Error: 0x800f0983, 0x800f0991, or Something did not go as planned Affects: Windows 11 24H2 and 25H2 (Dell PCs particularly affected) Time: 30-60 minutes

Quick Fix

Download the standalone installer from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install manually:

https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Search.aspx?q=KB5072033

Select the version matching your system (x64 for most PCs, ARM64 for Surface Pro X and similar devices).

Step-by-Step

Step 1: Check Current Build

Confirm which version of Windows 11 you are running:

winver

KB5072033 applies to:

  • Windows 11 24H2 (Build 26100.x)
  • Windows 11 25H2 (Build 26200.x)

Step 2: Clear Windows Update Cache

Stop the update services and clear cached files:

# Stop services
Stop-Service -Name wuauserv -Force
Stop-Service -Name cryptSvc -Force
Stop-Service -Name bits -Force
Stop-Service -Name msiserver -Force

# Rename cache folders
Rename-Item -Path "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution" -NewName "SoftwareDistribution.old" -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue
Rename-Item -Path "C:\Windows\System32\catroot2" -NewName "catroot2.old" -Force -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue

# Restart services
Start-Service -Name wuauserv
Start-Service -Name cryptSvc
Start-Service -Name bits
Start-Service -Name msiserver

Step 3: Run System File Checker

Repair any corrupted system files:

sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for both commands to complete. This may take 15-30 minutes.

Step 4: Download and Install Manually

  1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog link above
  2. Search for KB5072033
  3. Download the correct version for your architecture
  4. Run the .msu file as Administrator
  5. Restart when prompted

Step 5: Verify Installation

Get-HotFix -Id KB5072033
winver

The build number should now show 26100.7462 (24H2) or 26200.7462 (25H2).

Why This Happens

KB5072033 is a large update (over 4GB) that bundles AI components for Copilot+ PCs alongside security fixes. The installation failure can occur for several reasons:

Corrupted Component Store: Previous failed updates or incomplete installations can leave the Windows component store in an inconsistent state. Error 0x800f0983 specifically indicates the component store cannot process the update package.

Dell Hardware Compatibility: Multiple reports from Dell desktop and laptop users indicate higher failure rates with KB5072033. The Dell Pro Max 16250 and similar models have shown system freezes after installation. Dell users may need to update BIOS before installing the update.

Insufficient Storage: The update requires significant temporary storage space. Ensure at least 20GB of free space on your system drive.

Third-Party Software Conflicts: Antivirus software and VPN clients can interfere with the update process. Temporarily disable these before attempting installation.

Alternative Solutions

Option A: Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

# Launch the troubleshooter
msdt.exe /id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic

Follow the prompts and restart when complete.

Option B: In-Place Upgrade

If the update continues to fail, perform an in-place upgrade using the Windows 11 Installation Assistant:

  1. Download from microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
  2. Run the Installation Assistant
  3. Select "Upgrade this PC now"
  4. Keep files and apps when prompted

This reinstalls Windows 11 while preserving your data and usually resolves persistent update issues.

Option C: Wait for Known Issue Rollback

Microsoft has deployed Known Issue Rollback (KIR) for some KB5072033 problems. Enterprise users can apply the KIR Group Policy:

  1. Download the KIR policy from Microsoft's KB5072033 known issues page
  2. Install the .msi package
  3. Run gpupdate /force
  4. Restart the device

Home and Pro users receive the KIR automatically through Windows Update within 24-48 hours.

Known Issues After Installation

Even after successful installation, KB5072033 has some confirmed issues:

  • Password icon missing on lock screen: The icon is invisible but clicking its location still works
  • File Explorer white flash: Brief flash when opening new tabs or switching views
  • VPN connectivity issues: WSL mirrored networking may break with Cisco AnyConnect and OpenVPN
  • RemoteApp failures: Azure Virtual Desktop RemoteApp sessions may not start

Microsoft is tracking these issues and expects fixes in January 2026.

Tags: #windows-11 #error-fix #kb5072033 #december-2025 #installation-failed

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