How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070003

The Error 0x80070003 appears only when the Windows Update tool fails to download or install the update on your device. If you have limited internet bandwidth, this error can drain all your data. Here’s how to fix this error.

1. Run the Update Troubleshooter

Windows provides an update troubleshooter that claims to resolve various problems and errors that prevent you from updating Windows. To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, click on Windows Search and type in Control Panel.

Open the Control Panel and select System and Security. On System and Security, click on the Fix Problems with Windows Updates link.

This will run the Windows Update troubleshooter. You need to check Apply repairs automatically and click on the Run as Administrator link. Once you’ve done this, click on Next.

The Windows Update Troubleshooter will run and attempt to update your device. If it finds any problem with the Windows Update tool, it will be fixed automatically.

2. Temporarily Disable the Windows Security

Many users have claimed to fix the error 0x80070003 by disabling Windows Defender. While you can’t fully turn off Windows Security, you can disable the firewall and real-time scanning options.

1. Open the Windows Security app from the Windows Search.

2. Click on Virus & Threat Protection.

3. Click the Manage Settings link.

4. Disable the following options:

• Real-time Protection
• Cloud-delivered Protection
• Automatic Sample Submission
• Tamper Protection

After disabling the four options, run the Windows Update tool again. This time, you won’t get Error 0x80070003.

3. Run the SFC and DISM commands

SFC and DISM commands scan and fix corrupted system installation files. The error during Windows update can appear due to system file corruption as well.

1. Click on Windows search and type Command Prompt. Next, right-click on the Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2. Paste sfc /scannow and press Enter.

3. The above command will run the System File Checker tool. This tool will scan and repair all corrupted system files.

4. If the SFC command returns an error, then execute the DISM command:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4. Restart the Windows Update Components

Since Windows cannot install a specific update, you can restart the update components. Restarting the Windows Update components is easy, so follow the steps below.

1. Open the Command Prompt with administrative rights.

2. Execute the commands one by one

• 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

3. Reopen the Windows Update and check for updates.

5. Install Windows Updates Manually

On Windows 10 and 11, you can download and install the Windows updates manually. If all other methods fail to resolve Windows Update Error 0x80070003, you could follow this approach.

You just need to know the updated version (build, version, etc.) that is failing to download and install on your device. If you know it, you need to head to the Microsoft Update Catalog website and download the update package.

Once downloaded, you can install it directly on your device and restart it. We have already shared a detailed guide on how to download & install Windows Updates manually. Make sure to check the guide to know the steps.

6. Make Sure the Time & Date are Correct

One of the most overlooked reasons for Windows Update errors is incorrect date and time settings. Here’s how to make sure they are correct.

1. Launch the Settings app.

2. Switch to Time & Language.

3. Click Date & time.

4. Enable the toggle beside Set the time automatically.

5. You also need to set the correct time zone as per your location.

Also read: Download & Install Intel Unison on Windows 11 PC

These are the best and simplest methods to fix Windows Update error 0x80070003. If you need more help fixing Error 0x80070003 on Windows, let us know in the comments.

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