- Troubleshooting Windows Update Issues – A Guide to Fixing Error Code 0x8007000d
- What Causes Error Code 0x8007000d?
- Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Use DISM and SFC Scans
- Reset Windows Update Components
- Perform an In-Place Upgrade
- When to Use Advanced Recovery
- Tips to Avoid Windows Update Issues
- Restore Your System to Full Health
- References
Troubleshooting Windows Update Issues – A Guide to Fixing Error Code 0x8007000d
As Windows users, we’ve all dealt with the dreaded Windows update at some point. You wait patiently as the update downloads and installs, expecting a smooth process. But then – error code 0x8007000d strikes, leaving you unable to complete the update no matter how many times you try.
We feel your pain. Windows update issues can be enormously frustrating. But don’t panic – with a few strategic troubleshooting techniques, you can get to the bottom of error 0x8007000d and get your Windows up to date. In this guide, we’ll walk through several methods to diagnose and resolve this common Windows update error.
What Causes Error Code 0x8007000d?
First, let’s quickly cover what causes 0x8007000d in the first place. This error most often occurs because of:
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Corrupted or incomplete downloaded update files. Windows can’t install updates if the downloads are incomplete or corrupted.
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Outdated or incompatible device drivers. Device drivers that are severely outdated or flat-out incompatible with a Windows Update can trigger error 0x8007000d.
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System file corruption. Damaged system files prevent updates from properly installing.
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Hardware failures. Faulty RAM or a failing hard drive can also interfere with updates.
So in summary, this error stems from file corruption issues that prevent Windows from smoothly installing updates. Now let’s move on to the most effective troubleshooting techniques.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Our first recommendation is to run the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter. This automated diagnostic tool specifically checks for problems with Windows Update and attempts to fix them.
To run it, open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter. Follow the on-screen prompts as the troubleshooter analyzes your system and deploys potential fixes. This can automatically repair issues like corrupted files that are triggering error code 0x8007000d.
Use DISM and SFC Scans
If the troubleshooter doesn’t pinpoint the problem, our next suggestion is to run DISM and SFC scans from an elevated Command Prompt. These system file checker utilities scan for corrupted operating system files and replace them using cached copies.
Follow these steps:
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Type Command Prompt in the Windows search bar. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
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Type the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth -
Once DISM completes, run SFC with this command:
sfc /scannow
Between the two scans, any corrupted system files causing error 0x8007000d should be repaired.
Reset Windows Update Components
Resetting the Windows Update components can also fix error 0x8007000d situations. This clears out any damaged files or faulty settings related to the update service.
To do this, open Command Prompt as admin again and enter these commands:
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 msiserverOnce finished, restart your PC and check for updates again. This should resolve any issues stemming from corrupted data in the SoftwareDistribution folders.
Perform an In-Place Upgrade
If you’ve tried everything above with no success, performing a repair install of Windows 11 can fix the problem. Also known as an in-place upgrade, this preserves your data and apps while reinstalling the operating system.
Follow the steps below:
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Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click Check for updates. Install any available updates.
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Download the Windows 11 installation assistant from Microsoft.
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Run the assistant and follow the prompts to upgrade Windows 11.
The repair install will replace any corrupted OS files while retaining your files and settings, potentially fixing error 0x8007000d in the process.
When to Use Advanced Recovery
In rare cases, error 0x8007000d may indicate an irreparable hardware problem like defective RAM, storage drive issues, or motherboard failure. If you’ve exhausted all other options, it may be time for a clean reinstall of Windows using recovery media.
Back up your data first, then boot into the Windows recovery environment and choose the full system reset option. This will fully reinstall Windows 11 to factory settings.
Tips to Avoid Windows Update Issues
To avoid update issues like 0x8007000d in the first place:
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Maintain your hardware – Replace faulty RAM and confirm your drives are healthy to prevent hardware-related problems.
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Don’t neglect updates – Frequently check for and install Windows updates to prevent incompatibility issues.
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Use reputable antivirus software – Quality antivirus tools help keep malware and spyware from corrupting system files.
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Clean install major Windows releases – Doing a clean OS install when moving to a new Windows version minimizes the chance of lingering issues.
Restore Your System to Full Health
While Windows update errors can be immensely annoying, know that there are always steps you can take to get your system up and running again. With the right troubleshooting techniques, error code 0x8007000d doesn’t stand a chance.
Let us know in the comments if you need help applying any of these solutions to your specific situation. We’ll do our best to get your Windows 11 updates rolling smoothly.
