Quick Summary
Error code 0x80070103 typically indicates that a driver update failed to install on your Windows system. This often occurs because the driver you are trying to install is either incompatible with your system or is older than the currently installed driver.
Common Causes
- Incompatible Driver: The driver being installed is not compatible with the operating system version (e.g., attempting to install a Windows 7 driver on Windows 10) or the system architecture (32-bit vs. 64-bit).
- Older Driver Version: Windows Update may be trying to install a driver version that is older than the currently installed driver. Windows usually prevents downgrading drivers unless specifically instructed.
- Corrupted Driver Files: The driver files downloaded by Windows Update or manually obtained may be corrupted, leading to installation failures.
- Existing Driver Issues: Conflicting or damaged existing driver installations can prevent new drivers from being installed correctly.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Hide the Problematic Update
Step 1: Download the 'Show or hide updates' troubleshooter package from Microsoft: http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/2/2/F22D5FDB-59CD-4275-8C95-1BE17BF70B21/wushowhide.diagcab
Step 2: Run the downloaded troubleshooter.
Step 3: Click 'Next' and let it detect problems.
Step 4: Select 'Hide updates'.
Step 5: Choose the driver update that is failing to install (the one causing the 0x80070103 error) and click 'Next'.
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to hide the update.
Step 7: Restart your computer.
Method 2: Manually Install the Driver
Step 1: Identify the device you are trying to update and find the correct driver on the manufacturer's website (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, AMD, Realtek). Ensure you download the driver specifically for your version of Windows (and architecture, e.g., 64-bit).
Step 2: Uninstall the existing driver. Open Device Manager (search for 'Device Manager' in the Start Menu). Find the device, right-click it, and select 'Uninstall device'. Check the box that says 'Delete the driver software for this device' if available, and click 'Uninstall'.
Step 3: Restart your computer.
Step 4: Install the downloaded driver. Locate the downloaded driver file (usually an .exe or .zip file). If it's a .zip file, extract its contents. Run the setup.exe file or follow the manufacturer's instructions for manual installation (often involving updating the driver through Device Manager by selecting 'Update driver' and browsing to the extracted driver files).
Method 3: Use System Restore
Step 1: Open the Start Menu and search for 'Create a restore point'.
Step 2: In the System Properties window, click the 'System Restore...' button.
Step 3: Select 'Choose a different restore point' and click 'Next'.
Step 4: Select a restore point from before the driver update issue started. If you don't see any restore points, make sure System Protection is enabled on your system drive (usually C:). You can enable it in the System Properties window under the 'System Protection' tab.
Step 5: Click 'Next' and then 'Finish' to start the system restore process. This will revert your system to the selected restore point, potentially resolving the driver issue.
Warning: System Restore will remove programs and updates installed after the chosen restore point. Back up any important data.
Method 4: Run System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for 'cmd' in the Start Menu, right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
Step 2: Type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter.
Step 3: Let the scan complete. This process may take some time. It will attempt to repair any corrupted system files.
Step 4: Restart your computer after the scan is finished.