What Is Windows Update Error 0x80070003?
Do you upgrade Windows 7 to Windows 10/11 or upgrade to the latest version of Windows? Then, you will probably get the error 0x80070003, which stops the update at 20-50%. Windows Update is supposed to provide security fixes and bug patches, but sometimes files get damaged or go missing, thus updates cannot install properly. This error may disrupt the system’s stability and some files are not accessible.
Error 0x80070003 occurs when Windows Update fails to install updates. It may also show a BITS service error. This issue often happens during Windows 10/11 updates (e.g., KB3200970). The update may download but fail to install, sometimes even restarting and uninstalling itself.
Causes of Error 0x80070003
This error may be based on one or more of the following reasons:
- Corrupted system files
- Windows Update services stuck
- Poor internet connection.
- Disabled or misconfigured service of Windows Update.
The main cause is corrupted or missing update files, often due to conflicts with other programs or system errors. Manual installation won’t fix it, as the files remain damaged. In this article on Outbyte we will give you a detailed guide how to fix the error.
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How to Fix Error 0x80070003
First, restart your Computer. This may refresh the system and sort out some update issues. Close all programs, restart, and try updating again.
Also, check your Internet connection: a stable internet connection is important for Windows Update. If you’re on Wi-Fi, switch to a wired connection or reset your router.
Step 1. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can diagnose and fix update problems automatically.
- Press Windows + R, type
msdt.exe /id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic, and press Enter. - Follow the instructions to let the troubleshooter work.
Check to see if the Windows Update troubleshooter was able to resolve the problem. If that doesn’t work, move on to the next step listed below.
Step 2. Restart Windows Update Services
If the troubleshooter doesn’t help, manually restart the services responsible for updates.
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc, and hit Enter. - Find Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Cryptographic Services.
- Set them to Automatic and make sure they are running.
To see if the problem persists, perform a Windows update.
Step 3. Reset Windows Update Folders
Corrupted update folders may also cause this error. Resetting them could solve the problem.
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Stop the update service:
net stop wuauserv. - Rename the update folder:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old. - Restart the update service:
net start wuauserv.
Restart your computer to determine whether the Windows Update problem 0x80070003 has been fixed. If the issue persists, try the next solution.
Step 4. Replace Spupdsvc.exe
If resetting folders didn’t work, try replacing the Spupdsvc.exe file.
- Open Command Prompt as an admin.
- Run this command:
cmd /c ren %systemroot%\System32\Spupdsvc.exe Spupdsvc.old. - Try updating Windows again.
Step 5. Run System File Checker
Corrupted system files can block updates. Use the System File Checker (SFC) to scan and repair your system.
- Open Command Prompt as an admin.
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter.
Step 6. Use the Windows Update Assistant
If none of the above worked, download the Windows Update Assistant from Microsoft’s website to manually update your system.
Step 7. Manually Install Failed Updates
You also can download and install the problematics updates manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go into Update & Security > View update history.
- Look into failed updates and install them manually.
Hopefully, with the aid of this article, you should have been able to fix the Windows Update error 0x80070003. If you have suggestions that work for the error, then do well to let us know in the comment section below.
There is also Outbyte PC Repair, for system repair and maintenance-they will help your computer run at a better performance and clean errors.
FAQs
What is error 0x80070003?
It’s an issue with Windows Update, often caused by missing or corrupted update files.
How can I fix error 0x80070003?
Restart your computer, run the troubleshooter, reset update services, or replace corrupt system files.
Why does Windows Update fail?
Common reasons include unstable internet, disabled services, or corrupted system files.
Is manually installing updates helpful?
Yes, if all else fails, manually installing the updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog might solve the problem.
