Windows Update Error 0x80073701 is a common issue that occurs when the system fails to install updates due to missing or corrupted files. This error can disrupt your workflow and leave your system vulnerable to security risks. Fortunately, there are several methods to resolve this issue, ranging from running built-in troubleshooters to manually resetting update components.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The first step in resolving Error 0x80073701 is to use the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter. This tool automatically detects and fixes common issues related to Windows Update. Here’s how to run it:
- Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
- Navigate to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
If the troubleshooter identifies any issues, it will attempt to fix them automatically. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.
Reset Windows Update Components
If the troubleshooter doesn’t resolve the issue, you may need to reset the Windows Update components manually. This involves stopping the update services, clearing the update cache, and restarting the services. Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for cmd in the Start menu, right-clicking, and selecting Run as administrator.
- Run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
net stop wuauservnet stop bitsren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.oldren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.oldnet start wuauservnet start bits - Restart your computer and try updating Windows again.
This process resets the update components and clears any corrupted files that may be causing the error.
Repair System Files with SFC and DISM
Corrupted system files can also trigger Error 0x80073701. Windows provides two powerful tools to repair these files: System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM). Here’s how to use them:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Run the command
sfc /scannowand wait for the process to complete. This scans and repairs corrupted system files. - If SFC doesn’t resolve the issue, run the following DISM commands:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Restart your computer after completing these steps.
These tools ensure that your system files are intact and functioning correctly, which can resolve the update error.
Manually Install the Update
If the above methods fail, you can manually download and install the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog. This bypasses the Windows Update mechanism and allows you to install the update directly. Follow these steps:
- Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
- Search for the specific update using its KB number, which can be found in the error details.
- Download the update file that matches your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
- Run the downloaded file and follow the installation instructions.
This method ensures that the update is installed correctly, even if the automatic process fails.
Check for Disk Space and System Integrity
Insufficient disk space or system integrity issues can also cause Error 0x80073701. Ensure that your system meets the following requirements:
- At least 20 GB of free disk space on the system drive.
- No corrupted partitions or file system errors. You can check this by running
chkdsk /fin Command Prompt. - No third-party software interfering with the update process.
Addressing these factors can help prevent update errors and ensure a smooth installation process.