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Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070003 on Windows 11/10

Error 0x80070003 can occur on a Windows computer when running Windows Update, activating Windows Firewall or downloading from the Windows Store. In this article, we will talk about Windows Update error 0x80070003. When this occurs, it usually means that the Windows Update (WUAUSERV) is not started or Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) cannot be started. The issue could also be with other supporting components for the Windows Update mechanism.

Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070003 on Windows 11/10

Windows Update error 0x80070003

Some effective fixes to get rid of error code 0x80070003 for Windows Updates on Windows 11/10 would be:

  1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter.
  2. Replace old Configuration file Spupdsvc.exe
  3. Reset Windows Update related folders.
  4. Check the status of Windows Update-related Windows Services.
  5. Use System File Checker.

1] Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070003 on Windows 11/10

The Windows Update Troubleshooter or Microsoft’s Online Windows Update Troubleshooter can be used to detect and fix any conflicts for Windows Updates automatically.

2] Replace old Configuration file Spupdsvc.exe

Spupdsvc.exe is a process file that comes under Microsoft Update RunOnce Service.  When an update becomes available for the computer, the process responsible for performing the upgrade is notified. Also, a RunOnce entry is added to the registry for spupdsvc.exe. The process is executed when the computer restarts, and the user logs on.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator to execute the following command:

cmd /c ren %systemroot%\System32\Spupdsvc.exe Spupdsvc.old

It will replace the old configuration of Spupdsvc.exe with a fresh one. Try to rerun Windows Updates and check if your issue t is fixed now.

3] Manually reset Windows Update related folders

This method is all about deleting the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder & reset the Catroot2 folder.

The SoftwareDistribution folder and the Catroot2 folder contain some temporary system files that are responsible for applying updates to a computer. They include data that support Windows Updates as well as installers for new components.

4] Check the status of Windows Update-related Windows Services

Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070003 on Windows 11/10

There are various Windows Services that help the functioning of different elements inside of the Windows 10 operating system. Therefore, you might need to check on the services that support Windows Updates.

Open the Windows Services Manager and locate the following services:

  1. Windows Update Service – Manual (Triggered)
  2. Background Intelligent Transfer Service – Manual.
  3. Cryptographic Services – Automatic
  4. Workstation Service – Automatic.

Open their Properties and ensure that their Startup type is as mentioned above against their name and that the Services are running. If not click on the Start button.

5] Use System File Checker

Open Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the following command:

sfc /scannow

It will run the System File Checker.

Reboot your computer after the scan has completed and run Windows Update.

The update should be getting downloaded now!

Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070003 on Windows 11/10