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DISM error 0x800f081f means Windows could not find a required package or file source. It does not identify whether the problem is Windows Update access, a misconfigured repair source, missing payloads, or another servicing issue. On Windows Server 2022, check the image state, repair-source policy, and compatibility of any local or network source before retrying /RestoreHealth.
What error 0x800f081f means
Microsoft maps 0x800f081f to CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING: the source for a package or file was not found, and source resolution was unsuccessful. The code alone does not reveal which source failed or which component is affected. A Microsoft Q&A report confirms that the error has occurred while servicing Windows Server 2022, but it does not document a confirmed fix for that specific case.
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DISM repairs the Windows component store; /RestoreHealth needs access to suitable files. Windows Update is the default repair source when policy allows it. A configured policy can instead direct the operation to network locations, or make Windows Update available as a backup.
Check the image before choosing a repair source
Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell session and check the online image:
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DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth/ScanHealth scans for component-store corruption. /CheckHealth reports whether corruption has been detected and whether the image is repairable. If DISM reports the image is non-repairable, Microsoft’s guidance says to discard that image and start again; apply that direction to the image and operational context involved.
Retry RestoreHealth using the configured repair path
If the image is repairable, try the online repair:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthWithout an explicit /Source, DISM uses the configured or default repair source. If Windows Update is blocked or unavailable, or policy points to an inaccessible or unsuitable source, the command may not be able to retrieve the needed files.
Use a compatible local or network source
Microsoft documents several possible repair sources, including a mounted Windows image, a network-shared Windows installation, an SxS folder, and an indexed WIM. Do not assume that any Windows Server ISO or WIM is suitable. Check the installed server and the source for matching edition, release, architecture, language components, and servicing level. Microsoft warns that RTM media or a source behind the target’s cumulative-update level may lack files needed for repair.
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Check the WIM image index
List the images and indexes contained in the WIM before using it:
DISM /Get-WimInfo /WimFile:D:sourcesinstall.wimReplace the example path with the actual WIM location. Select the index that corresponds to the installed server edition; the index is not interchangeable across images.
Run the repair against the chosen source
Substitute the real path and verified index in this example:
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- CLIENT ACCESS LICENSES (CALs) are required for every User or Device accessing Windows Server Standard or Windows Server Datacenter
- WINDOWS SERVER 2022 CALs PROVIDE ACCESS to Windows Server 2019 or any previous version.
- A USER CLIENT ACCESS LICENSE (CAL) gives users with multiple devices the right to access services on Windows Server Standard and Datacenter editions.
- GENUINE WINDOWS SERVER SOFTWARE IS BRANDED BY MICROSOFT ONLY.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:WIM:D:sourcesinstall.wim:<index> /LimitAccessThe WIM: prefix and image index identify the image within the WIM. /LimitAccess prevents DISM from using Windows Update as a repair source for this operation, so include it when you intentionally want to restrict the repair to the specified source. If Windows Update should remain an option, omit /LimitAccess.
Check repair-source policy and connectivity
On a managed server, review the policy at Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair. Confirm whether the policy permits Windows Update, specifies preferred network repair locations, or allows Windows Update as a backup. Then verify the server can reach the source it is expected to use. Microsoft’s Windows repair-source guidance explains these options.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Run SFC and inspect logs if the repair still fails
After DISM completes a repair, run System File Checker and restart the server, as Microsoft recommends for this error class. If DISM still fails, preserve the logs and inspect entries around the failure time:
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%windir%LogsDISMdism.log%windir%LogsCBSCBS.log
Look for the package or payload named in the failure details. Do not infer the damaged component from 0x800f081f alone. Microsoft’s Windows image repair guidance describes the DISM checks, repair command, and source options.
What to record when escalating the issue
If the cause remains unclear, capture the details needed to distinguish a source mismatch from a policy, connectivity, or servicing problem:
- Server edition, OS build, and cumulative-update level.
- Repair-source type and location, plus the WIM index if applicable.
- The source’s edition, release, architecture, language components, and servicing level.
- Relevant repair-source policy and whether the server can access Windows Update or the configured network location.
- DISM and CBS log entries around the failure time.
Microsoft’s common Windows Update errors reference identifies the code and its source-resolution meaning. The reported Windows Server 2022 Q&A case corroborates the symptom but does not establish a universal cause or fix.
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