Windows Update error 0x800f0922 blocks security patches and puts your systems at risk. Here's how to fix it.

Error Message: Error 0x800f0922 - CBS_E_INSTALLERS_FAILED
Detailed Message: Package failed to be changed to the Installed state. Status: 0x800f0922

This error affects Windows 10, 11, and Server versions. Reports peaked in November 2025, especially for Windows 10 ESU (Extended Security Updates) subscribers. Common causes include corrupted update files, low space on the system-reserved partition, missing ESU licenses, or connection problems with Microsoft servers.

Check Which Version You Have

For Windows 10 ESU systems where update KB5068781 fails, check if you need a preparation package.

Check for ESU Issues

Open PowerShell as Administrator and run:

Get-WmiObject -Class Win32_QuickFixEngineering | Where-Object {$_.HotFixID -eq 'KB5066791'} | Select-Object HotFixID

If KB5066791 (Oct 2025) is installed but KB5068781 fails, move to step 2.

Install the ESU Licensing Fix

Get the preparation package KB5072653.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Windows Update > Check for updates
  2. Find and install "ESU Licensing Preparation Package (KB5072653)"
  3. Restart, then try updating again

If that doesn't work, or your error isn't ESU-related, follow these repair steps.

Fix Error 0x800f0922: Step by Step

You'll need Administrator access for these steps.

Step 1: Repair System Files with DISM and SFC

These tools fix corrupted system files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Run DISM to check and repair Windows:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

The /RestoreHealth step takes 15-20 minutes. Let it finish.

  1. Run System File Checker next:
sfc /scannow

This takes 10-20 minutes.

Step 2: Reset Windows Update Components

Clear out bad update files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Run these commands in order:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
net start bits
net start wuauserv

Or just delete everything in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

Step 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Let Windows try to fix it automatically.

  1. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
  2. Find Windows Update and click Run
  3. Follow the prompts

Step 4: Manual Install from Microsoft Update Catalog

If automatic updates still fail, install them manually.

  1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog
  2. Search for your failing update (like KB5068781)
  3. Download the right .msu file for your system (x64)
  4. Install by double-clicking or use Command Prompt:
wusa.exe C:\path\to\update.msu /quiet /norestart

What Causes This Error

The Component-Based Servicing (CBS) engine fails when:

  • Files in the CBS manifest are damaged
  • ESU systems miss required packages
  • The system-reserved partition runs out of space
  • Network problems block access to Microsoft servers

When Nothing Else Works

Check %WinDir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log for specific errors. Look in Event Viewer for Windows Update Client events (ID 20).

Last resort: Use the Windows Media Creation Tool for an in-place upgrade. This reinstalls Windows but keeps your files and apps.

Need More Help?

See our guides on fixing printer errors or common Outlook failures. Find more PowerShell scripts and Windows fixes on our blog.

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