What is Install Error 0x80070103?
This error sometimes pops up when you are installing driver updates or updating some updates associated with Windows. It usually does not fail your entire system; however, it restricts your system from getting updated successfully.
Why Does Error 0x80070103 Occur?
The motive behind this may be:
- The attempt to install a driver that is already installed
- Version mismatch between installed and available drivers.
- Faulty or incomplete updates.
Solutions to Fix Error 0x80070103
1. Feedback Through Feedback Hub
Report the error through Feedback Hub. This will go a long way in aiding Microsoft in long-term solutions and will encourage faster responses in case many users are affected.
2. Reset Windows Update Components
If the error persists, resetting the Windows Update components could resolve the problem. Here’s how:
- Open Windows Terminal as an admin.
- Enter the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
netsh winsock reset- Restart your computer after completing these steps.
3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Microsoft’s inbuilt troubleshooter can determine why this update has failed to download or install:
- Open Settings, then click Update & Security.
- From there, click on Troubleshoot, then run the Windows Update Troubleshooter to detect the issue, and further instructions on the screen.
4. Pause and then Resume Updates
This has worked for some users to temporarily stop the update process. You can do this by opening Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and clicking Pause updates for 7 days. After the pause, restart the updates and check to see if this clears the error.
5. Remove and Reinstall Specific Updates
If one or more updates are problematic and trigger the error code, it can be tried to remove and reinstall those updates using:
- Open Settings > Update & Security > View update history.
- Uninstall the problematic update and try reinstalling from the Windows Update Catalog.
- When the update finishes, manage drivers using Outbyte Driver Updater.
FAQs
What causes error 0x80070103?
It’s usually triggered by driver installation conflicts or corrupt Windows updates.
How do I reset Windows Update components?
You can reset them by stopping and restarting services like wuauserv and cryptSvc via Windows Terminal.
Should I report the error?
Yes, reporting it via the Feedback Hub helps Microsoft address the issue more quickly.
Is there a quick way to fix this error?
Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter or resetting the update components are usually effective methods.
