There are 10 ways to fix Windows Update Error Code: 0x80070003.

Windows Update Error Code (0x80070003) prevents you downloading or installing the most recent updates. It is not always easy to determine the cause, particularly if this code appears obscure.

Not like many Windows updates error codes, you can fix error code 0x80070003 by fixing an issue with your computer. Updates should function as expected once you have resolved the root cause.

The Principal Causes of Error Code is 0x80070003

There are 4 main reasons why you might see the error while trying to update Windows:

• Since the software relies on files in the system to run properly, corrupted system files may be an issue. Corruptions in Windows Update cache are also possible. We’ll talk about this further below.
• Windows Update is complex. It relies on several Windows Services to function smoothly. An update may not be completed successfully if one of these services fails to function properly.
• Windows Registry configuration issues can occur, and these problems may be fixed by editing the Registry. Take care!
• Windows Update is composed of many subcomponents. It can cause problems when updating Windows if any of the components is missing or damaged.

Error Code: 0x80070003 Variations

Surprisingly, the code 0x80070003 is accompanied by several human-readable error messages. This suggests that it may be a group of related problems rather than one problem.

The most frequent error is “We can’t install the update (0x80070003)”. Restarting often fixes this problem.

The error “Windows failed installing the following update with error code 0x80070003” can be a bit more complicated and will likely require a restart of your operating system. This error is most commonly addressed by the solutions provided here.

Windows Update is not responsible for other errors that have the same code. The error code “Error: 0x80070003 system cannot locate the path specified” is usually caused by a damaged or disconnected drive. This article will focus only on Windows Update errors that have this error code.

1. Restart Windows

You should restart your PC to run the update. You might not have restarted your computer for a while. This could mean that some Windows services have been closed or frozen. Either the issue is resolved or the problem has become more serious, you should restart your computer.

2. Turn off Antivirus and Firewall Software from Third Parties

You might experience problems with Windows updates when you use these programs if your antivirus software is not included in Windows firewall software. This can be fixed by disabling them again and attempting to install the update.

3. The Windows Update Troubleshooter is available

Windows 10 and 11 both have specialized troubleshooters which can resolve Windows errors without the need for extensive manual work. The Windows Update Troubleshooter is your best choice in this instance. However, depending on the version of Windows, the exact location may differ.

Windows 10 users need to go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Get up and running, Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.

Windows 11 users need to go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Most frequent, Windows Update > Run.

Run the Troubleshooter and assuming it has changed anything, reboot your computer and check if there is an update problem.

4. Use the Update Assistant

You can also try this if the Troubleshooter doesn’t work on Windows 10 Windows 10 Update Assistance External programs can be used to enforce updates.

5. Remove The Software Distribution Folder

You can delete the temporary files that were generated during your update history if you have an issue:

1. Press Windows + + R Click here to access the Run dialog box.

2. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter To run it in administrator mode.
3. Enter net stop wuauserv in Command Prompt, and then press Enter.

4. Use File Explorer To delete the content of the directory below:

C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download

5. Press the Enter key to access Command Prompt: net start Wuauserv Enter.

You can try Windows Update again to determine if your problem has been resolved.

6. Windows Update Service can be manually stopped and restarted

Windows Update Service, which is the core service that allows updates to work, is what makes them happen. To get the service working again, you can stop it manually and start it again.

1. Press Windows + + R Click here to access the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc Use the press Enter.

3. Keep an eye out for Windows Update service.

4. Right-click You can choose from it Stop.

5. Restart your computer.
6. Continue with steps 1 through 2.
7. Keep an eye out for Windows Update service,, right-click You can choose from it Start.

You can always update again.

Here’s how you can use Command Line if you want to get the exact same results:

1. Press Windows + + R Click here to access the Run dialog box.

2. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter To run it in administrator mode.
3. Press the Enter key to type net stop wuauserv Enter.

4. Restart your computer.
5. Continue with steps 1 through 2.
6. Use the type net to start wuauserv, and then press Enter.

You can now update again.

7. Verify for Corrupted System Files

It’s worth checking your Windows system files to make sure your installation is clean. This can be done by using the System File Checker (sfc /scannow), or the DISM tool via the Command Prompt.

