Error 0x80070003 occurs while updating Windows. This annoying error shows up when the Windows Update tool fails to download or install the update on your device. The full error message reads as:
Some update files are missing or have problems. We’ll try to download the update again later. Error code: (0x80070003)
Update errors are quite common to occur but luckily it’s solvable. But before discussing the solutions, we need to discuss the reasons that cause the above mention error.
Why I am getting Windows Update Error 0x80070003?
#. Windows Update Component Issues
Windows Update Components are one of the prominent reasons which trigger the above mention error.
#. Lack of Drive Space
You must have drive space for installing the update successfully, if you don’t have that you may face troubles while installing updates.
#. Corrupted System files
Corrupted / damaged system files are a major reason which leads to issues.
#. Registry Errors
Another big reason for facing such issues is corrupted Registry Errors.
These were some of the factors that lead to the current update error but as we mentioned earlier it is fixable. You can use the following methods to get rid of the error.
Try these Solutions for Windows Update Error 0x80070003
Method 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
In the very first method, you are suggested to run the Windows Update troubleshooter, to do so follow the below mention guidelines:
Step 1: Download Windows Update Troubleshooter > Once the file is downloaded, run it
Step 2: Select one of the available options and click on Next
Step 3: Wait for the process to finish > if the issues still there, repeat the process, but select a different troubleshooter
Method 2: Restart or Stop the Windows Update Service
You are most likely to get the above mention error if Windows Update service is not running. So you are suggested to start the Windows Update Services.
Here’s how:
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys to open Run utility box > In the prompted box, type in services.msc, and press Enter
Step 2: Now right-click on the Windows Update Service and select the Stop button
Step 3: Reboot your PC > Return to the Windows Update Service, right-click on it and select Start
Once done then see if the issue resolved or not.
Method 3: Disable the Windows Security for a while
Disabling the Windows Security is also an effective way to resolve the above mention error. In order to proceed with the method, use the following:
Step 1: Click on Windows Search and type Windows Security > then open the Windows Security app from the list of options.
Step 2: On Windows Security, click on the Virus & Threat Protection option
Step 3: On the Virus & Threat Protection screen, click the Manage Settings link
Step 4: Then disable the following option:
Real-time Protection
Cloud-delivered Protection
Automatic Sample Submission
Tamper Protection
After disabling the four options, run the Windows Update tool again.
Method 4: Perform the SFC and DISM Scan
Running SFC Scan may resolve the above mention error. This in-built utility tool is capable for scanning your system files thoroughly. To proceed with the method, use the following:
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys to open Run utility box > then type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter
Step 2: Click Yes in the UAC prompt > Now paste the following three commands one at a time and press Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3: Then, execute the following command to run the SFC Scan
sfc /scannow
Step 4: Once done, see if the issue resolved or not
Alternatively, you can use an automatic PC Repair Tool to deal with the system corruption. This professional tool will thoroughly scan your system files and registry. Besides, it will look after the performance issues of your PC in juts few clicks.
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Method 5: Ensure Time & Date are correct
Incorrect date & time settings may also trigger the above mention error, so make sure to correct it. Here’s how:
Step 1: Launch the Settings app on Windows
Step 2: When the Settings app opens, switch to the Time & Language
Step 3: Click Date & Time on the Time & Language section
Step 4: Then enable the toggle beside Set the time automatically
Step 5: You also need to set the correct time zone as per your location
Method 6: Restart Windows Update Components
In this method you are suggested to Restart the Windows Update Components, to do so use the following steps:
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt with administrative rights.
Step 2: Once the Command Prompt opens, 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
Step 3: Once done, reopen the Windows Update and see if the issue resolved or not
Method 7: Modify the Registry
Corrupted Registry files may also lead to the current update error. So you can try to edit the Registry, to proceed use the following:
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys to open Run utility box > then type in regedit in the text filed and press Enter.
Step 2: Click Yes in the UAC Prompt > Paste the following path in the address bar and press Enter key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WIMMount
Step 3: Now, double-click on the ImagePath entry on the right
Step 4: Ensure the Value data here has system32\drivers\wimmount.sys listed under > If it doesn’t make the changes and click on OK
Step 5: Then press Windows + E keys to open File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar and press Enter key
C:\Windows\System32\drivers\
Step 6: Verify you have the wimmount.sys file here
Step 7: Finally, Restart the PC
Method 8: Reset Windows Update Component
Resetting Windows Update Components is also an effective way to deal with the Windows Update Error 0x80070003.To do so use the following:
Step 1: Press Windows + R keys to open Run utility box > In the Run utility type in cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter key to open Command Prompt with admin privileges
Step 2: You need to click “Yes” when prompted by User Account Control > Once you are in the elevated Command Prompt, use the following commands to stop all Windows Update-related services:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Note: These Commands will effectively stop the Windows Update Service, MSI Installer, Cryptographic Services and BITS Services.
Step 3: After every relevant service has been stopped, you can clear and rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by using the following command prompts:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.oldren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.oldcopied to clipboard
Note: These two very important folders store updated files used by the WU Component. Renaming these folders will force your OS to create new healthy equivalents that will not be affected by corruption.
Step 4: Once the folders have been cleared, run the following commands to re-enable the services we disable earlier.
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
Step 5: Restart your PC then see if the issue resolved or not
Bottom Line!
Here we conclude the article! We have provided ample solutions to get past the Windows Update Error 0x80070003. Now it’s your turn to follow our guidelines. Thanks for Reading.
