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DISM-SOURCE-FILES-NOT-FOUND

Command Prompt DISM Error: The Source Files Could Not Be Found Applies to: Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 11

What it means

DISM couldn't reach Windows Update to download the repair files it needs, or a local source wasn't specified.

Also seen as: Error: 0x800f081f

Quick fix steps

  1. Check your internet connection — DISM needs to reach Windows Update by default to download replacement files.
  2. If you're on a metered connection, temporarily mark it as unmetered, since DISM downloads can be blocked on metered networks.
  3. Try running the command again after a few minutes, since this can also reflect a temporary issue reaching Microsoft's servers.
For the full step-by-step walkthrough, see DISM /RestoreHealth: Repairing Windows System Files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this mean I need to download Windows installation media?
Often yes, if your internet-based DISM repair keeps failing — pointing DISM at a Windows ISO or installation USB as an alternative source is the standard workaround.
Why would DISM not find files it needs from Windows Update?
This can happen due to network restrictions, a group policy on managed devices, or in some cases the specific files needed simply not being available through that channel for your exact Windows version.

Other error codes

CMD-NOT-RECOGNIZED — "is not recognized as an internal or external command"

Command Prompt can't find the program or command you typed, usually because of a typo, a missing space, or the program not being in a location Windows searches by default (its PATH).

CMD-ACCESS-DENIED — "Access is denied" in Command Prompt

The command you ran needs administrator privileges that the current Command Prompt window doesn't have.

CMD-PATH-NOT-FOUND — "The System Cannot Find the Path Specified"

The folder path in your command doesn't exist, or was typed incorrectly.

CMD-FILE-IN-USE — "The Process Cannot Access the File Because It Is Being Used by Another Process"

Another program currently has the file open or locked, preventing the command from modifying or deleting it.