How to fix Windows Update Error 0X80070003

n our previous blog we discussed about “Windows 10 Update Error 0x80d02002” and here in this blog we will discuss another update error named Windows Update Error 0X80070003. If you are also looking for a troubleshooting guide, keep scrolling the blog.

Table of Contents

Description of the Error!

As we earlier mentioned it’s an update error and the full error message reads:

Some update files are missing or have problems. We’ll try to download the update again later. Error code: (0x80070003).

Users get prompted with the above mention error message while updating their Windows to the latest version. This error simply indicates that some of the updated files are missing or have become unusable. Users also get stuck with this error when the Windows update files are inappropriate or corrupted. It occurs when a Windows update clashes with another program running on your PC.

If we talk about the reasons that are responsible for prompting the error then there numerous factors which provoke this issue.

Reason 1: While updating Windows to the latest version all we need is a stable internet connection, if you lacks a stable internet connection, you may face the issue.

Reason 2: If the Windows Update Services are disabled you may face the above issue.

Reason 3: If your Windows Update settings are incorrectly configured, you may get stuck with the above mention issue.

Reason 4: Corrupted System files are one of the primary causes for encountering the above mention error.

Reason 5: Corrupted Windows Registry entries might cause the Windows update error 0X80070003 to occur.

How to Resolve Windows Update Error 0X80070003

Method 1: Restart the main Windows Update Service

In this method we suggest you to restart the main Windows Update Service and to do the same follow the below mention guidelines:

Point to Remember: This method will only work in a scenario where the main WU Service and related dependencies are not affected by corruption.

To proceed follow the below mention guidelines:

Step 1: On your keyboard press Windows + R keys to open Run dialog box> then type in cmd under the text box

Step 2: Now press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt window with admin access

Step 3: At the User Account Control prompt, click Yes to grant admin access to the CMD Prompt> Now type the following commands in same order and then Press Enter key after each one to effectively restart & re-register the main Windows Update Service.

net stop wuauserv

regsvr32 %windir%\system32\wups2.dll

net start wuauserv

Step 4: Once the commands are executed, close the elevated command prompt and attempt to install the failing update.

Method 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

In this method we suggest you to run the Windows Update troubleshooter and to do the same follow the below mention steps:

Step 1: On your Windows press Windows + R keys to open Run dialog box> Inside the dialog box that just appeared, you need to type ‘control’ under the text box and press Enter to open up the Control Panel interface.

Note: You may be prompted by UAC if so click Yes to grant admin access>once you are inside the Control Panel window, use the search function to look for ‘troubleshoot’

Step 2: Now from the list of results, you need to click on all the different categories Troubleshooting

Step 3: Once you are inside the Troubleshooting tab, go under System and Security and click on Fix Problems with Windows Updates.

Step 4: After you get to the first Windows Update troubleshooter prompt, click Next and wait for the initial scan to finish

Step 5: If a viable fix is found, tap on Apply this fix to apply it to the recognizable scenario

Note: In some type of recommended fixes, you might be required to do a series of manual steps.

Step 6: Once done then restart your PC and attempt to install the failing update once again.

Method 3: Modify the Registry

You are likely to face the above mention error due to corrupted Windows Registry, so it is recommended to modify the Registry:

Step 1: On your keyboard press Windows + R keys and then type regedit in the text filed and press Enter> Click Yes in the UAC Prompt

Step 2: Paste the following path in the address bar and press Enter key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WIMMount

Step 3: Now double-click on the ImagePath entry on the right> ensure the valuable data here has system32\drivers\wimmount.sys listed under it. If it doesn’t make the changes and click on OK

Step 4: Then press Windows + E keys to open the File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar and press Enter key

C:\Windows\System32\drivers\

Step 5: Verify you have the wimmount.sys file here

Step 6: Lastly Restart your PC and check if the issue resolved or not

Method 4: Run a quick SFC Scan

You can also run a SFC Scan to repair the corrupted system files and to do the same follow the below mention steps:

Step 1: Right-Click on the Start button and select Windows Terminal (Admin)> Now run the following command

sfc /scannow

Step 2: Now wait for it to finish because the process may take 10 minutes or more> Once done then see if the issue resolved or not.

Alternatively, you can also go for an automatic PC Repair Tool which will not only scan your repositories but will also fix the detected issues. This tool will not only fix the above mention error but it will also immune your PC from several malfunctioning of Windows in a single go.

⇑Get PC Repair Tool from Here⇓

Method 5: Manually Install the failed Updates

You can manually download and install updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog. To do the same follow the below mention steps:

Step 1: Press Windows + I keys together to open Windows Settings > then find which updates you failed to install under Update & Security> View Update History

Step 2: Search for the Windows Update that failed to install from the Microsoft Update Catalog> Manually install the update on your PC by double-clicking on the downloaded file.

Method 6: Using the System Restore

If you are still struggling with Windows Update Error 0X80070003 then use the system restore to revert your PC back to the normal state.

Here’s how:

Step 1: To open Run box press Windows + R keys together > then type in “rstrui” and press Enter to open System Restore

Step 2: Now at the next screen select Choose a different restore point and press Enter key

Step 3: Choose a Restore Point from before you started experiencing high resource usage and press Next again> Press Finish to start the restoring process and wait for your system to restart

Step 4: At the next startup, try to install the same update that was failing with the above mention error. Once done then check if the issue resolved or not.

That’s all about Windows Update Error 0X80070003, if you liked the blog, keep visiting the site for more details.