Quick Summary
The error code 0x80073701 in Windows usually indicates that some system files required by Windows Update are missing or corrupted. This prevents the update process from completing successfully.
Common Causes
- Corrupted System Files: Damaged or missing system files, often related to the Component Store, can prevent Windows Update from installing necessary components.
- Incomplete or Failed Previous Updates: If a previous update attempt failed and left behind incomplete files or corrupted data, it can interfere with subsequent updates.
- Third-Party Software Conflicts: Certain third-party applications, especially antivirus or system optimization tools, might interfere with the Windows Update process.
- Disk Errors: Errors on the hard drive can lead to file corruption and hinder the proper functioning of Windows Update.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Run the System File Checker (SFC) scan Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for 'cmd' in the Start Menu, right-click on 'Command Prompt' and select 'Run as administrator'.
Step 2: Type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. This process might take some time. Do not interrupt it.
Step 4: If SFC finds and repairs errors, restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.
Method 2: Use the DISM Tool Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator (as described in the SFC method).
Step 2: Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3: Wait for each command to complete. The 'RestoreHealth' command might take considerable time as it downloads replacement files from Windows Update.
Step 4: Restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.
Method 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open the Settings app. (Windows key + I)
Step 2: Go to 'Update & Security' -> 'Troubleshoot'.
Step 3: Click on 'Windows Update' under 'Get and running'.
Step 4: Click 'Run the troubleshooter' and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 5: Restart your computer after the troubleshooter completes and try running Windows Update again.
Method 4: Manually Reset Windows Update Components Show Steps ↓
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator (as described in the SFC method).
Step 2: Stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Windows Update service, Cryptographic service, and the MSI Installer service by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Step 3: Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
ren C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2 Catroot2.old
Step 4: Restart the BITS, Windows Update service, Cryptographic service, and the MSI Installer service. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Step 5: Restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.