Facing off “Windows update error code 0x800700c1” while trying to install updates on Windows 10 is common and indicates that something happened wrong. Once this error occurs, it may trouble users in form of hanging start button, program not responding, system being sluggish, and many more. Also, the error can cause some security related issues as well if not treated for long time.
In case if you are experiencing the aforementioned error or issue while using your Windows system, then you might be looking for some possible workarounds to fix the issue. This article includes various helpful tips that can help you easily to sort out Windows update error code 0x800700c1 error.
Method 1: Fix the error using automated tool
In many cases as noticed, the common reason to see Windows update error is corrupted or damaged system files, presence of enough junk files, and many more. In such cases, identifying the root cause can be a tough task, and so we recommend you to choose an automated tool that will scan and repair every damaged sector in Windows to sort out the issue. Just download the app here suggested, and run it.
Method 2: Reset Software Distribution Folder
The Software Distribution folder in Windows actually includes all installed update files, and if in case the directory have some corrupted installation, it will prevent a machine against installing new updates. In such cases, it’s common to see Windows update error code, and resetting the distribution folder can fix the issue. To do so, follow the instructions:
- Run Command Prompt as Administrator
- Run the below mentioned commands one by one.
- Once done with the commands, close CMD and try updating the system again.
net stop wuauserv net stop bits net stop cryptsvc ren %systemroot%\System32\Catroot2 Catroot2.old ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old net start wuauserv net start bits net start cryptsvc
Method 3: Run DISM to fix the error
DISM or Deployment Image Servicing and Management file, is actually a way offered in
windows to repair update related issues and allows to install latest updates easily. To use this tool, here are the stps to follow:
- Open CMD as Administrator.
- Run the following commands, and wait for them to complete.
- Once done, close the CMD and try updating the machine once again.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Method 4: Disable security applications (Antivirus, Windows Defender, and Firewall)
Many times, the installed and active security apps like Firewall or Antivirus can be a culprit to show Windows Update Error Code 0x800700c1 on screen as they block the incoming update’s connection. They actually consider the connection to be suspicious, however if you feel the connection is legit as you are trying to update your machine, then simply disable the culprit security app, and try installing the update again.
Method 5: Run System Update Readiness utility
The aforementioned tool is actually a utility developed and distributed by Microsoft. Using this tool, you can repair the Update related issues in Windows based computers. Click here to download the tool. Once installed, run it as administrator, and it will automatically reset all components on machine to update your operating system smoothly.
Conclusion
Windows Update Error Code 0x800700c1 is one of the common error that a user may experience while updating their operating system with latest updates. If you are also the one, the above mentioned methods can easily help you to resolve the issue.
