Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003: Causes & Solutions

What Is Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003?

Error 0x80070003 appears when Windows is unable to access, download, or apply update files. It usually means something is missing, corrupted, or interrupted in the update process. Windows shows this error on Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server versions.

Common Causes of Error 0x80070003

• Corrupt or missing update files.
• The Windows Update service is not running properly.
• Broken system files.
• Incorrect date or time settings.
• Not enough disk space.
• Antivirus blocking update files.
• Moreover, interruptions during download or installation.

How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003?

You can fix this error by refreshing the update services, repairing damaged system files, and clearing the update cache. Most solutions are easy and can be done without technical knowledge. Follow the steps below one by one until the update starts working again.

Method 01: Restart the Windows Services to Fix Error Code 0x80070003

• Firstly, press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• After that, search Windows Update and right-click. Press Stop.
• Wait 10 seconds → Right-click again → Start.
• Lastly, restart your PC and try updating.

Method 02: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter to fix basic update issues.

• Primarily, open Settings → System → Troubleshoot.
• Further, click Other troubleshooters.
• Next, select Windows Update and choose Run.
• Let it scan and fix problems
• Once done, restart your PC and try updating again.

Method 03: Reset the Windows Update Components

This method clears corrupted update files and resets update folders. Steps to Reset Components:

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator
• Run the following commands one by one:

et stop wuauserv net stop bits net stop cryptsvc ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old net start wuauserv net start bits net start cryptsvc

• Restart your system and recheck updates.
• This method fixes most update-related errors, including 0x80070003.

Method 04: Solve Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003

An incorrect date/time can block update servers. After updating the settings, run Windows Update again.

• Primarily, go to Settings.
• Now, choose Time & Language.
• After that, enable Set time automatically.
• In the end, enable Set time zone automatically.

Method 05: Fix Windows 11/10 Update Error 0x80070003

Temporary update files sometimes get stuck. Here is how you can perform it:

• First, press Windows + R, type %temp%, and press Enter.
• Delete everything in the folder.
• Restart your PC.
• Try updating again.

Method 06: Disable Antivirus Temporarily to Fix Error Code 0x80070003

Some antivirus programs block update files. This is safe and temporary.

• Turn off your antivirus.
• Run updates.
• Enable antivirus again.

Method 07: Free Up Storage Space

Windows cannot install updates if the system drive is full. Remove unwanted files:

• Uninstall unused apps.
• Delete large temporary files.
• Move videos/images to another drive.
• Use Disk Cleanup.

Method 08: Repair Corrupt System Files (SFC & DISM)

If core Windows files are damaged, updates will fail. Steps to follow:

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin) and type:
   • sfc /scannow
2. After completion, run:
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Restart your PC and run updates.

Professional Tool to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003

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One-Time Data Recovery Service If you don’t want to install the software or perform the recovery yourself, DRS also offers a one-time data recovery service. You can simply share your damaged or corrupted Windows drive or files with the technical team. They will recover your data with full safety and accuracy. This service saves time, avoids technical steps, and ensures your files are restored without any risk of loss.

Simple Steps to Solve Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003

1. Download and install the DRS Windows Data Recovery Tool.
2. Choose either the Physical Drive or Volume to repair corrupted files.
3. Then, you can select the Recovery Modes from the options. Click Next.
4. After that, you can preview all the recovered files.
5. Lastly, click Save to complete the recovery process.

Conclusion

Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003 is common, but it can be fixed easily with the right steps. In this guide, you learned all possible methods from restarting services to repairing system files and clearing the update cache. These solutions work for Windows 10, Windows 11, and earlier versions. If the error still doesn’t go away or your system files are corrupted, the DRS Windows Data Recovery Tool helps you restore damaged files safely. Furthermore, it ensures smooth recovery and gives you a clean system for future updates.

Frequently Asked Questions