Error message when you install a .msu update package on a computer that is running Windows: "The Windows Modules Installer must be updated before you can install this package"

Symptoms

When you install a .msu update package on a computer that is running Windows, you may receive the following error message:

When you use a script to install the .msu update package, the installation fails. When this problem occurs, the Wusa.exe process returns error code 0x800f0823.

Cause

This problem occurs because the installation requires a new version of the Windows Modules Installer or the servicing stack.

Resolution

To resolve this problem, use Windows Update to update the Windows Modules Installer or the servicing stack. Or, download the updates that are listed in the following table from the Microsoft Download Center.

More Information

When you use Windows Update, the Windows Modules Installer or the servicing stack update is required. However, when you install a .msu update package, the Setup program does not connect to Windows Update to update the Windows Modules Installer or the servicing stack.