2025-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 11, version 25H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5070773) (26200.6901) won't download

Dan Burke 185

Having problems downloading 2025-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 11, version 25H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5070773) (26200.6901). It begins and then fails. Have tried for several days. Any thoughts on whether this could be my end, or server side. Error 0x800f0983. Other updates are installing ok.

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kumii 5 Reputation points

2025-10-22T03:08:58.44+00:00

same but i got 0x80070005 error
Dan Burke 185 Reputation points

2025-10-22T19:02:41.1233333+00:00

Thanks Kamil
Dan Burke 185 Reputation points

2025-10-22T19:03:18.3333333+00:00

My problem has been fully resolved. Thanks to all.
kumii 5 Reputation points

2025-10-22T21:37:27.12+00:00

what did u do
Dan Burke 185 Reputation points

2025-10-22T23:03:15.84+00:00

I tried the approach that Benjamin offered below:

Windows Update -> Advanced Options -> Recovery -> Fix problems using Windows Update, and click the "Reinstall Now" button.

This installed a repaired version of 25H2. Then, after a reboot, the cumulative update (KB5070773) (26200.6901) was then downloaded and installed successfully.

This worked for me.
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Answer accepted by question author

Benjamin Nelms 135

This worked for me:

Windows Update -> Advanced Options -> Recovery -> Fix problems using Windows Update, and click the "Reinstall Now" button.

This installed a repaired version of 25H2. Then, after a reboot, the cumulative update (KB5070773) (26200.6901) was then downloaded and installed successfully.

Dennis Kellerman 0 Reputation points

2025-10-22T12:42:33.71+00:00

This approach fixed the problem. Benjamin's steps are easy to follow too.
Dan Burke 185 Reputation points

2025-10-22T18:58:48.5066667+00:00

Hi Benjamin. Thanks. I tried and succeeded with this method. Much appreciated feedback. Dan
Kona54Primo 0 Reputation points

2025-10-22T19:07:05.67+00:00

Worked like a charm. You deserve a promotion and a day off. Thanks!
raY S 0 Reputation points

2025-10-22T20:14:03.3666667+00:00

What to do if the option says "this option is currently unavailable" and "Reinstall Now" option is grayed out.
Benjamin Nelms 135 Reputation points

2025-10-22T20:25:18.68+00:00

@raY S If the "Reinstall Now" button is disabled (grayed out), this could have several causes, the most likely of which are (1) you aren't logged in as an admin and/or don't have update permissions, or (2) you're currently running an update. There are some more specific reasons beyond those two that you can find with a quoted search "Fix Problems Using Windows Update" + "this option is currently unavailable"
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Answer accepted by question author

Restee Miranda 14,125 Independent Advisor

Hi Dan,

The error 0x800f0983 when installing KB5070773 is typically caused by corrupted update components or missing system files on your PC not a server-side issue. Other updates installing fine suggests the problem is local.

Here’s how you can fix it:

Fix for Windows Update Error 0x800f0983 (KB5070773)

Run System File and Image Repair

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:


sfc /scannow

Then:


DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands repair corrupted system files and restore update integrity.

Reset Windows Update Components

Run these commands one by one in Command Prompt (admin):


net stop bits

net stop wuauserv

net stop appidsvc

net stop cryptsvc

Then delete update cache:


del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*"

rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q

rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q

Restart services:


net start bits

net start wuauserv

net start appidsvc

net start cryptsvc

Try Installing the Update Manually

Download KB5070773 directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog 43dcd9a7-70db-4a1f-b0ae-981daa162054:

Search for KB5070773
Download the correct version for your system (x64)
Run the .msu file manually

Check Language Packs

Error 0x800f0983 can occur if language packs are misconfigured:

Go to Settings > Time & Language > Language & Region
Remove unused language packs
Reboot and retry the update

Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Go to:

Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update

Run it and follow any recommended fixes.

Create a New Local User Profile (Optional)

If the issue persists, create a new local user and try updating from that profile. This helps isolate profile-specific corruption.

Let me know what happens.

Regards,

Rez

Jeff Reddenbury 45 Reputation points

2025-10-21T19:37:38.4666667+00:00

I had a hard time updating Windows 11 Version 25H2 but after following the advice of Independent Advisors I was able to update to the latest version of Windows 11. I have no criticisms of Independent Advisors as they have been very helpful and these people have the toughest jobs. However I do have some criticisms of Microsoft.

I just wish that Microsoft would NOT keep on insisting that the problem is with our computers and corrupted files. While that may be true, what caused the corrupted files in the first place? I’ll tell you. A buggy update! That’s what has caused it!

Microsoft, stop blaming your valuable and precious customers for your own shortcomings. When there is a problem look into it and fix it instead of playing this childish blame game and blaming your customers that are helping you to solve the problem. Microsoft, for once start treating your customers with a measure of respect. When there is a problem stop blaming us. For once I want to hear Microsoft admit that there is a problem with one of their updates. Can Microsoft ever admit that their updates are buggy? Very seldom is the honest answer.

Microsoft laid off a significant number of employees in 2014 and 2015. Reports from former employees indicate this included nearly the entire Windows test team. The departed employees were part of a team that manually and automatically tested Windows updates. After the layoffs, Microsoft shifted to testing largely through virtual machines, which proved less effective at catching bugs that occurred on real-world hardware.

Maybe Microsoft shouldn’t have laid off so much of their workforce? Maybe you shouldn’t have reduced so many people in your quality assurance or QA department in recent years? Maybe people have some value after all?
Dinesh Kalawatia 20 Reputation points

2025-10-22T15:08:18.3333333+00:00

I have read your post and i have gone through same 0x800f0983 problem and figured out the solution i.e "Reinstall now" Windows option in System->Recovery in settings is the one and only one solution. Files and apps are not affected.

But problem is not with Microsoft update. check if you have kept "Get me up to date" option ON if yes, then kindly uncheck it. and yes adjust your "Active hours" to restart machine

1 additional answer

Dinesh Kalawatia 20 Reputation points

2025-10-23T04:16:03.64+00:00

"Reinstall now" Windows option in System->Recovery in settings is the one and only one solution. Files and apps are not affected.
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