Fix: Windows 10/11 Update Error Code 0x80070003
The Error code “0x80070003” is a common Windows error typically occurring when there is an issue with a file or folder on your computer. Error 0X80070003 is also known as the “Windows Update error” or the “Windows Store error”, as it often appears when attempting to update Windows or install an application from the Microsoft Store. The error message associated with this code usually reads: “Windows could not complete the installation. Install Windows on this computer, restart the installation.”
Causes of this Update Error Code 0x80070003
- Corrupted system files: Some system files on your computer have become corrupted, which can lead to Windows Update Error code 0x80070003. This may happen due to a malware infection or a failed software installation.
- Incorrect file permissions: If the file or folder causing the error has incorrect permissions, Windows may not be able to access it, resulting in the Update 10 error code 0x80070003.
- Windows Store error: Existing issues with the Windows Store, such as missing or corrupt application files, can result in the Update 10/11 error 0x80070003 when attempting to install applications from the store.
To fix this Error Code 0x80070003, here are several troubleshooting steps:
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
- The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool that can help identify and fix issues related to Windows updates. To run this tool:
- Press Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
- Click on “Update & Security”.
- Click on “Troubleshoot”.
- Click on “Additional troubleshooters”.
- Pick “Windows Update” and click “Run the troubleshooter”.
- The troubleshooter will scan your system for any issues related to Windows updates and attempt to fix them automatically.
Clear the Software Distribution Folder
The Software Distribution folder on a Windows computer is used to store temporary files required for installing Windows updates.
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type “services.msc” in the Run dialog box and click OK.
- Scroll down the list of services until you find “Windows Update” and “Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)”.
- Right-click on each of these services and select “Stop” to temporarily disable them.
- Close the Services window.
- Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
- Select all files and folders in the Software Distribution folder and delete them. You may be prompted to enter your administrator password or confirm that you want to delete the files.
- Return to the Services window and right-click on the Windows Update and BITS services again.
- Select “Start” to restart these services.
- Restart your system to ensure that changes take effect.
- After completing these steps, the Software Distribution folder will be cleared, and you should be able to download and install Windows updates without any issues.
Check File Permissions
Make sure that the file or folder causing the error has the correct permissions. You may need to take ownership of the file or folder and grant yourself full permissions.
Reset the Windows Update and Windows Store Components
This involves stopping the associated services, renaming certain folders, and restarting the services. This can help reset any issues with these components that may be causing the Windows Error 0x80070003.
- Press Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
- Type the following commands and press Enter after each one:
- 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
- Close the Command Prompt and restart your computer.
Check and Repair File System Errors
File system errors may occur and cause the Update 11 error code 0x80070003. To check and repair file system errors, follow these steps:
- Press Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
- Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
- Wait for the scan to complete and check if any errors are found and repaired.
Delete Temporary Files
Temporary files may raise this error code 0x80070003. To delete the temporary files:
- Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Type %temp% and press Enter.
- Select all the files and folders in the temp folder and delete them.
- Close the temp folder and restart your system.
Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software
Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can interfere with Windows updates and cause this error. Check if your antivirus software is causing the issue:
- View your antivirus application (e.g., McAfee, Norton, AVG).
- Tap on settings and go for real-time protection.
- Select “Turn off real-time protection” option.
- Point to the Antivirus firewall and select “Turn off Antivirus Firewall”.
How to Disable Windows Defender
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to “Virus & Threat Protection” in the Windows Security window.
- Click on “Manage settings” under Virus & Threat Protection.
- Switch off “Real-time protection”.
