At times, when you are doing an installation or updating Windows, this error: 0x800f081f can show up. This happens due to the incompatibilities caused by Microsoft.NET Framework 3.5. Usually, these incompatibilities occur when the users enable the .NET Framework. This is done using the Windows PowerShell Command, the Deployment Image Servicing, and Management tool, or the installation wizard. 

This error can be found only on the operating systems of Windows Server 2012, Windows 8, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows 8.1, Windows Server version 1709, Windows Server 2016, and Windows 10. On all these OS versions, the .NET Framework is a “Feature on Demand”. Hence, when the users turn it on, the updates of Windows tries to acquire the binaries of .NET and other important files. However, if you have not configured your computer properly, this error will show up because it cannot find the necessary files for the .NET.

Solutions for the Windows update error 0x800f081f

So, let us see the different methods that you can use to solve this 0x800f081f error.

Group Policy configuration

When you are installing an application, rather than a newly installed framework, it needs a .NET framework 3.5. This error 0x800f081f is faced when the earlier version is disabled and the path is not found. You can fix this problem by following these steps:-

  1. Press the R and the Windows key at the same time to open the dialog box of “Run”. 
  2. Now, in the Run box, you have to type in “gpedit.msc” and hit Enter”.    
  3. After that, you will enter the “Local group policy editor”. 
  4. In the Group Policy Editor, enter the folder of “Computer configurations” then the folder of “Administrative Templates” and then go to “System”. 
  5. Now, you have to select the “Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair” option and double-click on it. 
  6. A new window will open and here you have to enable the option and then select the option of “OK”.  

Doing this, the error 0x800f081f Windows update will hopefully be solved. However, if the problem is still there, you can move to the next solution. 

Use DISM command for enabling .NET framework

You can enable the .NET framework with the help of the DISM command. Follow the steps given below to use the DISM command and enable the .NET framework.

  1. Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges. 
  2. Type in the given command

Dism /online /enable-feature/featurename:NetFx3All/Source:<ISO>:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess

  1. Mention the path where the ISO is located, you have to mention the letter of the drive
  2. Install the ISO and the process will be initiated. 

Doing this, the error 0x800f081f will get solved and you will be able to install your updates and other applications as well. 

Reinstalling .NET Framework 3.5

You can also install a new version of .NET Framework 3.5 to solve this 0x800f081f error. You can follow these steps for installing the .NET Framework 3.5:-

  1. Go to the option of “Settings” and then select the option of “Apps”. After that, you have to click on the option of “Apps and Features”. Then, scroll down the list and click on the option of ‘Related Settings”. After that, select the option of “Programs and Features”. 
  2. Then, on the new window, you have to go to the upper left corner of the screen and select the option of “Turn Windows features on or off”.   
  3. Lastly, for the option of “.NET Framework 3.5” you have to check the checkbox located beside it. Then, click on “OK”. The installation will be completed within a few minutes. The speed will vary depending on your internet speed.  

After this process, the error of 0x800f081f Windows 10 update will most likely be solved. 

Disconnect all the USB devices

This error can sometimes happen due to the USB devices connected to your system. Hence, it is better to remove any connected USB devices from your computer. After doing this, check if the error 0x800f081f is still there. 

Using the Windows update troubleshooter

  1. Press the “Start” key and type “troubleshooting” in the search bar. 
  2. From the search result, you will be able to find the option of Troubleshooter. 
  3. After that, select the option of “System & Security”. Next, you have to go to the “Fix problems with Windows Update” option. This will help you to launch the “Windows update troubleshooter. 
  4. Then, select the option of “advanced”, and then check the box beside the option of “Apply repairs automatically”. After that, select the option of “Run as Administrator” and click the button of “Next”. 

Now, you have to follow the on-screen instruction to complete the process successfully. Check if the Windows update error 0x800f081f is solved or not. If not, you can move to the next solution.

Manually installing the Windows update

You can also download the updates manually from the “Microsoft Update Catalog History”. 

  1. You have to type the name of the update that you want in the Search box and hit Enter. 
  2. Now, from the list of results, you have to choose the update that you are looking for. 
  3. After that, press on the button of “Add” for the updates that you want to download. This will add all your selected updates in the basket. 
  4. When you have selected all the updates you need, you have to click on the option of “view basket”. 
  5. After double-checking the list to make sure that all the downloads that you require are there, you can now press the option of “Download”. If you see any prompts for a licence, you have to accept it.
  6. Then, you have to select the location where you want the updates to get downloaded. 
  7. Now, you have to start the download by clicking on “Continue”.
  8. Next, you have to close the window of “Download” after the downloading process is complete. 
  9. After that, go to the location where you have saved the updates and then you have to install each of them by double-clicking on the files. 

You have to follow the on-screen instructions for successfully installing the updates.       

Conclusion

I hope that the above solutions will help you fix the error 0x800f081f on Windows 10. These are very easy and effective methods that you can implement and you will not face any difficulty in installing an application or downloading an update.