How to Fix Error Code 0x800f0923: Windows Update Installation Failure on Windows Server 2012 R2

Follow these steps to fix error code 0x800f0923 when installing updates on Windows Server 2012 R2:

1. Install pending updates: Ensure all pending updates are installed before new ones. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and select Check for updates. Install any pending updates, then try the new updates again.
2. Disable antivirus temporarily: Antivirus software can sometimes block updates. Temporarily disable your antivirus and retry the update installation.
3. Use Windows Update troubleshooter: Windows Server 2012 R2 includes a troubleshooter for update issues. Navigate to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.
4. Reset Windows Update components: If troubleshooting fails, reset Windows Update components. Open an elevated command prompt and enter these commands:

    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver

After running these commands, retry the update installation.

5. Perform a clean boot: If the issue persists, perform a clean boot to eliminate software conflicts. Follow these steps:

a. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
b. Type msconfig and press Enter.
c. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
d. Check Hide all Microsoft services.
e. Click Disable all.
f. Go to the Startup tab.
g. Click Open Task Manager.
h. Disable all startup programs in Task Manager.
i. Close Task Manager and click OK in System Configuration.
j. Restart your computer and attempt the update installation again.