There are several reasons why this error can occur, including driver conflicts, incompatible hardware, and issues with Windows Update. In this troubleshooting guide, we will discuss several methods that you can use to fix error code 0x80070103 and successfully install the update in Windows.
1. Sign in with the administrator account
The first thing that we recommend you do is ensure that your user account has the administrative rights. You can be encountering the error if you are trying to install a driver update on an account that has sufficient permissions to do so. By signing in with an administrator account, you can elevate your privileges and gain the necessary permissions to install the update. This is because administrator accounts have higher privileges and can perform actions that require elevated permissions. Here is how you can do that: If you are already using an administrative account, the cause of the issue in your case might be different. In that case, move to the next method below.
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows Update troubleshooter can also help identify and resolve problems with the Windows Update service and other components that may lead to 0x80070103 errors. The troubleshooter will automatically scan your system for common problems and attempt to resolve them, such as detecting missing or corrupt files, repairing Windows Update settings, and resolving conflicts with third-party software. By running the troubleshooter, you can potentially resolve any underlying issues that are preventing the update from being installed and clear the error code. Once the issues have been resolved, you can attempt to download and install the update again. Here is how you can proceed:
3. Reset Windows Update Services and Cache
When Windows update services or cache files become corrupted, it can prevent you from successfully installing updates. To resolve this issue, it is recommended to restore the default values for all the required components and services. This can be achieved by resetting each service individually, although this can be a time-consuming process. Alternatively, you can utilize a batch file that automates the process of stopping and restarting all necessary Windows services. It is important to note that the batch file may take some time to complete. By executing this solution, you can ensure that all required components and services are operating properly, and thereby enable successful installation of updates. Here is all that you need to do:
4. Uninstall the recent updates
Another fix that worked for users was uninstalling the recently installed updates on their computers and then attempting to install the one that was leading to the error. Sometimes, updates can contain bugs or conflicts with other software on your computer, which can lead to issues like the error 0x80070103. By uninstalling the recent updates, you can roll back to the previous version of your operating system and potentially resolve any conflicts or issues that were introduced with the updates. Here is how you can reinstall the updates:
5. Pause the problematic update
You can also try pausing the Windows update for a short period and then checking for updates again. This method helps to clear any temporary conflicts that may occur during the Windows update process. Here is how you can proceed:
6. Hide the problematic update
When a particular update causes problems, you can also hide it to prevent it from being installed again until a fix or a new update is available. By using the Update Troubleshooter provided by Microsoft to hide the problematic update, the system will not attempt to install the update again. This can prevent further issues and errors related to the problematic update. To use the Update Troubleshooter to hide the problematic update, follow these steps:
7. Repair Install
Repair Installs, also known as in-place upgrades, can resolve a variety of Windows errors, including those related to updates. Essentially, this process reinstalls Windows on your computer without affecting your personal files, folders, or installed programs. Using it, you can repair or replace damaged or missing system files, fix corrupted registry settings, and restore damaged or deleted Windows components. To fix update-related errors, you can use a Repair Install, which replaces any corrupted or missing files. This can help ensure that future updates are installed correctly and without errors. Additionally, it can also update any outdated system files that may be causing conflicts with updates. In contrast to a clean install, a Repair Install doesn’t erase all your files and installed programs. Instead of replacing the existing Windows installation, it repairs and fixes any issues it finds.
