

3. Check the disk space under Devices and drivers as shown. If they are in red, consider clearing the temporary files.

Step II: Clear Temporary Files

If there is minimum available space in your computer contributing to update error 0x800f0831, follow our guide 10 Ways to Free Up Hard Disk Space on Windows that helps you clear all unnecessary files in your computer.

Finally, if you can attain 0x800f0831 fix.

Also Read: Fix Windows 10 Update Error 0x80072ee7

Method 11: Manually Install Updates

If all other solutions in this guide fail to work for you, still you can manually download the required update. The Windows 10 update history webpage has all history of updates released for your Windows computer. Follow the below-listed instructions to install the updates forcefully.

1. Hit the Windows + I keys simultaneously to open Settings in your system.

2. Now, click on Update & Security.

3. Now, select the View update history option as highlighted below.

4. In the list, make sure the KB number is pending to be downloaded due to conflicting errors.

5. Here, type the KB number in the Microsoft Update Catalog search bar.

6. Finally, click on Download corresponding to your latest update and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Method 12: Update via Media Creation Tool

If you cannot install the update manually, you can try installing it using the Media Creation Tool. This is the official download platform recommended by Microsoft to fix any update errors in your Windows 10 PC. Follow the below-mentioned steps to do the same.

1. Open any browser and launch the official download page of the Media Creation tool. 

2. Now, click on the Download tool now button under Create Windows 10 installation media.

3. Run the setup file and click on Yes in the User Account Control (UAC) prompt if any.

4. Now, click on Accept button in the Windows 10 Setup window as shown.

5. Wait for the scanning process to be complete and select the Upgrade this PC now option and then click on Next button.

6. Wait until the Windows ISO is downloaded to your PC and click on Accept.

Note: You have to wait until all the pending updates in your computer are installed on your PC so the Media Creation Tool can update your Operating System to the most recent version.

7. Finally, click on Install to complete the process.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update 0x80070057 Error

Method 13: Tweak Windows Registry

Next, you are advised to clean the Windows Registry path corresponding to the Windows update download path to fix the discussed error code. You must always be careful in handling the Windows registry, else you may end up losing your files. Follow the below-mentioned steps to tweak registry keys thereby fixing the discussed error.

1. Go to search menu and type Registry editor. Then, click on Run as administrator.

2. Now, go to the following path into the Registry Editor.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate

3. In the right pane, search for WUServer and WIStatusServer.

3A. If you cannot find them, you cannot remove the Windows update download path. Move ahead to the next troubleshooting method.

3B. If you can find the entries, right-click on them and click on Delete.

4. Finally, restart your computer and check if you have attained 0x800f0831 21h1 fix.

Method 14: Perform System Restore

If you are not satisfied with any of these methods, then the only option left is to restore your computer to its previous version. To do so, follow our guide on How to use System Restore on Windows 10 and implement the instructions as demonstrated. In the end, your computer will be restored to a previous state where it does not face any errors at all.

After restoring your Windows 10 PC, check if can attain 0x800f0831 21h1 fix.

Also Read: Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070017

Method 15: Reset PC

If your computer deals with severe corrupt Windows components, an efficient way to clean all these corrupt components and boot your data is to repair install PC as instructed in our guide How to Reset Windows 10 Without Losing Data. Follow as instructed in this article and at the end, you would have fixed the 0x800f0831 21h1 update error.

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We hope the guide was useful and you were able to attain Windows 10 Update error 0x800f0831 21h1 fix. Let us know what you want to learn about next. Feel free to reach out to us with your queries and suggestions via the comments section below.