Microsoft has been working hard to bring improvements to Windows over the past couple of years. However, one cannot deny that the operating system is still prone to errors. Some of these issues prevent users from performing their typical computing tasks. It can be frustrating if you encounter one of these error codes while you’re in the middle of completing your work.
In previous articles, we shared tips on how to get rid of some of these error codes. However, in this post, we are going to teach you how to resolve the error 0x800f081f on Windows 10. We will also share some of the possible reasons why this issue occurs. Once you know the root cause of the problem, you can prevent it from happening again.
What can be the Error Code 0x800f081f caused by?
In most cases, the error code 0x800f081f appears because of Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 incompatibilities. Users reported that the issue had occurred after they had enabled the .NET Framework through the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, installation wizard, or Windows PowerShell commands.
The error code 0x800f081f usually appears on Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows Server version 1709, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, and Windows Server 2012. It is worth noting that Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 is a ‘Feature on Demand’ on the operating systems we mentioned. That is why, the feature is not enabled by default.
Aside from the error code 0x800F081F, there are four other codes that show up due to the same underlying problem. These error codes are 0x800F0906, 0x800F0907, and 0x800F0922. So, if you happen to encounter one of these error codes, you can use the solutions we’ve listed below to get rid of the issue. We’re not only teaching you how to resolve the error 0x800f081f on Windows 10, we’re also helping you fix three other error codes!
Solution 1: Configuring your Group Policy
One of the methods for fixing the error code 800f081f is configuring your group policy. After all, some issues with it may affect your operating system’s ability to activate the installation. It is worth noting that the Group Policy Editor is natively available on Enterprise, Pro, and Education versions of Windows 10. So, if you have a different version of the OS, you won’t be able to see the feature. That said, you can still get rid of the error code by following the instructions in the next solution.
To begin, follow these steps:
- Launch the Run dialog box by pressing Windows Key+R on your keyboard.
- Now, type “gpedit.msc” (no quotes) inside the box, then click OK. Doing this should let you open the Group Policy Editor.
- Once the Group Policy Editor is up, go to the left-pane menu and navigate to this path:
Computer Configuration ->Administrative Templates ->System
- Go to the right panel, then scroll down until you find the ‘Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair’ entry.
- Double-click the entry, then go to the top left-hand corner to select the box beside Enabled.
- Click OK.
Solution 2: Using a DISM Command to Enable the .NET Framework
This solution best applies to the error code 0x800F0922, but it can also fix the error 0x800F081F. In this method, you need to run a DISM command in order to activate the .NET Framework. The process is not complicated as long as you follow the instructions to a tee.
Before you proceed with the steps, you need to get an ISO image of Windows 10. Keep in mind that the version you’ll acquire must match your current OS. You can use the Media Creation Tool to make an ISO image. You can download this tool from Microsoft’s site.
Once you’ve downloaded the Media Creation Tool, run it, then click the ‘Create installation media for another PC’ option. A new screen will open, and you need to select your language and system architecture. Choose ISO file to commence the creation process. Save the ISO file on a USB flash drive or burn it onto a DVD. Once you’ve done that, you can begin to resolve the error code, using these steps:
- Insert the DVD or plug the USB flash drive with the ISO file to your computer.
- Double-click the ISO file to mount it automatically. You can also mount the file by right-clicking it and selecting Mount from the options. Take a look at the left-hand panel of the window. You should be able to see the ISO in a virtual drive here if the process was successful. Take note of the letter of the drive. If you wish to unmount the image, right-click the virtual drive in This PC, then select Eject from the context menu.
- Once you’ve mounted the image, click the Search icon on your taskbar.
- Type “cmd” (no quotes) inside the search box.
- Right-click Command Prompt from the results, then choose Run as Administrator.
- Once Command Prompt is up, paste this text:
Dism /online /enable-feature /featurename:NetFx3 /All /Source:[Drive]:\sources\sxs /LimitAccess
Note: Remember to replace [Drive] with the letter you took note from Step 2.
- Press Enter to run the command.
Reinstalling Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
After following the instructions we shared, you can now proceed to installing .NET Framework 3.5 to see if the error code 0x800F081F is gone. To do that, follow the instructions below:
- Go to your taskbar and right-click the Windows icon.
- Select Settings from the options.
- Inside the Settings app, click Apps, then select Apps and Features.
- Scroll down until you find the Related Settings section. Click Programs and Features below it.
- Go to the left-pane menu, then click the ‘Turn Windows features on or off’ link.
- Look for the ‘.NET Framework 3.5 (includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0)’ entry and select the box beside it.
- Click OK to start the installation process.
If you are able to install Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 without any problem, then it means that you have eliminated the error code 0x800F081F. Many issues have been associated with this feature. Some people using the Windows 10 Technical Preview version reported that the file went missing, causing a host of issues in their system.
This is a legitimate problem that we have addressed in one of our blog posts. However, you need to be wary of malicious messages that tell you that the .Net Framework file went missing because of a harmful virus. In most cases, this is caused by adware that can trick you into calling a fake contact center. If you’re not careful, you might end up giving your credit card details and other sensitive information to scammers.
As such, we recommend protecting your computer, using a powerful security tool like Auslogics Anti-Malware. This reliable software program will clean your system and get rid of adware and other suspicious items. It even has a friendly interface which allows you to easily set up and run the scan.
Which error code would you like us to solve next?
Ask your questions in the comments section below!
