How to fix error 0x800F0923 on Windows 10

Security software, old drivers, and incompatible apps can always cause upgrade problems on Windows 10 — Here's how to fix this issue.

Windows 10 Creators Update

When trying to upgrade to a new version of Windows 10 (e.g., Creators Update), sometimes you may bump into error 0x800F0923.

0x800F0923 is a common error on Windows 10, and it indicates that a device driver or software installed on your computer isn’t compatible with the upgrade.

While it might be difficult to pinpoint exactly which driver or application is causing the problem, usually the issue is caused by a third-party antivirus, graphics card or an older hardware driver.

In this guide, you’ll learn the steps to fix error 0x800F0923 as you try to install a new version of Windows 10 using Windows Update.

How to fix Windows 10 error 0x800F0923

Windows Update Troubleshooter

Although there are many ways to fix this issue, you can use the Windows Update troubleshooter to quickly try resolve this error.

  1. Download and run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

  2. Select Windows Update and click Next.

    Reset Windows Update using the "Windows Update Troubleshooter"

  3. If prompted, click the Try troubleshooting as an administrator option. Re-select your option and click Next again.

  4. Let the troubleshooter fix the problem and click Close.

  5. Reopen the utility, but this time select Windows Networking Diagnostics, which should resolve any networking issues that prevents updates from downloading on your PC.

  6. Let the troubleshooter fix the Windows Update problem and click Close.

  7. Restart your computer to complete the process.

After the process completes, go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update, and try to update your system one more time.

Update device drivers

  1. Open Start.

  2. Search for Device Manager and click the result to launch the experience.

  3. Expand the categories and find the device causing the problem, such as Display Adapters.

  4. Right-click on your graphics card and click Update Driver.

    Device Manager
    Device Manager
  5. Click the Search automatically for updated driver software option.

    Device Manager automatic driver update
    Device Manager automatic driver update

If your device is unable to find new driver, check your computer manufacturer support website to download updated driver, and follow their instructions.

After completing the steps, go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update, and try to update your system one more time.

Disable security software

Although it’s not recommended to use your computer without an antivirus, usually, third-party solution (excluding the Windows Defender Antivirus) or other security software could cause the error 0x800F0923 as you try to install a new version of Windows 10.

To make sure your antivirus or another software won’t interfere with the upgrade process, you can temporarily uninstall the software, and then reinstall it after the installation.

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Click on System.

  3. Click on Apps & features.

    Note: If you’re running the Windows 10 Creators Update, the path is Settings > Apps > Apps & features.

    Apps settings on WIndows 10 (Creators Update)
    Apps settings on WIndows 10 (Creators Update)
  4. Select the app you want to remove, and click the Uninstall button.

Once you completed the steps, follow the on-screen directions to finish uninstalling the application, and repeat the steps for other security software you may have.

Media Creation Tool

As the last resort, you can use the Media Creation Tool to do an in-place upgrade or clean installation of the latest version of Windows 10.

To do an in-place upgrade using the Media Creation Tool, use these steps:

To do a clean installation of Windows 10 using the Media Creation Tool, use these steps:

Alternatively, if you’re running Windows 10 Pro or Windows 10 Home, you can also use the Update Assistant to upgrade to the latest version of the OS.

About the author

Mauro Huculak is a Windows How-To Expert who started Pureinfotech in 2010 as an independent online publication. He has also been a Windows Central contributor for nearly a decade. Mauro has over 14 years of experience writing comprehensive guides and creating professional videos about Windows and software, including Android and Linux. Before becoming a technology writer, he was an IT administrator for seven years. In total, Mauro has over 20 years of combined experience in technology. Throughout his career, he achieved different professional certifications from Microsoft (MSCA), Cisco (CCNP), VMware (VCP), and CompTIA (A+ and Network+), and he has been recognized as a Microsoft MVP for many years. You can follow him on X (Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn and About.me.