Windows Update Error 0x800F0984 — CBS_E_INVALID_PACKAGE Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

Windows Update error 0x800F0984 means the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) engine determined that a downloaded update package is invalid or corrupt. Windows cannot install an update package it cannot verify. This is usually caused by a partially downloaded update file, a corrupted Windows component store, or a mismatch between the update and your Windows version. Clearing the update cache and repairing the component store typically fixes this.

Affected Models

Windows 10
Windows 11
Windows Server 2019
Windows Server 2022

Common Causes

The update package file was partially downloaded and is corrupted
The Windows component store (WinSxS) has inconsistencies that prevent update verification
The update is not compatible with this specific edition or build of Windows
A previous failed update attempt left the component store in an inconsistent state
Disk errors corrupted the downloaded update file before it could be installed

How to Fix It

Clear the Windows Update download cache. Open Administrator Command Prompt and run: net stop wuauserv — then: rd /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution — then: net start wuauserv — restart and check for updates again. Windows will re-download fresh copies of all pending updates.

Corrupted download files are the number one cause of this error. Re-downloading always produces a fresh, uncorrupted copy.
Run DISM to repair the component store. In Administrator Command Prompt: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth — if it reports corruption, then run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth — wait for the full process to complete.

RestoreHealth downloads replacement files from Microsoft's servers. This requires a working internet connection and may take 15-30 minutes.
Run SFC after DISM completes. In Administrator Command Prompt: sfc /scannow — restart after it finishes.

Running SFC after DISM (not before) ensures SFC uses the freshly repaired component store as its reference.
Run chkdsk to check for disk errors that might be corrupting downloaded files. In Administrator Command Prompt: chkdsk C: /f /r — type Y when prompted to schedule it on next restart, then restart.

Disk errors can silently corrupt downloaded files before Windows Update can verify them. chkdsk repairs these errors at the file system level.
If the specific update keeps failing, try downloading and installing it manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Go to catalog.update.microsoft.com, search for the update's KB number (shown in Windows Update history), and download it directly.

The KB number looks like 'KB1234567'. You can find it in Settings > Windows Update > View Update History.

When to Call a Professional

If DISM RestoreHealth fails to complete (it requires an internet connection or a Windows installation media source), a technician can supply the source files from a matching Windows ISO to complete the repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Windows component store?

The Windows component store is a large folder at C:\Windows\WinSxS that contains all the files needed for every Windows feature and update. When you install an update, Windows copies new files into the component store first, then applies them to the running system. If the component store has inconsistencies — like missing files or mismatched version records — the validation step fails and the update cannot proceed. DISM is the tool specifically designed to repair this store.

How long does DISM RestoreHealth take?

Typically 15 to 40 minutes, depending on how much needs to be repaired and your internet speed. DISM downloads replacement files from Windows Update servers during the repair, so internet connection speed affects the time. Do not interrupt the process once it starts — let it complete fully even if the percentage seems stuck. It is normal for DISM to appear frozen at certain percentages (like 20% for several minutes) before continuing.

What if DISM RestoreHealth itself fails?

If DISM cannot connect to Windows Update servers to download source files, you can point it to a local Windows installation media instead. Mount or insert a Windows installation ISO or DVD that matches your Windows version and run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\Sources\install.wim — replacing D: with the drive letter of your mounted Windows media. This provides the source files locally without needing internet access.