Fixed: Windows Update installation error 0x80073701

  • When upgrading to Windows 10, some users encounter the Windows Update error 0x80073701.
  • Microsoft is also doing its best to fix the error.
  • Microsoft has released update KB4497935, which fixes this problem on Windows 10.
  • The error points to missing system files that led to the failed installation of the update.
  • In the next section, we will show you how to fix Windows 10 error 0X800 73701 in the next blog post.

 

Unraveling the Enigmatic 0x80073701: A Guide to Tackling Windows Update Installation Error

Understanding Windows Update Error 0x80073701

If you’re encountering Windows Update error 0x80073701, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can try to resolve the issue. First, you can use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to repair any corrupted system files. Open an elevated Command Prompt and type “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth“. This will scan your system and fix any issues it finds.

If that doesn’t work, you can also try running the System File Checker (SFC) tool. Open an elevated Command Prompt and type “sfc /scannow“. This will scan your system for any corrupted files and repair them.

If the error persists, you can try clearing the Software Distribution Folder. Open an elevated Command Prompt and type “net stop wuauserv” followed by “net stop cryptSvc“. Then, navigate to “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution” and delete all the files and folders inside. Finally, restart the Windows Update service by typing “net start wuauserv” and “net start cryptSvc” in the Command Prompt.

By following these troubleshooting instructions, you should be able to resolve the Windows Update installation error 0x80073701.

Solutions to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80073701

  1. Open the Settings app by pressing Win + I.
  2. Click on Update & Security and then select Troubleshoot.
  3. Choose Windows Update and click on Run the troubleshooter.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter to fix any detected issues.
    Choose Windows Update and click on Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter to fix any detected issues.
  5. Restart your computer and try installing the updates again.

Solution 2: Reset Windows Update Components

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing cmd in the Windows search bar, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
  2. Stop the Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic, and MSI Installer services by running the following commands one by one:
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop bits
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop msiserver
  3. Rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders by entering the following commands one by one:
    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  4. Restart the Windows Update, Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic, and MSI Installer services by typing the following commands one by one:
    net start wuauserv
    net start bits
    net start cryptSvc
    net start msiserver
  5. Restart your computer and try installing the updates again.
    Open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing cmd in the Windows search bar, right-clicking on Command Prompt, and selecting Run as administrator.
Restart your computer and try installing the updates again.

Solution 3: Perform a System File Check (SFC) Scan

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.
  4. If any corrupted system files are found, the SFC scan will automatically attempt to repair them.
    Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time.
If any corrupted system files are found, the SFC scan will automatically attempt to repair them.
  5. Restart your computer and try installing the updates again.

Running System File Checker and DISM Tool

To troubleshoot Windows Update installation error 0x80073701, you can try running the System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. These tools can help fix corrupted system files and resolve installation issues.

To run the System File Checker:
1. Open a Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and follow any instructions if prompted.

To run the DISM tool:
1. Open a Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type “dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth” and press Enter.
3. Wait for DISM to complete the repair process.

After running these tools, restart your computer and try installing the Windows updates again. If the issue persists, you may need to seek further assistance from Microsoft support or refer to other troubleshooting resources.

Checking Logs and Removing Patches




Troubleshooting Windows Update Installation Error 0x80073701

This article provides steps to troubleshoot and resolve the Windows Update installation error 0x80073701. The error code usually indicates a problem with checking logs and removing patches. Follow the instructions below to fix the issue.

Step Description
Step 1 Check Windows Update logs
Step 2 Remove problematic patches


Additional Steps to Resolve Windows Update Error 0x80073701

To resolve Windows Update Error 0x80073701, follow these additional steps:

1. Run the Startcomponentcleanup tool to fix any corrupted files:
– Press Windows Key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”
– Type dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup and press Enter.
– Wait for the process to complete, then restart your computer.

2. Check the Software Distribution Folder for any issues:
– Press Windows Key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin).”
– Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
– Type ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old and press Enter.
– Type net start wuauserv and press Enter.
– Restart your computer.

If the error persists, consider these suggestions:
– Install the latest Windows Updates and security updates.
– Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool.
– Reset the Windows Update components.
– Check for any pending updates in the Windows Store.
– Disable any third-party antivirus or firewall software temporarily.

For detailed troubleshooting instructions, visit the Microsoft support page or consult our tutorial on resolving Windows Update errors.

Troubleshooting Windows Update in Clean Boot State

If you’re encountering error 0x80073701 while trying to install Windows updates, troubleshooting in a clean boot state may help resolve the issue.

To troubleshoot in a clean boot state, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. In the General tab, select “Selective startup” and uncheck “Load startup items.”
4. Go to the Services tab and check “Hide all Microsoft services.” Then, click “Disable all.”
5. Navigate to the Startup tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
6. In the Task Manager, disable all startup items.
7. Close the Task Manager and click “OK” in the System Configuration window.
8. Restart your computer.

After your computer restarts, try installing the updates again.

If the error persists, you may need to try other solutions or seek further assistance. For more detailed troubleshooting steps, you can visit the Microsoft Support page or consult the Windows community forums.

Frequently Asked Questions about Windows Updates

Question Answer
What is Windows Update installation error 0x80073701? Windows Update installation error 0x80073701 is an error code that typically occurs when there are corrupted system files preventing the update from being installed properly.
How can I fix error 0x80073701? To fix error 0x80073701, you can try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, performing a System File Checker (SFC) scan, or manually resetting the Windows Update components.
How do I run the Windows Update Troubleshooter? To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, go to the Windows Settings, select “Update & Security,” then click on “Troubleshoot” and choose “Windows Update.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the troubleshooting process.
What is a System File Checker (SFC) scan? A System File Checker (SFC) scan is a built-in Windows tool that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. To perform an SFC scan, open Command Prompt as an administrator and type “sfc /scannow” without quotes. Press Enter and wait for the scan to complete.
How can I manually reset the Windows Update components? To manually reset the Windows Update components, you need to stop the Windows Update service, delete temporary update files, restart the Windows Update service, and then try installing the updates again. Detailed instructions can be found in Microsoft’s official documentation.
Are there any other possible solutions for error 0x80073701? Yes, in some cases, performing a clean boot, disabling antivirus software temporarily, or using the Windows Update Assistant tool may also help resolve error 0x80073701.
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Mark Ginter is a tech blogger with a passion for all things gadgets and gizmos. A self-proclaimed "geek", Mark has been blogging about technology for over 15 years. His blog, techquack.com, covers a wide range of topics including new product releases, industry news, and tips and tricks for getting the most out of your devices. If you're looking for someone who can keep you up-to-date with all the latest tech news and developments, then be sure to follow him over at Microsoft.