How to Fix Error 0x80073701 When Installing Windows 10 Update

Troubleshooting Error 0x80073701 When Installing Windows Updates

Error 0x80073701 can be a frustrating issue that prevents you from installing the latest Windows updates. In this guide, we’ll walk through the top solutions for resolving this common error code.

What Causes Error 0x80073701?

Error 0x80073701 indicates that certain system files are corrupted or missing on your PC. This prevents Windows Update from being able to successfully install new updates.

Some potential causes include:

• Corrupted system files due to a faulty hard drive or other system issues.
• The Windows Update service not running properly in the background.
• Insufficient storage space on your hard drive for the update installation.

How to Fix Error 0x80073701

Here are the most effective troubleshooting steps to take when error 0x80073701 pops up:

How do I force Windows 10 to install an update?

Restarting the Windows Update Service can force Windows 10 to install an update. Follow the steps below to get it done. 1. Type services in the Windows Search bar and select Services in the results. 2. Right-click Windows Update and select Restart.

How do I upgrade to Windows 10 November 2021 update?

To upgrade to Windows 10 November 2021 Update using the Update Assistant tool, use these steps: Open the Microsoft support website. Click the Update now button to save the tool on the laptop or desktop computer. Double-click the Windows10Upgrade file to launch the assistant. Click the Update Now button. Click the Next button.

1. Restart Your PC

The simplest initial step is to restart your computer and retry the update installation. This can resolve transient issues with system files and the Windows Update service.

2. Run SFC and DISM Scans

The in-built System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools can scan for and replace corrupted system files. To run them:

• Open an elevated Command Prompt window.
• Typesfc /scannowand hit Enter to run SFC.
• Once finished, runDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthto repair component store corruption.

This should replace any crucial OS files that are damaged or missing.

3. Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting the Windows Update components restores them to their default factory settings. You can download the Windows Update troubleshooter tool from Microsoft to automate this process.

Run the troubleshooter, select Advanced options, and choose the "Windows Update Reset" option. After resetting, restart your PC and check for updates again.

4. Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution folder contains temporary installation files used by Windows Update. If these get corrupted, it can prevent updates from installing correctly.

How do I troubleshoot Windows Update?

Open the Update & Security section and navigate to the Troubleshoot menu. First of all, click on the Windows Update troubleshooter option and follow the instructions which will appear on screen to see whether there is indeed something wrong with Windows Update services and processes.

Why is Windows 10 error 0x80073701 not working?

While the error 0x80073701 doesn’t cause any severe problem, it is being reported in the Windows Update section and marked as Update failed. If you face this issue, try these suggestions. Check logs and remove patches. Microsoft has released an update KB4497935 that resolves this issue on Windows 10.

To clear this folder:

• Open an elevated Command Prompt.
• Stop the Windows Update service and related services with the following commands:

net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver

• Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder and restart the services:

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

Now try checking for updates again normally.

5. Check for Hard Disk Errors

If your system drive has bad sectors or file system errors, Windows updates may fail to install. To scan for errors:

• Go to This PC > Right click on C: drive > Properties > Tools > Click "Check" under Error checking.
• Select "Scan drive" to scan for bad sectors and attempt to recover readable data.

This finds and remaps any disk errors so Windows Update can read files correctly again.

When to Contact Microsoft Support

If you still get error 0x80073701 after trying all of the above solutions, you should reach out to Microsoft Support for further troubleshooting assistance.

What is Windows Update error?

Windows Update Error is a warning alert from Microsoft stating that a file vital to the update process has been damaged or is missing. The message indicates that something is wrong with the installation of an update, which if left unattended could lead to serious computer problems.

What is Windows Update troubleshooter?

Windows Update troubleshooter is a tool that identifies and fixes any problems that prevent updates from being installed. It works by scanning the system for issues. Press the Win + I keys simultaneously to open Settings. Click System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters in the following window.

What is Windows Update error 0x80245006?

Windows Update error 0x80245006 is one such problem that you may encounter when trying to update Windows 10 or 11. If you are also experiencing this problem, this tutorial can help you fix it. What Causes Windows Update Error 0x80073701? 1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter 2. Run System File Checker 3. Use the DISM Tool 4.

They can help diagnose why your PC is unable to install updates, including checking for hardware problems, damaged system files, or issues with your Windows account.

Preventing Windows Update Errors

To help avoid problems with Windows Update in the future, follow these best practices:

• Keep your operating system, drivers, and software up to date.
• Don’t disable critical system services like Windows Update.
• Maintain at least 20-30% free space on your system drive.
• Use an antivirus/anti-malware program to detect and remove infections.
• Back up your system periodically as a precaution.

We hope this guide to fixing error code 0x80073701 has helped you get Windows Update working properly again. Let us know in the comments if you have any other tips for troubleshooting update issues!

References

1. https://www.makeuseof.com/windows-update-error-0x80073701/
2. https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/topic/when-trying-to-install-updates-from-windows-update-you-might-receive-updates-failed-there-were-problems-installing-some-updates-but-we-ll-try-again-later-with-errors-0x80073701-0x800f0988-e74b3505-f054-7f15-ec44-6ec0ab15f3e0

What is error code 0x800f0988?

You could also see error code 0x800f0988. Error 0x80073701 is ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING; it means there are some system files are missing, which caused the update installation failure. While the error 0x80073701 doesn’t cause any severe problem, it is being reported in the Windows Update section and marked as Update failed.

Why am I getting error code 0x80073701?

Other reasons can include other corrupt files, faulty or missing Windows Update components, and malware. If you’re trying to install the latest updates on your Windows 10/11 system and keep getting the error code 0x80073701, follow the below steps.

How do I update Windows 11?

In Windows 11, you decide when and how to get the latest updates to keep your device running smoothly and securely. To manage your options and see available updates, select Check for Windows updates. Or select Start > Settings > Windows Update . If you get an error when trying to update, see Fix Windows Update issues.