Windows Update Error 0x80073701 – How to fix
What is Windows Update error 0x80073701 and how to fix it? Learn step by step to eliminate this problem.
Upgrading your system with the latest Windows updates enables you to get the best security fixes that safeguard your system from dangerous malware and other online threats. However, sometimes it might lead to significant issues, resulting in errors and troubleshooting.
Windows Update Error Code 0x80073701 is a type of troubleshooting you might face while trying to upgrade your Windows version to 10 or 11. If you are facing the same issue, this post may be helpful.
Listed below are the steps you must follow:
1. Windows Update Troubleshooter Program
The Windows operating system comes with a built-in program called the Windows Update troubleshooter, which can help resolve typical Windows update issues. It can address numerous problems with updates but might not necessarily solve all of them.
To run the Troubleshooter application, follow the steps listed below:
- To enter the “Settings” app, click Windows + I.
- Select the “Update & Security” section from the Settings menu. For example, if you’re using Windows 11, you should go to “Settings -> System.”
- Press on the “Troubleshoot” tab in the left panel.
- Choose the “Additional Troubleshooters” option by scrolling to the right.
- Select “Windows Update” and then click “Run the troubleshooter.”
- It will start the Windows Update application and look for related faults. The troubleshooter’s job would take a while to inform you if any issue was identified and resolved.
2. Start the System File Checker utility.
If you receive the 0x80073701 windows update error while attempting to upgrade the system, it is most likely due to a faulty system file. You can use the System File Checker utility to fix the missing or defective system files and see if the problem has been resolved. Follow the instructions given below to use this tool:
- Right-click on the “Start” button and click on “Run” from the pop-up menu that appears.
- To execute it as Admin, type ‘cmd‘ in the dialogue window and press Enter+ Shift + Ctrl.
- Enter the following command in the command Prompt window. Next, click “Enter” to carry out the command.
sfc /scannow
- When the process is finished, reboot your system and try to install Windows Updates again.
3. Make use of the DISM Tool.
If the System File Checker program does not help, use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) function. This utility can resolve Windows Update elements.
- As mentioned before, run the Command Prompt as Admin.
- Once in the Command Prompt window, enter the following command line and click Enter to run it:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- After successfully executing the given command, reboot your system to check if the problem has been resolved.
4. Reset the elements of Windows Update
The update error 0x80073701 problem appears to be caused by a faulty or deleted Windows Update element. If this occurs, try to reset the Windows Update elements.
- To eliminate any unnecessary files creating trouble and enable Windows to download new versions, delete the “SoftwareDistribution” and “catroot2” directories.
- Follow the steps given below to use this tool. Then, execute the Command Prompt as an Admin yet again.
- The Command Prompt window appears. Input the commands given below, and press enter.
net stop bits
net stop appidsv
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
- Use the command given below to rename the “SoftwareDistribution” document:
Ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- It would be best if you also change the name of the “catroot2” directory :
Ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
- Now that you’ve finished these procedures, you can reactivate the applications you had previously disabled.
- Input the commands given below, and press enter.
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc
- Reboot your system and check to ensure that the Windows update worked.
5. Clean Boot Troubleshooting
Running a clean boot may be the solution if you cannot resolve a Windows Update problem. When you perform a clean boot, you restart your Windows with the bare minimum of drivers and startup apps. This can aid in troubleshooting by removing software clashes.
- To start the Run Command line, click Windows + R.
- Enter msconfig in the text box and press “OK.”
- Then, Select “Selective startup” under the “General” heading on the System Configuration window.
- Uncheck the checkbox next to “Load startup items.”
- Now navigate to the “Services” menu.
- Choose “Hide all Microsoft services” and “Disable all.” To save your settings, select click “Apply” then “OK.”
- Next, select “Open Task Manager” after clicking the “Startup” tab.
- Make sure you’re on the “Startup” page in Task Manager.
- Then, select each starting function you want to remove and press the “Disable” button.
- Once you’ve done the above actions, check to see if the problem has been resolved.
Frequently Asked Questions.
In Windows, use the Search button to find and launch the Services app. Scroll down and right-click on “Windows Update.” Choose “Properties.” Select “Disabled” from the “Startup type” drop-down menu on the “General” tab. You can also pause the update for a specific period of time.
Open “Settings -> Update and Security -> View update history” in the Windows system. Select “Uninstall updates” and then select the update to be uninstalled from your system.
If you don’t install Windows updates, your computer may become vulnerable to threats such as malware. In some cases, there may also be issues with performance or stability. You could also overlook critical security patches that could protect your data.
