Many users have recently encountered the 0x80070003 error while trying to update their Windows devices. This error typically occurs when the Windows Update tool fails to download or install updates, prompting users to retry. If you’re dealing with limited internet bandwidth, this issue can consume data and be quite frustrating.
If you’re unable to update your PC because of error 0x80070003, here’s what you can do to resolve it:
1. Run the Update Troubleshooter
Windows 10 includes an Update Troubleshooter that can automatically resolve common update-related issues. Follow these steps to run it:
1. Open Windows Search and type Control Panel. Launch the Control Panel.
2. Go to System and Security and click on Fix Problems with Windows Updates.
3. Select Apply repairs automatically and click Run as Administrator.
4. Click Next to start the troubleshooter.
The tool will identify and attempt to resolve any issues with the Windows Update system.
2. Temporarily Disable Windows Security
Some users have resolved error 0x80070003 by temporarily disabling Windows Defender. While you can’t fully disable Windows Security, you can turn off certain features like real-time protection. Here’s how:
1. Open Windows Search and type Windows Security. Launch the Windows Security app.
2. Click on Virus & Threat Protection.
3. Under Manage Settings, turn off the following options:
– Real-time Protection
– Cloud-delivered Protection
– Automatic Sample Submission
– Tamper Protection
After disabling these, try running Windows Update again.
Read More: How to Enable Spam Blocker on Android
3. Run SFC and DISM Commands
Corrupted system files may also cause the 0x80070003 error. Running the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) commands can help fix these issues.
1. Open Windows Search and type Command Prompt. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
3. If the SFC tool finds and repairs any errors, you should reboot your system. If not, run the DISM command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Both commands will scan and repair corrupted system files.
4. Restart Windows Update Components
If your system is struggling to install a specific update, restarting the Windows Update components may resolve the issue. Here’s how:
1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
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 this, restart Windows Update and check for updates again.
5. Install Windows Updates Manually
If none of the above methods work, you can manually download and install the update:
1. Identify the update version that’s failing to install.
2. Visit the [Microsoft Update Catalog](https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx), search for the update, and download it.
3. Once downloaded, install the update manually and restart your computer.
For more details, refer to our guide on how to manually install Windows updates.
6. Ensure the Correct Time & Date Settings
Incorrect time and date settings can also cause update errors. Here’s how to make sure these are correct:
1. Open Settings and go to Time & Language.
2. In the Date & time section, turn on the toggle for Set time automatically.
3. Set the correct time zone for your location.
These are the best and simplest methods to fix Windows Update error 0x80070003. Follow these steps to resolve the issue and keep your system updated. Learn More
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