9 Ways to Fix Windows Update Error 0X80070003
Have you ever tried to update your system only to get interrupted? If yes, then you might have encountered the most common error 0X80070003. This is a Windows 10 update related issue preventing you from getting the latest available update. In addition, you may also find that some update files are missing or have problems with window 10. In this article, we will discuss how to fix error 0X80070003 in beginner-friendly ways that are easy to squeeze out of a lemon.
How to fix Windows Update error 0X80070003
Windows is one of the most popular operating systems in the world. Reports say that over 1 billion active devices are running Windows 10 and 11. Accordingly, it is likely that you, like many others, are experiencing issues such as error 0X80070003 from time to time. This error simply means that some update files are missing or corrupted.
What is causing this error 0x80070003?
Although this is a fairly common mistake, only a few people know about its causes. This is what you need to know:
- Damaged files. Corrupted and unhealthy files are the most common causes of error 0X80070003. In this case, all you have to do is get rid of the malware and replace the corrupted files with healthy ones.
- Misconfigured: Error 0X80070003 often points to misconfigured files on your system. This can also happen if the Windows update settings are not configured correctly and require immediate attention.
- Unstable internet connection. If your internet connection speed is slow and unstable, your system may not be able to download all the files. Therefore, you will get a system update error if the speed is not restored soon. It can also cause some files missing when updating Windows for many users.
- Incorrect Windows Registry: If the system contains unorganized Windows registry entries, your OS will not be able to find the necessary files. Hence, your system will not be able to boot properly and will display error 0X80070003.
Do you feel that error 0X80070003 is driving you to despair? If yes, then this article will help you get rid of sores effortlessly. Here are the top 10 ways to fix error 0X80070003 without wasting your money.
Method 1: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
If you are having issues with Windows Update and a large number of pending WU updates fail to install with the same error 0X80070003, we recommend that you run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
If you haven't used the Windows Update troubleshooter before, it's designed to automatically detect and fix common problems. If you haven't tried this method yet, follow the instructions in our guide to run the Windows Update troubleshooter and automatically apply the suggested fix.
When the restore is complete, restart your computer and run a Windows update to check if the issue is resolved.
Method 2: Change registry keys
You need to follow the steps below to modify the registry and fix error 0X80070003 accordingly:
1. Press the Windows + R keys at the same time to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and click OK to launch the Registry Editor.
3. Then follow the path to the key folder in the registry editor.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESYSTEMCurrentControlSetServicesWIMMount
4. Click ImagePath in the Name category and make sure its Value data says:
system32driverswimmount.sys
5. Now open File Explorer manually or by using the keyboard shortcut Windows + E together. paste the following into the address bar and click OK.
C:WindowsSystem32drivers
6. Check the wimmount.sys file and restart the laptop.
Method 3: Perform an in-place upgrade
Do you think that updating the system manually is time consuming and requires extensive technical knowledge? If so, you'll be surprised how easy it really is:
1. Find the Windows 10 download page in your browser and click on the first result. You will be taken to the official Microsoft website.
2. Click "Download Now" to download the Media Creation Tool to your system.
3. Once the download is complete, right-click on it and select the Run as administrator option.
4. Then click "Yes" on the prompt and wait for the tool to prepare everything for the main action.
5. Select "Accept" to agree to the Microsoft license terms and select "Upgrade this PC now".
6. Wait for the download to complete and wait for the "Choose what to keep" option to be displayed. Select keep all and follow the remaining on-screen instructions to proceed with the update.
Method 4: Restore the old Spupdsvc.exe file
The spupdsvc.exe file is a software component of the Windows 10/11 operating system that can be found in the C:WindowsSystem32 folder. This is a process file that periodically updates the Windows operating system. If Windows Update is not working, try replacing the old Spupdsvc.exe with a new one. Here's how to do it:
1. Press the Windows key, type Command Prompt, then click Run as administrator.
2. After entering the following command, press Enter. This will replace the previous Spupdsvs.exe file with the new one:
cmd /c ren%systemroot%System32Spupdsvc.exe Spupdsvc.old Spupdsvc.old
To see if window update error 0X80070003 is resolved, run a window update. If that doesn't work, move on to the next step to fix some update files that are missing or have issues with Windows 10.
Method 5: Repair corrupted system files
SFC or System File Checker is a built-in tool that allows you to repair corrupted files. Here is how you can fix error 0X80070003. Check out our guide to restoring system files in Windows 10.
Method 6: Install updates manually
Sometimes you will encounter such an error when the file is not uploaded correctly. Thus, you can manually download and install updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog to fix error 0X80070003.
1. Press the Windows + I keys at the same time to launch Windows Settings.
2. Here, open the Update & Security setting.
3. Then select the View Update History option.
4. In the list, write down the number of the knowledge base that is pending download due to the error message.
5. Next, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog Website.
6. Enter the number of the knowledge base (knowledge base) in the search bar and click "Search".
7. Select the desired update from the given list as shown.
Note. Full update information can be viewed on the Update Details screen.
8. Click the appropriate Download button for the specific update.
9. In the window that appears, click the hyperlink to download the appropriate update.
10. Once downloaded, press the Windows + E keys to open File Explorer. Double-click the .msu file in the folder where it was saved.
11. Select Open with Windows Update Offline Installer (default) and click OK.
12. Click Yes to confirm and allow Windows to install the correct update.
Note. It may take a few minutes for the installation to complete, after which you will receive a notification.
13. Finally, restart your computer after saving the unsaved data to complete the update.
Method 7: Reset Windows Update components
The Windows Update service may be to blame for the Windows 10/11 Update error code 0x80070003. If the Windows Update troubleshooter didn't help, restart the Windows Update service. Here's how to do it:
1. Launch the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press the Enter key to open the Services window.
3. Right-click the Background Intelligent Transfer Services and select "Stop" from the drop-down menu.
4. Download File Explorer and paste the following into the address bar:
C:WindowsSoftwareDistributionDownload
5. Then press Ctrl+A to deal with all folders at once and click Delete.
6. Finally, go back to Services and right-click on Windows Update Services, Cryptographic Services, and Background Smart Transfer. But this time select "Start" from the drop-down menu and get down to business.
Method 8: Disable third-party antivirus (if applicable)
To your surprise, many users around the world have reported disarming third-party antivirus software useful in fixing error 0X80070003. This prevents the software from blocking timely updates and thus promotes seamless updates. Check out our guide on how to disable antivirus in Windows 10.
Method 9: Reset Windows 10
It's important to remember that resetting Windows 10 removes software that didn't originally come with the device. Hence, this should be the last resort if some update files are missing or have problems with Windows 10. Follow the instructions given in our guide to reset Windows 10 without data loss.
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Error 0x80070003 has been haunting Windows 10 users for a long time. Although the terms may seem complicated and incomprehensible, it is not that difficult. We have mentioned the top 10 ways to troubleshoot and fix error 0x80070003. We hope this article helped you understand the basics and get to the root of the problem.