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DISM can’t repair the Windows image if it can’t access suitable repair files. Windows Update is the default source when policy and network access allow it; otherwise, DISM needs a valid local or network source that contains files compatible with the installed Windows image. The message alone does not identify which source failed or establish a particular error code.
What the message means
When you run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, DISM needs repair content for the installed Windows image. Microsoft says Windows Update is the default repair source when permitted by policy. You can also provide another location with /Source; for an online image, adding /LimitAccess prevents DISM from using Windows Update as either the primary or backup source. See Microsoft’s repair-a-Windows-image guidance and repair-source configuration guidance.
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A source being available does not mean it contains the files your installation needs. A source can be at a lower servicing level than the target, lack relevant language components, or point to the wrong image. The exact cause depends on the command, Windows version, source, and DISM log details.
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- Record the full command and error. Note the complete DISM command, exact error code, Windows edition, version and language, and the source path or media used. Do not assume a code from someone else’s report applies to your PC.
- Check the image health. Open an elevated Command Prompt or Terminal and run
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth, thenDism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth. Microsoft says a repairable image can be repaired with/RestoreHealth; if DISM reports the image as non-repairable, its guidance is to discard that image and start again. See Microsoft’s image repair steps. - Inspect the logs if the result is unclear. Review
C:WindowsLogsDISMdism.logandC:WindowsLogsCBSCBS.logfor the failure time, package, and source details. These can help distinguish a missing or unsuitable source from other failures. A Microsoft Q&A report involving0x800f0915illustrates why the source path and image index matter, but it is an individual case, not a diagnosis for every PC: Microsoft Q&A.
Choose a repair source that matches the installation
Microsoft documents mounted Windows images, WIM files, and SxS folders on network shares or removable installation media as possible sources. The right form depends on the repair operation. A network-shared Windows installation is also documented for restoring optional features. Check the source configuration guidance before choosing a path.
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- Windows Update: Use this route if policy and network access permit it. If you include
/LimitAccess, DISM will not use Windows Update. - Mounted image or installation media: Verify that the path resolves to the intended Windows folder or source files. Having an ISO or USB available does not by itself establish that its contents match the target installation.
- WIM file: Specify the image index and use the
Wim:prefix, as Microsoft’s guidance requires. Confirm that the selected index contains the appropriate Windows image. - Source compatibility: Check that the source’s servicing level can provide the needed files and that relevant language components are present. Microsoft warns that repair may fail when the target OS is patched to a higher level than the source.
Retry with an explicit source when appropriate
If you have confirmed a compatible local source and want to prevent Windows Update from being used, Microsoft gives this syntax example:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:c:testmountwindows /LimitAccessReplace the example path with the actual Windows folder in your mounted source. The example demonstrates command syntax; it does not verify that a particular ISO, folder, or WIM index contains the required files for your installation. If you want DISM to use Windows Update, do not add /LimitAccess, and first confirm that policy and network access allow it.
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Run a separate system-file check
Microsoft also documents sfc /scannow as a quick check for an online image. Run it from an elevated Command Prompt or Terminal if you want to check protected system files. It is a separate check, not proof that every component-store issue has been repaired. See Microsoft’s repair guidance.
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