Take a look at our guide Repair corrupt files in the system Or visit our website Advanced guides for the SFC & DISM commands For more information about these procedures, click her.

8. Take up space on your drive

Windows Update must have enough space for its work. Temporary update files won’t be able access if the system hard drive gets too full. Low space? You have the option to uninstall large programs or remove media files. Then, transfer them to other drives and clean up any unused data.

This article will help you learn how to increase the free space within Windows There are 15 ways to free up disk space in Windows 10 .

9. You can check the Registry of Errors

This error is usually caused by a misconfigured Windows Registry.

Warning: When you modify the Registry, there is always some risk. You can learn more about it here Guide to using Windows Registry. Back up your Registry Be sure to save your changes before you make any modifications.

1. Press Windows + R Click here to access the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit Use the press Enter.

3. The following text can be copied and pasted into Registry address ba:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WIMMount and press Enter

4. Double-click ImagePath You can open the registry code.

5. Check that system32\drivers\wimmount.sysIt is listed below Value data. OK.
6. Go to Windows File Explorer by opening Windows File Explorer C:\Windows\System32\drivers\ (Let’s say your system drive is Drive C.
7. Check that wimmount.sys This folder contains the file. Refer to Section 5 for instructions on how you can fix your system files.

8. Restart your computer, and then run Windows Update again.

10. Windows Update Components Reset Manually

Windows Update Troubleshooter will usually automatically reset Windows Update components in the background. However, it may not resolve the problem. You might want to try resetting the Windows Update components manually if that fails. As this is a complicated process that involves many steps, it should only be attempted as a last resort.

1. Press the Start Button.
2. Type Command Prompt.
3. Command Prompt will appear in the search results, right-click It and other select items Run as Administrator.
4. Answer the question “Command Prompt for Administrator” and confirm your answer.
5. Press the Enter key to type net stop bits Enter.
6. Press the Enter key to type net stop wuauserv Enter.
7. Press enter to search for cryptsvc Enter.
8. Delete the qmgr*.dat Files can be created by entering the following command into the Command Prompt, and then pressing the Enter key:

Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat”

Note: For those who are curious, the “BITS” acronym is Background Intelligent Transfer Service It is also known as “cryptsvc” Cryptographic services.

9. We will now need to register the BITS files. Press the Enter key and type cd/d%windir%system32 from Command Prompt Enter.

regsvr32.exe atl.dll

regsvr32.exe urlmon.dll

regsvr32.exe mshtml.dll

regsvr32.exe shdocvw.dll

regsvr32.exe browseui.dll

regsvr32.exe jscript.dll

regsvr32.exe vbscript.dll

regsvr32.exe scrrun.dll

regsvr32.exe msxml.dll

regsvr32.exe msxml3.dll

regsvr32.exe msxml6.dll

regsvr32.exe actxprxy.dll

regsvr32.exe softpub.dll

regsvr32.exe wintrust.dll

regsvr32.exe dssenh.dll

regsvr32.exe rsaenh.dll

regsvr32.exe gpkcsp.dll

regsvr32.exe sccbase.dll

regsvr32.exe slbcsp.dll

regsvr32.exe cryptdlg.dll

regsvr32.exe oleaut32.dll

regsvr32.exe ole32.dll

regsvr32.exe shell32.dll

regsvr32.exe initpki.dll

regsvr32.exe wuapi.dll

regsvr32.exe wuaueng.dll

regsvr32.exe wuaueng1.dll

regsvr32.exe wucltui.dll

regsvr32.exe wups.dll

regsvr32.exe wups2.dll

regsvr32.exe wuweb.dll

regsvr32.exe qmgr.dll

regsvr32.exe qmgrprxy.dll

regsvr32.exe wucltux.dll

regsvr32.exe muweb.dll

regsvr32.exe wuwebv.dll

11. Once each component has been registered, you can type netsh winnersock reset in the Command Prompt Enter.
12. You will now have to restart all three of the services you stopped using before. Enter the following commands:

Press the Enter key to type net start bits Enter.

Use the type net to start wuauserv, and then press Enter.

Enter type net start cryptsvc, and press Enter.

Restart your computer to ensure a good result. Then, try Windows Update once more.