Fix Error 0x800F081F in Windows 8.1 (Historical)

Historical support note: Windows 8.1 reached end of support on January 10, 2023.

Error 0x800F081F means that the source files needed for an operation could not be found. It is commonly seen when Windows is enabling a feature such as .NET Framework 3.5 or when DISM cannot locate files required to repair the component store.

The original article attributed the error to drivers and hardware. Microsoft documentation instead points to a missing or unavailable repair source.

If the error appears while enabling .NET Framework 3.5

Use Windows installation media that matches the installed version and architecture. If the media is mounted as D:, for example:

DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /Source:D:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess

Replace D: with the actual media drive letter.

If DISM RestoreHealth reports 0x800F081F

Start with:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If RestoreHealth cannot find source files, provide a known-good repair source that matches the installed Windows image. Do not assume that updating a display or network driver will resolve this specific error code.

After DISM repairs the component store, run:

sfc /scannow

Why the repair source matters

A repair source from the wrong Windows version, edition, architecture, or update level might not contain the files the servicing stack expects. Use media intended for the installed Windows release.