Fix DISM Error 0x800f081f The Source Files Could Not Be Found

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is a promising way to repair corrupted system images. Whenever a system file checker fails to restore missing system files, we recommend run DISM command dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth to repair the System image and enable SFC utility to do its job. However, sometimes you may encounter DISM error 0x800f081f: “The Source Files Could Not Be Found”. This error message indicates that Windows cannot find the required source files needed for the repair. It may also occur due to missing or corrupt Windows update files, incorrect configurations, or network connectivity problems. Whatever the reason, here we have most effective solutions to resolve DISM Error 0x800f081f and successfully repair your Windows 10/11 system.

How to fix the DISM Error 0x800f081f

This error message clearly indicates DISM was unable to repair your computer because the file required to repair or update your Windows Image is missing from the source.

• Missing Windows Update Files – Essential repair files may be missing or corrupt.
• Windows Component Store Corruption – The system image may be damaged, preventing repairs.
• Incorrect Group Policy Settings – Some policies restrict Windows from downloading required files.
• Network Connectivity Issues – If DISM is trying to access Windows Update but cannot connect, the repair will fail.
• Corrupt Windows Image – A damaged system image can prevent successful repairs.

Clean up system image components

Whenever you face this error the first thing we recommend to clean up image components.

To clean up the system image components:

• First open an elevated command prompt,
• then type the following command and hit Enter to execute the same.
• Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Once the process completed, Again run the dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth command and see if it works. If it does, great, otherwise follow the next option.

Run DISM with a Local Windows Image as the Source

If after the Perform startcomponent cleanup/ DISM Restorehealth command still receives an Error 0x800f081f or 0x800f0906, the source files could not be downloaded message. Then you have to set an alternative source file to fix and repair the system image.

• Download the official Windows 10/11 ISO file from Microsoft’s website.
• Mount the ISO by right-clicking it and selecting Mount.
• Identify the mounted drive letter (e.g., D:) in File Explorer.
• Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Press Win + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator).
• And finally run the following command, replacing D: with your actual mounted drive letter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\Sources\Install.wim /LimitAccess

• Wait for the process to complete and restart your computer.

This method ensures that DISM uses a valid local source instead of relying on Windows Update.

Enable .NET Framework 3.5 Using DISM

This error commonly occurs when attempting to install or repair .NET Framework 3.5.

• Insert a Windows installation USB or mount a Windows ISO.
• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type the following command, replacing D: with the Windows installation media drive letter:

DISM /Online /Enable-Feature /FeatureName:NetFx3 /All /LimitAccess /Source:D:\Sources\SxS

• Press Enter and wait for the installation to complete.

If your system lacks .NET Framework 3.5, this command will install it directly.

Configure an alternative Windows Repair Source

Note: This step is not applicable to Windows Home Basic Users. Because of the Group policy feature only available for Windows Pro, Enterprise Editions.

Also, You can configure the system to use an alternative repair source, via a Group Policy setting,

Press Windows + R type gpedit.msc and ok to open the Group Policy Editor.

Then navigate to the following setting:

Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System

Now in the right pane, double-click on Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair settings.

Select Enabled and enter the Alternate source file path. You may also choose:

• Never attempt to download payload from Windows Update
• Contact Windows Update directly to download repair content instead of Windows Server Update Service (WSUS).

Click Apply/OK and exit to close Group Policy Editor and restart Windows to take effect the changes.

Now again open admin command prompt and run dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth command. After successfully completing the DISM again, Run System File Checker Utility to check and repair missing, damaged system files.