Windows Update failure [update past Version 1903 build 10.0.18362.86]

[rvail317]

There is some kind of system error that various repair attempts using the (latest v. 4.5.2) Tweaking.com Windows Repair utility is, at least not yet, capable of diagnosing and fixing.
As of June 13, 2019 the current Windows 10 64-bit is: [Version 1903 Build 10.0.18362.175].
However, another machine [Version 1903 build 10.0.18362.86] cannot further update due to KB4503293 installation Error:  0x800f0988
A search for "Error:  0x800f0988" found nothing useful.
Note: have already tried using the various repair functions of the Windows Repair utility, such as booting to Safe Mode, running sfc /scannow, chkdsk /f, and the numerous other repair functions within the utility.
Thanks in advance.

[Boggin]

Have you tried this cmd -

dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup

Then follow that with dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and try the update again.

I assume the sfc /scannow came back clean ?

[rvail317]

Thanks, but no: still having the exact same error notice after running those 2 DISM commands & also re-running sfc /scannow in Safe Mode, which completed to 100% & with no errors found. Also re-ran the complete set of standard repairs (free edition).
Is there maybe a log file that could help determine the problem?

[Boggin]

Event Viewer may have something recorded.

Reliability history will but it may not give much info.

[Boggin]

I wonder if a repair install could resolve - it downloads updates during the process.

This doesn't affect personal stuff or installed programs.

You need Win 10 install media which you can create after reading the instructions at https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows10

When that's done, open Windows/File explorer - This PC - insert the install media and double click on its drive.

This will start the process when using a DVD but will open to its files when using an USB where you would then double click on setup.exe Application.

This takes 3½ - 4hrs on mine.

[rvail317]

OK, thanks. In this case, your suggestion did work to solve the Windows Update error.
It would be great if the Tweaking.com - Windows Repair utility could be able to diagnose & rrepair such problems without requiring what amounts to a re-install of Windows, which sometimes does fail to work.

[Boggin]

It depends what is causing the Windows Update problem - it could be because of something installed on a computer such as an antivirus program or another program running in the background which could be ID'd by performing a clean boot.

Neither Windows Repair or a repair install could resolve that.

I think the myriad of Windows Update problems are even an enigma for MS but glad the repair install resolved in your case.