Fix Windows Update error 0x80071160
Windows Update consists of important fixes and updates to protect your system from malicious attacks. There are usually technical glitches in a Windows system that can be exploited to hack into Windows systems. But Microsoft is eliminating them in updates that the user can download and install. People have been reporting issues while updating their Windows system called Windows Update error 0x80071160. This error occurs due to a failure or corruption of Windows Update components. If you're wondering how to fix Windows 10 update error, then you've come to the right place. Here I will show you how to fix error 0x80071160.
How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80071160
We have listed several possible causes for this error.
- Antivirus conflicts.
- Windows firewall conflicts.
- Corrupted Windows system files.
- Corrupted Windows Update services.
Here we have shown troubleshooting methods to fix Windows 10 update error 0x80071160.
Method 1: Restart Windows
Before trying any of the methods, first try restarting your Windows device to see if it fixes the Windows Update error 0x80071160.
1. Press the Alt + F4 keys at the same time to open the Shut Down Windows window.
2. Click "Reboot" from the drop-down menu.
3. Finally, press the Enter key to restart your computer.

Method 2: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
In many cases, issues such as Windows update error 0x80071160 can be resolved by running the Windows update troubleshooter. When you run the troubleshooter, the system detects any error and fixes it automatically. To complete this process, follow our guide to running the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Method 3: Temporarily disable your antivirus (if applicable)
Antivirus or antimalware applications actively target certain files, including Windows Update files. This in turn can cause issues with Windows updates and cause Windows Update error 0x80071160. Open your antivirus software, disable protection for a while and try updating Windows Update. Check out our guide on how to temporarily disable your antivirus in Windows 10.

Method 4: Disable Windows Firewall (Not Recommended)
Disabling Windows Update can fix Windows Update error 0x80071160 as shown below.
1. Click the Start menu, type Control Panel, and click Open.

2. Open the control panel, make sure that the small icons are selected for the View by option.

3. Click Windows Defender Firewall.

4. On the left side, click Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.

5. Now select "Turn off Windows Defender Firewall" (not recommended) for both the header named "private network" and the public network options.
6. press OK to confirm.
Method 5: Download and install updates manually
You can also install the update manually through the Microsoft Windows Update Catalog.
1. Before downloading an update, you need to know the KB number for the update.
2. Go to "Settings" by pressing Windows + I at the same time, click "Update and security".

3. You can write down the KB number if the download failed.
4. Now look at the right side of the update and write down the knowledge base number.

5. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website and enter the knowledge base number you noted in the previous step.
6. Click Search to display the update search results.

7. Click the Download button on the corresponding file from the site and install it.

Method 6: Repair System Files
An SFC scan fixes broken or corrupted Windows files, this is possible by entering a command line command. Check out our guide on repairing system files in Windows 10 and fixing the Windows 10 update error.

Method 7: Restart the Windows Update service
You can restart windows update to fix windows update error 0x80071160, for this you need to clean up the software distribution folder first and then restart windows update.
1. Press the Enter key, type cmd and click "Open" to launch the command prompt.

2. Type the following command and press the Enter key.
net stop wuauserv

3. Then run the following command.
net stop bits

Running the above command will stop Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
4. Browse to the next folder path.
C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution

5. Now select all content and delete it.
6. After deleting the files, run this command and press the Enter key.
net start wuauserv

7. Now run this command.
net start bits

This will restart Windows Update Services and check if Windows 10 Update error 0x80071160 still exists.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How to fix Windows update error?
Answer You can use the Windows Update troubleshooter to resolve this issue. Access the troubleshooter by going to Windows Settings Update and Security Troubleshooter and Advanced Troubleshooter and finally run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
Q2. Why is Windows Update not updating?
Answer If your system has corrupted or missing files, Windows Update may fail.
Q3. Can I Force Restore Windows?
Answer Yes, you can force Windows Automatic Repair, go to Startup and restart your computer, press F11 to get to the Recovery menu, go to advanced options and click Startup Repair.
Q3. Why won't Windows update install?
Answer Sometimes other updates that have not been installed can cause problems with your PC, update the remaining updates before updating the new ones. Sometimes due to lack of space this error can also occur, make sure you have enough space on your drive before trying to install the update.
Q4. Is it possible to force a Windows update?
Answer Yes, to do this you need to run a command prompt as an administrator, type wuauclt.exe /updatenow and press Enter. Windows updates will be forcibly checked by this command on the command line, after which you can check if the updates have been installed in the settings menu.
Q5. How to manually install updates?
Answer Traditionally, this is done through the Microsoft Windows catalog, you need to enter the knowledge base number and download and install the manual installation package.
Q6. Can I Bypass Windows Update?
Answer In Windows 10, to bypass the update, click Start, go to Settings, Update & Security, and finally Windows Update. Select pause updates at 7 to temporarily delay the update.
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We hope this guide helped you resolve Windows Update error 0x80071160 on your PC. Please let us know about your questions and suggestions in the comments section below.