How to Fix Windows Update Error (Windows Update)
Quick Answer
The Windows Update Error 0x80070003 indicates that some update files are missing or corrupted, preventing the update process from completing. The fastest initial fix involves running the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter to automatically detect and resolve common issues.
What Causes This Error
- Corrupted or missing update files in the Windows Update cache.
- Issues with the Windows Update service or related background intelligent transfer service (BITS).
- System file corruption preventing update components from functioning correctly.
- Interference from third-party antivirus software or firewalls.
- Incorrect date and time settings on the system.
- Insufficient disk space for temporary update files.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Open the Start Menu and click on 'Settings' (the gear icon).
- Navigate to 'Update & Security' (or 'System' then 'Troubleshoot' on Windows 11).
- Select 'Troubleshoot' from the left-hand menu, then click 'Additional troubleshooters'.
- Locate 'Windows Update' and click 'Run the troubleshooter'.
- Follow the on-screen prompts and apply any recommended fixes. Restart your computer if prompted.
2Reset Windows Update Components to Fix Error 0x80070003
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for 'cmd' in the Start Menu, right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
- Stop the Windows Update services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: 'net stop wuauserv', 'net stop cryptSvc', 'net stop bits', 'net stop msiserver'.
- Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by typing: 'ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old' and 'ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old'. Press Enter after each.
- Restart the Windows Update services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: 'net start wuauserv', 'net start cryptSvc', 'net start bits', 'net start msiserver'.
- Close Command Prompt and attempt to run Windows Update again.
3Check System Date and Time Settings
- Right-click on the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen and select 'Adjust date/time'.
- Ensure 'Set time automatically' and 'Set time zone automatically' are both toggled 'On'.
- If they are already on, toggle them off, wait a few seconds, then toggle them back on to resync.
- Optionally, click 'Sync now' under 'Synchronize your clock' to force a synchronization.
- Close the Settings window and try running Windows Update.
4Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for 'cmd', right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
- Type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete, which may take some time. This will check for and repair corrupted system files.
- After SFC completes, type 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' and press Enter. This command uses Windows Update to provide files needed to fix corruptions.
- Wait for the DISM process to finish. It may appear to hang at 20% or 40% but will eventually complete.
- Once both scans are done, restart your computer and then attempt to run Windows Update.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Windows Update Error 0x80070003 mean?
Error 0x80070003 indicates that the Windows operating system encountered a problem accessing or processing some update files. This often points to corrupted files in the update cache or issues with the update services themselves.
Will resetting Windows Update components delete my personal files?
No, resetting Windows Update components (like renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder) will not delete your personal files or installed applications. It only clears the temporary update files and the update history, forcing Windows to redownload necessary update components.
Why is it important to check the system date and time for Windows Update errors?
Incorrect system date and time settings can interfere with secure connections to Microsoft's update servers. Digital certificates used for verifying updates rely on accurate time, and a mismatch can cause updates to fail due to perceived security issues.
Can third-party antivirus software cause Windows Update Error 0x80070003?
Yes, sometimes overly aggressive antivirus software or firewalls can interfere with the download or installation of Windows Update files, leading to errors like 0x80070003. Temporarily disabling them during the update process can help diagnose if they are the cause.