Windows Update is very important as well as a useful feature of the Windows operating system. It can automatically patch the outdated versions of many apps and software in your system. And also it checks upon the system security and health from time to time. It has its drawback as well, but the good overcomes the bad like any other Windows feature.
But sometimes, when you try to update your Windows you may have noticed an error with the error code 0x80070003. This error can occur in any system irrespective of the Windows version you’re using.
Usually, this error occurred due to some corrupt files or unused piled up cache files in your system. Apart from this, there can be other reasons also like some recent patch update.
But, there is no need to panic as this error can be easily resolved by just following a few steps. There are many ways to resolve this error and we have discussed them briefly step-by-step in this article.
How to fix Windows Update error 0x80070003?
Below we have provided you the list of best and the most effective solutions to fix the windows update error 0x8070003. Try them one by one in the given series to find the one which works in your case. So, let’s get started.
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1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Firstly, it is advisable to try the Windows Update troubleshooter as it can solve the problem without the need for any more complicated solution. It is the first step you should perform if you face any kind of problem with your system update. Make sure your system has a proper internet connection and then follow these steps to fix this error.
Step 1: Press the WinKey+I key simultaneously to open the Windows Settings.
Step 2: Now, select the Update & Security section and then the Troubleshoot option from the left columns.
Step 3: Navigate to the Additional troubleshooters option and select it.
Step 4: Next, tap on the Windows Update section to expand it and then click on the Run the troubleshooter option.
Step 5: This will automatically initiate the check for any possible error and repair them as well if any found.
If this method didn’t resolve the error, then switch to the next method.
2. Restart or stop the Windows Update Service
Sometimes, serious errors can also be solved by simply restarting your system or by stopping the Windows Update Service. To fix the error through this method, follow these steps.
Step 1: Firstly, search for Control Panel in the Search bar and select the Control Panel icon.
Step 2: Now, tap on the search box of the Control Panel window and type Administrative Tools and open it.
Step 3: Look for the Services shortcut in the list and open it by double click.
Step 4: Next, Scroll down to the Windows Update option in the Services list and tap on it.
Step 5: Click on the Stop button on the left side of the window and after that tap on the Restart option, this will reboot your system Windows irrespective of the version.
Step 6: Finally, Open the Windows Update Services again by following the same instructions and click on the Start this time.
This method solves this issue most of the time. But if the problem still persists, we recommend you to switch to the next method.
3. Delete the DataStore folder
If both the previous methods didn’t work, there is a change that the issue is because of the DataStore folder in your system. To fix this issue, follow the mentioned steps properly.
Step 1: Firstly, open This PC on your system.
Step 2: Now, open C: Drive as File Explorer usually gets stored in C: Drive. But if you have saved it in any other drive, then open it.
Step 3: Next, select the Windows folder from the list of other folders.
Step 4: Look out for the SoftwareDistribution folder and then open it by double click.
Step 5: Now, Search for the DataStore folder inside it and then open it.
Step 6: Delete all the files and folders present inside the DataStore folder.
Step 7: Navigate back to the SoftwareDistribution folder and open the Download folder present in it.
Step 8: Delete all the files and folders of Download Folder the same as the previous.
Step 9: Now, reboot your system Windows and start the Update process of the Windows again.
Step 10: Go to the top right corner of the window and type Control Panel in the Search bar.
Step 11: Open the Control Panel and search for Administrative Tools in its search bar. Now, Select the Administrative tools option.
Step 12: Look for the Services shortcut in the list and open it by double click.
Step 13: Next, Scroll down to the Windows Update option in the Services list and tap on it.
Step 14: Click on the Start button from the menu on the left side of the window.
Step 15: Check again for the Windows Update and see whether the error is resolved or not.
This method is one of the most effective ways to solve this error. But, if the error is still there, switch to the next solution.
4. Restart Windows Update in Command Prompt
SoftwareDistribution folder is the folder where Windows store the updated files while it updates the system. But, sometimes there can be some issue with this folder. So, in order to fix this error, we simply change the name of this folder. Here are the steps to resolve this error.
Step 1: Firstly, search for Command Prompt (Admin) feature in your system through the Search bar.
Step 2: If it is prompt by an administrator account, then type the password and proceed.
Step 3: Type net stop wuauserv on command prompt window and hit enter on your keyboard.
Step 4: Now, type net stop bits on the command prompt and hit enter again.
Step 5: Next, reboot your system.
Step 6: After the system is started again, open the Command prompt window once more.
Step 7: Type net start wuauserv again in the command prompt window and press enter.
Step 8: Now, type net start bits on the command prompt and hit enter again.
Step 9: At last, check again for the Windows Update and see whether the error is resolved or not.
By the time you are done with this solution, the error must be solved. And if not, go ahead and try the last one, as this will certainly work for your system.
5. Run DISM
Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) is used by the Windows in repairing and preparing Windows Images or Windows Recovery Environment like Setup. And it can also be a cause of this error. Follow these steps to resolve this error.
Step 1: Firstly, search for Command Prompt (Admin) feature in your system through the Search bar.
Step 2: If it is prompt by an administrator account, then type the password and proceed.
Step 3: Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth on the command prompt window and hit enter on your keyboard.
Step 4: Now, type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in the command prompt and press enter. The process will take around 5-10 minutes to finish.
Step 5: After the process is completed, reboot your system once again.
Step 6: After the system is open again, check for the Windows Update and see whether the error is resolved or not.
If the error is still not resolved, try disabling third party software like your antivirus software. It can also cause disturbance by blocking important processes such as Windows update.
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Conclusion
Windows Update error code 0x80070003 can be really annoying at times, but we hope the above mentioned solutions helped you with this error. Comment below any further suggestions or query in comment section.