How to Fix DISM Failed Errors on Windows 10/11 Effectively 2024

DISM is a Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool is a command-line tool in Windows used for servicing and preparing Windows images. It’s commonly used for tasks like repairing the Windows image, adding or removing features, and preparing the system for updates. Also whenever the system file checker utility fails to restore missing corrupted system files we recommend run DISM restore health command. That helps repair the system image and enables the SFC utility to do its task. But sometimes users report DISM error 0x8000ffff, 0x800f0954, 0x800f081f: The Source File Couldn’t be Found

Error 0x800f081f, The source files could be found. Use the “Source” option to specify the location of the files that are required to restore the feature.

This error message clearly states DISM was unable to repair your Windows image because the files required to fix the Windows Image is missing from the source. If you are also struggling with a similar problem, here is how to get rid of DISM error 0x800f081f in Windows 10.

Fix DISM error 0x8000ffff Windows 10

There are various reasons you encounter a “DISM failed” error on Windows 10/11, Lack of Administrative Privileges, Antivirus or Security Software Interference, Outdated Windows Installation are common.

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Some DISM operations require administrative privileges. If you’re not running the command with administrator rights, it may fail.
If certain crucial system files are corrupted or missing, DISM may fail to perform its tasks.
Some DISM operations may require access to Windows Update or other online resources. If there are issues with your internet connection, it could lead to errors.
Sometimes, security software can interfere with system operations, including DISM. Temporarily disabling such software may help.
If there are problems with the physical disk or other hardware components, it can lead to DISM errors.
Running an outdated version of Windows may cause compatibility issues with DISM.

Disable Security (Third-party Antivirus) software

Third-party antivirus programs that you use on your PC is often responsible for various issues. In some cases, These programs can interfere with any critical operation. Then, You may get various error messages. So, When DISM failed error appears on your PC, you should disable any antivirus or security programs. If possible, Uninstall them temporarily. Then, Run the DISM command again. It may fix your problem.

Security software can sometimes block or interfere with system operations, including DISM.

Make sure you have a stable internet connection while running the DISM command.

In addition Sufficient free space on the system drive is crucial for DISM to operate effectively. If there isn’t enough space, the tool may not be able to write or manipulate files as needed for repairs.

Run DISM with Administrative Privileges

Administrative privileges are required to make system-level changes. Without them, DISM may not have the necessary permissions to perform its tasks. Ensure you’re running the DISM command with administrative rights. This allows the tool to make system-level changes.

Press the Windows key + S type cmd, Right-click on Command Prompt select “Run as administrator”
Now run the DISM command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Please note: Some DISM operations require access to online resources. Ensure you have a stable and active internet connection before running DISM. If the connection is unstable, consider troubleshooting your network.

Update windows 10

Running an outdated version of Windows may lead to compatibility issues with DISM. Updating Windows ensures that the system has the latest patches, updates, and components needed for DISM to function properly.

Press the Windows + I keyboard shortcut to open the settings app,
Click Update & security then Windows Update,
click on check for updates
let’s download and install the latest Windows updates if available,
Restart your system to apply the update,
Now run DISM restorehealth command and check if there is no more error.

Checking for windows updates

Clean up System Image Components

Refreshing the DISM tool and cleaning up the image components can help you to get rid of various problems.

Open the command prompt as administrator,
Then perform the commands below one by one.
These will refresh this tool and also clean the system image components.

dism.exe /image:C: /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions

dism /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

Now, Wait for a few minutes until it finishes the process.
Restart your computer and try to run the DISM command again. I hope, This time, You won’t get any error.
If the problem still bugs you, you also can try the following command.

Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup /ResetBase

Hopefully, This method will fix DISM fails error on your computer. If not, you can try some other additional solutions.

Specify the correct location of Install.wim file

When DISM says it can’t find the source file, you will have to specify the correct location of install.wim file. In this case, You will need a bootable Windows 10 disk/flash drive or at least the Windows 10 ISO file. Then, follow the instructions below.

At first, Insert the bootable Windows media in your PC. If you have an ISO file, right-click on it and choose Mount. It will create an additional drive containing Windows installation files that you can find in this PC. Just, Remember the drive letter.
Then, open the command prompt as administrator, type the following command and hit enter.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:X:\Sources\Install.wim:1 /LimitAccess

Note: Replace X: with the drive letter of your Windows bootable disk.

Wait for a few minutes to complete the operation. I hope it will fix DISM errors 0x8000ffff, 0x800f0954, 0x800f081f: The Source File Couldn’t be Found.

Copy Install.wim

If the above solution fails, You will just need to copy the install.wim file from Windows bootable media to the local disk C. To do it, Follow these things.

At first, Insert the installation disk into your PC or mount the ISO file like before. You will find this file in the sources folder.
Then, Locate and copy install.wim file and paste it in local disk C.
Now, Run the DISM command. Make sure to replace the source file location. For example, Use “DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /source:WIM:C:\Install.wim:1 /LimitAccess” in case, you have copied the file to local disk C.

Hopefully, This time, You will not get any DISM errors.

Uncheck install.wim Read-Only

Sometimes, Users may encounter problems with the DISM command just because the install.wim is set to read-only mode. In this case, They must change it to fix the problem. To do it –

Right-click on the install.wim file and go to properties,
Then, Uncheck the read-only and save the settings.
After that, Run the DISM command by specifying the source again.

Sometimes, system glitches can be resolved by simply restarting the computer. This clears temporary caches and resets various system processes, potentially resolving issues that were causing the DISM error.

Booting with minimal drivers and startup programs helps identify if third-party software is conflicting with DISM. Perform a clean boot can isolate the cause of the error and allow for targeted troubleshooting.

If all else fails, reaching out to Microsoft Support or community forums can provide specialized guidance and troubleshooting steps tailored to the specific nature of the DISM error.

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