How to fix Windows Update error 0x80073701

If you experience error code 0x80073701 on your computer, it means you had problems installing Windows updates. This error can occur for a number of reasons, but fortunately, there are a few things you can do to fix it.

In this article, TipsMake will guide you through some troubleshooting steps to restore Windows updates.

What causes Windows Update error 0x80073701?

Windows Update errors often occur during the update process. If you encounter error 0x80073701 while updating Windows, there may be an error with the update files. The error can occur for a number of reasons, but it usually occurs due to corrupted files.

There are several other possible causes for this error. A few of these reasons are listed below:

1. Service Windows Update is not running
2. There isn't enough disk space to install updates
3. There's a problem with your Internet connection.
4. A third-party antivirus program is blocking Windows Update.

With this error code, you will often receive the message "Updates Failed, There were problems installing some updates, but we'll try again later" . This message also has error code 0x80073701.

Now that you have a better understanding of the error code and why it occurs, let's move on to solutions that can hopefully help you fix the error.

How to fix Windows Update error 0x80073701

1. Restart the computer and try again

If you're trying to update Windows and encounter error 0x80073701, you may have corrupt or missing files that Windows Update needs to work properly. In this case, just restart your computer and try updating Windows again. This may seem overly simple, but sometimes that's all it takes to fix the problem.

2. Run SFC and DISM scans

Windows has a tool available to scan your system and find missing or damaged files, then replace them if necessary. So, if restarting your computer doesn't solve the problem, try running System File Checker.

If the problem persists, you should run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management command line tool to restore system files and repair any damaged system images.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

If you're having trouble updating Windows, you can fix it by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This is a built-in tool that can help identify and fix problems with Windows Update.

To run the troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Right-click Start and select Settings from the menu list.
2. Next, go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters .
3. On the next page, click the Run option next to Windows Update.

How to fix Windows Update error 0x80073701 Picture 1

If the troubleshooter finds any problems, it will try to fix them automatically. In some cases, you may need to follow additional instructions or restart your computer. After the troubleshooter finishes its job, try updating Windows again to see if the problem is fixed.

4. Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder

If you still get error 0x80073701 after running the troubleshooter, you may need to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder, where Windows stores temporary update files. It requires you to execute some commands through Command Prompt with admin rights. Below are the steps you need to follow.

1. .
2. In Command Prompt, enter the following commands and press Enter after each command:

net stop wuauserv net stop bits net stop cryptSvc net stop msiserver

1. Once you have executed these commands, press Win + E to .
2. Next, navigate to the following path:

C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution

1. Delete all files and folders from the SoftwareDistribution folder.
2. After you delete the SoftwareDistribution folder, restart previously stopped services. To do this, launch Command Prompt with admin rights and execute the command below:

net start wuauserv net start bits net start cryptSvc net start msiserver

Once you have completed all the steps, restart your computer and try again.

5. Fix problems in Clean Boot

If you're having trouble updating Windows, it could be caused by a process or service running in the background. To fix it, you can put your computer into Clean Boot mode. This will disable all 3rd party services and start Windows with only the minimum number of programs running.

Here's how to proceed.

1. .
2. Type MSConfig in the text box and press Enter to .
3. In the System Configuration window , you will be on the General tab.
4. Place a check mark next to Selective startup.
5. Uncheck the box that says Load startup items .

How to fix Windows Update error 0x80073701 Picture 2

1. Switch to the Services tab now.
2. Select Hide all Microsoft services , then click Disable all.
3. Click the Apply button to save the changes.

How to fix Windows Update error 0x80073701 Picture 3

1. Now, go to the Startup tab and select the Open Task Manager link .

How to fix Windows Update error 0x80073701 Picture 4

1. Right-click each service on the Startup tab and disable them.
2. When you finish editing System Configuration , click OK to save your changes

Once you have completed the above steps, restart your computer and then try updating it to the latest version of Windows. If this method works, you may have disabled a service that is causing the problem. When this happens, you need to turn on each service one by one and find out which one is causing the problem.

Lesley Montoya

Update 28 October 2023