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0x800f0989: What is This Error Code & How to Fix it
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Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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With Windows 11 finally released, users have been trying to get their hands on the latest version. And the easiest way here is toupgrade to the latest iteration via Windows Update. However, many reported encountering the Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989.
The error, as expected, would prevent you from installing Windows 11 on your PC. This would put you in a pickle and force you to go with the other ways to upgrade.
But before you do that, do check out the following sections to understand the underlying causes, and the most effective fixes for Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989.
Why is the Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989 encountered?
You could get this error for several reasons, but since you are eligible for the upgrade via Windows Update, it shouldn’t have to do with your PC not meeting thesystem requirements for Windows 11.
The primary reason here is a minor bug with the OS that’s preventing you from installing the update, and a simple restart should eliminate that. Other than that, if the critical services responsible for downloading updates are not running, you are likely to encounter issues.
Also, problems with the Windows Update components can prevent you from installing the update and upgrading to Windows 11.
So, let’s now walk you through the solutions to fix Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989 and help you upgrade to the latest iteration.
How do I fix the Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989?
1. Restart the PC
A simple restart should fix the Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989, in case it’s a bug with the OS that causing the error. After restarting the computer, check if you are able to install Windows 11.
2. Remove non-critical external devices
In many instances, it was malfunctioning or an incompatible external device connected to the PC that caused the Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989. If that’s the case, you can try to identify and remove this device.
To do that, first, turn off the system, remove all non-critical devices, like the printer, speaker, headphones, and just keep the mouse, keyboard, and monitor connected. Now, check if you are able to install Windows 11.
If it works, reconnect the devices after upgrading to the latest iteration, andupdate the driversfor each of them.
3. Update Windows 10 and install all driver updates
If you don’t have the latest version of Windows 10 installed, there’s a chance that you might encounter the Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989 when trying to make the upgrade.
Also, make sure to install the available driver updates since this would eliminate issues with hardware malfunctioning or incompatibility.
To update the drivers, you can also use a reliable third-party app. We recommend using Outbyte Driver Updater, a dedicated tool that will automatically keep all the drivers updated and prevent such errors from occurring in the future.
⇒ Get Outbyte Driver Updater
4. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Microsoft offers several built-in troubleshooters to diagnose and eliminate issues with Windows and connected devices. In this case, the Windows Update troubleshooter could help resolve the Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989.
5. Perform the DISM and SFC scan
The SFC(System File Checker)scan and DISM(Deployment Image Servicing and Management)tool are very effective when it comes to eliminating corrupt system files or replacing the missing ones.
And these two are found to fix a lot of errors, apart from Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989.
Also, make sure to first run the DISM tool and then the SFC scan, since the former identifies and eliminates certain issues that might prevent the latter from doing the intended task.
6. Uninstall third-party antivirus
Certain third-party antiviruses are known to conflict with the functioning of the OS, and can cause the Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989. In this case, it’s best that you remove any third-party antivirus installed on the system, and then try to upgrade to the latest iteration.
In case this too doesn’t work, head to the final method.
7. Install Windows 11 using the installation assistant
If nothing else works, don’t lose hope! There’s always the option toinstall Windows 11 using the installation assistant. Though not as simple as the Windows Update method, this too would get the latest iteration installed on your PC.
Do remember todownload the PC Health Check appbeforehand, and verify if your system supports Windows 11, though that shouldn’t be an issue since you already got an update for it.
More so, you cancreate a bootable USB drive for Windows 11and upgrade using it. Besides, it might also come in handy if you have to repair critical issues that do not allow the OS to boot.
These are all the ways you can fix the Windows 11 install error – 0x800f0989. And once done with these, you can finally upgrade to the latest iteration, and enjoy a sleek-looking, better performing OS.
Also, read ourcomparison of Windows 10 and Windows 11, to better understand how the two differ and the new features that have been introduced in the latter. And in case youencounter the 0x800f0988 error while updating Windows, the same fixes should work.
Tell us which fix worked and your first experience of Windows 11, in the comments section below.
More about the topics:Windows 11,Windows Installation errors
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
