Microsoft has successfully addressed a significant issue that impacted Windows 11 24H2 systems, specifically those encountering update failures marked by the error code 0x800F081F. This problem arose after the installation of the KB5050094 January 2025 preview cumulative update and subsequent updates.
Details of the Issue
According to a service alert shared by BleepingComputer, the failure of cumulative updates was linked to missing language packs and feature payloads, a situation exacerbated by the Automatic Component Repair (ACR) and Manual Component Repair (MCR) cleanup processes. This led to the frustrating update failures experienced by users.
Microsoft first acknowledged this issue on October 15 and has since provided a remedy through the release of the KB5067036 October 2025 preview update. This update aims to rectify the underlying problems that caused the failures.
Temporary Workaround for IT Administrators
For IT administrators who are unable to install the latest optional updates immediately, Microsoft has outlined a temporary workaround. This involves performing an In-Place Upgrade using Windows installation media, which reinstalls the missing components while preserving personal files and applications.
Alternatively, administrators can execute an In-Place Upgrade through Windows Settings by following these steps:
- Open Windows Settings by clicking Start and then Settings.
- Navigate to System and select Recovery.
- Choose “Fix problems using Windows Update,” then click “Reinstall now.”
- Confirm the action by clicking OK.
- Windows Update will download and reinstall the current version of Windows while keeping your files, apps, and settings intact.
- After installation, click Restart now to complete the repair install. Your device may restart multiple times during this process.
Recent Update Challenges
Since the beginning of the year, Windows administrators have faced a series of challenges related to update installations. In April, Microsoft resolved a bug that hindered enterprises from installing the April 2025 security updates on Windows 11 22H2/23H2 systems via Windows Server Update Services (WSUS). Furthermore, in August, the company addressed a similar issue that caused the August 2025 Windows 11 24H2 cumulative update to fail with 0x80240069 errors when deployed through WSUS. Just days later, another known issue was rectified, which had been causing Windows updates to fail when installed from a network share using the Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA).
