How to Fix Windows 11 Update Error 0x80070103 [7 Ways]

Reports from Windows users indicate that "Windows 11 update error 0x80070103" appears when trying to update Windows 11. This issue usually occurs when Windows 11 tries to install a driver that is already present on the system or proves to be incompatible during the Windows update process.

Several factors can cause update error 0x80070103 in Windows 11, including:

▶ System files are damaged or damaged.

▶ Drivers that are actively in use during the update.

▶ Update cache data is corrupted or corrupted.

▶ The update service is stopped or disabled.

How to fix update error 0x80070103 in Windows 11?

Fix 1: Pause and Resume Windows Updates

If you've encountered an error during a Windows update, start with a simple fix. Click the Retry option on the problematic update, then pause the update briefly and immediately resume. Check if the issue persists. If not, proceed to the next steps.

Fix 2: Manually Install the Update

To manually install an update, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Settings using the Windows + I keys, then click on Windows Update.

Step 2: Navigate to Update history and identify any failed install numbers.

Step 3: Copy the failed update number, visit the Microsoft Update Catalog, and search for the update.

Step 4: Download it, launch the installer with a double-click, and proceed with the update.

Fix 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Utilize the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter to detect and fix errors related to updates:

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open Settings, choose System, and click Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Expand Other troubleshooters, click Run next to Windows Update, and follow on-screen instructions if fixes are identified.

Fix 4: Restart the Windows Update Service

Simply restarting the Windows Update service can sometimes resolve the 0x80070103 error:

Step 1: Open the Run dialogue box with Windows + R, type services.msc, and click OK.

Step 2: Right-click Windows Update, select Stop, and then right-click again to choose Restart.

Afterward, restart your computer to check if the Windows 11 update install error 0x80070103 persists.

Fix 5: Install the Optional Update

For driver-related issues, consider installing optional updates separately:

Step 1: Open Settings with Windows + I.

Step 2: Select Windows Update, go to Advanced options, and click on Additional updates.

Step 3: Under Optional updates, choose the drivers or other updates, and click Download & install.

Windows 11 will automatically download and install the selected updates. Reboot your system if required to apply these changes.

Fix 6: Run SFC and DISM

To address the Windows 11 update 0x80070103 error, consider scanning and repairing your system files using SFC (System File Checker) or DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management). Here's how:

Step 1: Open an elevated Command Prompt by typing "cmd" in the search box, then right-clicking the Command Prompt app and selecting Run as administrator.

Step 2: In the elevated command prompt, type the command "sfc /scannow" to initiate the System File Checker. This process may take some time, so be patient.

Step 3: If the SFC scan doesn't resolve the issue, run the following commands in the elevated Command Prompt window:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After completing these steps, reboot your PC and check if the install error 0x80070103 is resolved.

Fix 7: Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder

Another method involves deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder to address the update issue. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Type "Command Prompt" in the Search menu, then right-click to choose Run as administrator.

Step 2: Run the following commands one by one and press Enter:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

Step 3: Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all files and folders inside by selecting all (Ctrl+A) and then right-clicking to choose Delete.

After emptying the folder, restart your computer or run the following commands in Command Prompt to restart Windows Update-related services:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Run Windows Update again to check if the Windows 11 update install error - 0x80070103  persists. If the issue remains, proceed to the next fix – repairing corrupted system files.

Conclusion

Encountering the Windows 11 update error 0x80070103 can indeed be frustrating. Fortunately, the provided solutions aim to alleviate this inconvenience. Implement the suggested fixes during the update process to overcome this error seamlessly. If you've discovered alternative methods or have additional insights into resolving the update issue, feel free to share them by leaving a comment below. Your input is highly appreciated. Thank you in advance.