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DISM error 0x800f081f means Windows could not find the package or file needed to complete the repair. It does not identify one unique cause. For an online Windows installation, first try DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth with the normal repair-source policy; if that fails, provide a compatible source with /Source. The source must match the target closely enough to contain the files it needs, and /LimitAccess prevents DISM from using Windows Update as a fallback.
What error 0x800f081f means
Microsoft classifies 0x800f081f as CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING: “source for package or file not found, ResolveSource() unsuccessful.” In other words, the servicing operation could not locate the payload it needed. That points to a source-resolution failure, not a specific diagnosis such as a particular damaged file or a broken Windows installation. Microsoft’s Windows Update error reference lists the code and its meaning.
DISM can use Windows Update or a configured repair location for an online image. If the required files are not available through the default policy, you can identify a repair source explicitly. Microsoft’s Windows image repair guidance documents the available source options and DISM health commands.
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Open Command Prompt or PowerShell as an administrator before running these commands. The sequence below applies to the currently running Windows installation; /Online refers to that image.
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Check whether Windows has already flagged image corruption:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthThis checks the image’s recorded health status. To perform a scan for component-store corruption, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth -
Attempt repair using the normal source policy:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthFor an online image, Windows Update can supply repair files if no explicit source overrides the configured policy. Group Policy can also affect the repair-source policy. Allow this command to finish before deciding whether a different source is needed.
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If the command reports 0x800f081f, choose a suitable repair source and specify it with
/Source. The examples below are templates: replace the paths with those that exist on your computer.For a mounted image whose Windows directory is at
C:MountWindows:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:MountWindowsTo prevent Windows Update from being used, add
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DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:MountWindows /LimitAccess -
When the source is an
install.wimfile, use the WIM prefix and the index for the intended image. For example:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:WIM:D:Sourcesinstall.wim:3 /LimitAccessDo not assume index
3is correct for your media. Verify the image contents and select the index that corresponds to the Windows image you intend to use. Microsoft documents the WIM path and index requirement in its repair-source instructions.Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
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After DISM completes successfully, run the System File Checker:
sfc /scannowMicrosoft recommends this scan-and-repair step as a quick check for system files and lists it after DISM in its troubleshooting guidance for this error. Restart Windows after it completes. See Microsoft’s System File Checker instructions and its error troubleshooting guidance.
Choose a source that matches the target Windows image
Microsoft documents several kinds of repair source: a mounted Windows image, a running Windows installation shared over a network, a side-by-side (SxS) folder on network or removable media, and a WIM file. The repair-source guidance explains these options. A Windows ISO or USB is not automatically suitable just because it contains Windows files.
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Version and updates: Use a source appropriate for the target’s Windows version. Microsoft warns that a target patched beyond its source may need updated files that the source does not contain, causing repair to fail. Its guidance recommends RTM media kept current with the latest cumulative update.
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WIM image selection: Check that the WIM index represents the intended Windows image. Index numbers can differ between media; a guessed index can select the wrong image.
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Network and removable sources: Confirm that the path is reachable and that you have permission to access it. For removable media, use its current drive letter. Microsoft’s server troubleshooting guidance also specifies that a network source computer should run the same operating-system version as the target: Fix Windows Update errors.
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Windows Update fallback: Omit
/LimitAccessif you want DISM to retain access to Windows Update under the configured policy. Include it when you deliberately want DISM to use only the explicit source and not contact Windows Update.
If your media contains install.esd rather than install.wim, do not paste the WIM command unchanged. The correct syntax depends on the media format and Windows version; confirm the supported method for your specific installation before modifying the command.
If the same error returns
Check the servicing logs instead of repeatedly changing source paths without evidence. Preserve the time of the failure and examine nearby entries in CBS.log; Microsoft points to this log for failed update and servicing diagnosis. DISM also writes servicing logs. See Microsoft’s servicing troubleshooting guidance and DISM command-line reference.
The appropriate source path depends on details such as Windows edition, architecture, language, version, build, update level, and whether you are repairing an online or offline image. If a suitable source still fails, use the log entries and version-specific Microsoft instructions to narrow down the issue rather than assuming the error has one universal fix.
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