Proven Fixes for Windows Update Error 0x80070643

It always shows up every time when a particular update is called for by the system, and that really irritates. Know its causes and learn how to find a way out of it so that your work goes easy and your PC keeps running without hiccups.

What Is the Windows 10/11 Update Error 0x80070643?

Basically, the Windows Update Error 0x80070643 is one of those common errors that always seem to appear on time for installation, especially for certain cumulative updates or updates concerning the .NET Framework. Alternatively, this means that if this happens, it fails to install itself into your system. That would leave your system either vulnerable or deprived from some kinds of performance improvements.

The code error usually comes with a message saying it has failed installing the updates that disturb the smooth running of your PC.

What Causes Windows 10/11 Update Error 0x80070643?

There are several causes of this error. Identifying them will be very important in the successful resolution of the problem.

• Corrupted or incomplete update files: Sometimes, the update files are either not downloaded or not installed properly, which leads to this type of error.
• Issues of the.NET Framework: Sometimes, its updates develop incompatibility or get corrupted.
• Interference by antivirus or security software: Sometimes, these tools may mark update processes as malignant.
• Faulty Windows Update service: Sometimes, an error like 0x80070643 is thrown when the update service is not working as expected.

Steps to Fix Install Error – 0x80070643

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, rebooting your computer alone solves many problems. Whenever you install a fresh update or application, Windows may require one to restart the system. However, one may ignore the instruction. Ignoring it may cause complications such as those log file errors.

Click on Start > Power > Restart and check if this is not the solution.

Step 2: Retry the Installation

Reinstalling it might succeed this time. This is worth a try before delving deep into advanced troubleshooting techniques.

Step 3: Re-download the Installation File

Error code 0x80070643 includes some update errors like (kb3122947) and (kb4023057), where the problem can be with a corrupt installation file. Sometimes, getting the file again can fix the problem.

Before you download it again:

• Have appropriate and smooth internet connectivity to avoid potential disruption.
• Delete the source file to prevent the reinstalling of the same faulty version.
• Following this procedure would speed up the process of fixing this, and further into troubleshooting, you will not need to go.

Step 4: Use the System File Checker

Sometimes corrupt system files conflict with the update process. Use SFC to scan and fix them.

• Press Windows + X and open Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
• Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow.
• Let the tool accomplish its scan and fix any results it may detect.

When done, restart your PC and try updating again.

Step 5: Reset Windows Update Components

If the error 0x80070643 is still appearing, then resetting the rest of the Windows Update components may be helpful. Apply the steps below:

Press Windows + R and open the Run dialog box. In the text field, type cmd and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to launch Command Prompt as administrator. Then, enter the subsequent commands one by one with an Enter after every single command:

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

Type exit and press the Enter key to close the Command Prompt. After that, install the update once again to check if the error has been resolved.

Step 6: Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder

Renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder is another solution which may work for error 0x80070643. This can be helpful if some updates registration has gone bad or in cases related to faulty .NET Framework.

Press the hotkey Windows + R to open the Run dialog box. WIN + S, type cmd, and once in the Command Prompt dialog, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. Command Prompt opens as administrator. Next: proceed with the following commands one by one by pressing Enter after each:  

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits  
rename c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak  
net start wuauserv  
net start bits

Once complete, try installing the update again.

Step 7: Clear the Catroot Folders

The Catroot and Catroot2 folders are essential for the Windows Update process. If error 0x80070643 appears, resetting the Catroot2 folder might resolve the issue. Follow these steps:

Press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog box. Type cmd, then Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run Command Prompt as an administrator. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter:

net stop cryptsvc  
md %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old  
xcopy %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old /s

Delete all contents in the catroot2 folder. Return to the Command Prompt and type: net start cryptsvc. Restart Windows Update, and the Catroot folder will reset automatically.

Step 8: Manually Install the Updates

Install it manually if the auto-updates do not work. To do so, 

• Open File Explorer from the Taskbar, then This PC.
• Right-click anywhere in the open window space and select Properties from the shortcut menu.
• Under System, see System type: whether it is 32-bit or 64-bit.
• Launch it and find the update that’s causing an issue for you, as it usually starts with KB, and copy the identifier of the update. 
• Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog, paste the identifier of the update in the search box, and download the right version-be it x86 for 32-bit or x64 for 64-bit. Manually download and install the update.

Step 9: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily

Third-party antivirus solutions may interfere with update processes. Turning them off temporarily can help get around this.

• Locate the icon of your antivirus in the system tray.
• Right-click and choose Disable or Pause Protection.
• Re-run the update procedure and then turn your antivirus back on.

Step 10: Repair or Reinstall the .NET Framework

It might also be a symptom of errors in the .NET Framework. Repair or its reinstalling can also repair the 0x80070643 error.

• Open the Control Panel and click the option that says Programs and Features.
• Click on “.NET Framework” entry, then click Repair if available otherwise click Uninstall.
• Go to Microsoft’s official website and download .NET Framework. Then, after downloading, reinstall it.

Make those changes and then reboot to see if that error goes away or does not.

Step 11: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows contains a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix problems with updates.

• Open Settings with Windows + I.
• Open Update & Security, then click on Troubleshoot on the left side.
• Select Additional Troubleshooters and then choose Windows Update.
• Click Run the Troubleshooter and follow the prompts.

The troubleshooter will scan for issues and attempt to fix them.

Step 12: Optimize Your PC for Stability

In the event the error persists, then optimization of your PC is one handy way to deal with the root cause of the problem. Running a trustworthy PC optimization software like Outbyte PC Repair will clean unnecessary files, repair registry errors, smoothening performance that may sort out update-related problems.

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