10 Best Ways to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070643

A relatively straightforward problem to resolve

Do you keep receiving error 0x80070643 while attempting to update Windows? It’s an annoying issue that persists no matter how much you try to “Retry” an update. We will show you how to fix error code 0x80070643.

Windows Update can occasionally display error code 0x80070643 while updating system components such as Windows Defender and the Microsoft .NET Framework to their latest versions. Rarely, it could also show up while installing quality and cumulative Windows system updates.

Error 0x80070643 can show up for several reasons. For example, it could be due to a buggy instance of the Windows Update service or a corrupt .NET Framework installation. Work through the following instructions to troubleshoot and fix Windows Update error code 0x80070643 in Windows 10 and 11.

1. Restart Windows Update Services

BITS (short for Background Intelligent Transfer Service), Windows Update Service, and Cryptographic Services are system-related services that Windows Update requires to function correctly. They can sometimes glitch out or crash and trigger the 0x80070643 installation error.

Rule that out by restarting all three services using the Services app. To do that:

  1. PressWindows Key+Rto open a Run box. Then, typeservices.mscand pressEnter.

  2. Right-clickBackground Intelligent Transfer Serviceand selectRestart. If the option appears grayed, chooseStart.

  3. Scroll down the services list and repeat what you just did forWindows UpdateandCryptographic Services.

2. Reboot PC and Retry Update

Restarting your PC is another quick way to fix Windows Update’s 0x80070643 error. If you haven’t already, open theStart menuand selectPower>Restart. Then, head back to Windows Update and reinstall the update.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Try running the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter if the 0x80070643 error continues to show up. It can identify various issues stopping Windows Update from working and offers recommendations and automatic fixes to address update-related problems.

To run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

  1. PressWindows+Sto open Windows Search. Then, typeTroubleshoot Settingsand selectOpen.

  2. SelectAdditional/Other troubleshooters.

  3. SelectRunnext toWindows Update.

4. Run .NET Framework Repair Tool

Does the 0x80070643 error only show up while installing Microsoft .NET Framework updates? If so, run the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool to check for corrupt files and other issues with the current .NET Framework installation.

  1. Download theMicrosoft .NET Framework Repair Toolfrom the Microsoft website.

  2. Double-click the downloadedNetFxRepairTool.exefile and accept Microsoft’s license terms. Then, review the recommended changes and selectNextto apply them. Do not exit the Microsoft .Net Framework Repair Tool yet.

  3. Re-open Windows Update and retry the Microsoft .NET Framework update. If the update completes successfully, selectFinishto exit the Microsoft .Net Framework Repair Tool. If not, chooseNextto perform additional troubleshooting.

5. Reset Windows Update

Windows Update caches various files and signatures in a couple of system folders called “SoftwareDistribution” and “catroot2.” The data inside can corrupt and trigger the 0x80070643 error.

Force Windows Update to recreate the SoftwareDistribution folder and the Catroot2 folder to eliminate potential issues with data corruption. To do that:

  1. Open theStart menu, typecmd, and selectRun as administratorto invoke an elevated Command Prompt console.

  2. Run the commands below one after the other to stop the Background Intelligent Service, Windows Update Service, and Cryptographic Services:

  3. Run the following commands to rename and backup the current Software Distribution and Catroot2 folders:

  4. Run the commands below one after the other to restart the Background Intelligent Service, Windows Update Service, and Cryptographic Services:

  5. Try using Windows Update again.

6. Perform a Clean Boot

If the 0x80070643 error persists, try installing the latest updates after clean booting Windows. It’s a process that prevents third-party services and startup programs from interfering with Windows Update. To do that:

  1. Typemsconfiginto a Run box and pressEnter. Then, switch to the Services tab, check the box next toHide allMicrosoftservices, and selectDisable all.

  2. Switch to theStartuptab and selectOpen Task Manager. Then, disable all non-Microsoft startup programs.

  3. Restart your computer and run Windows Update. If that helps, repeat steps 1-2 and re-activate all disabled items.

7. Install Updates via Microsoft Update Catalog

If a clean boot doesn’t help, try installing the problematic update via the Microsoft Update Catalog. To do that:

  1. Visit Windows Update and note the failing update’s KB (Knowledge Base) ID.

  2. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog, enter the KB ID, and selectSearch. Then, choose and download the update file. Make sure itmatches the current Windows build versionandoperating system architecture(x64, x86, or ARM64).

  3. Run the downloaded file and follow all on-screen installation instructions. Then, selectRestart Nowto finalize the update.

8. Manually Update Windows Defender

If the 0x80070643 error shows up forWindows Defenderdefinitions updates only, you can download and install without using Windows Update.

To do that, visit theMicrosoft Defender Antivirus updates pageand scroll down to theLatest security intelligence updatesection. Then, download the latest definition pack forMicrosoftDefender Antivirusthat matches your operating system’s architecture and run the downloaded file.

9. Run an Anti-Malware Scan

Computer viruses often infect Windows Update to stop it from installing security fixes and anti-virus definitions. If Windows Update’s error 0x80070643 error continues to show up, it’s a good idea to rule out all possibilities of a potential malware infection.

Instead of Windows Defender, using apotent third-party antivirus software solutionto perform a thorough scan for viruses is the safest option. For example, the free version ofMalwarebytesis an excellent choice atdetecting and removing stubborn malware.

10. Run SFC Scan or DISM Tool

A corrupt Windows installation can also play a factor and result in Windows Update error 0x80070643. Running the System File Checker and the DISM tool can help fix issues with system files and improve stability.

Right-click theStart buttonand selectWindows PowerShell (Admin). Then, typesfc /scannowand pressEnterto launch the System File Checker.

Next, enter the following command and pressEnterto invoke the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool.

DISM.exe/Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth

After performing both scans, use Windows Update and check if error 0x80070643 recurs.

Error Code 0x80070643 Fixed

Error 0x80070643 is a relatively straightforward problem to fix compared toother Windows Update issues. For example, restarting Windows Update-related services, running the Windows Update troubleshooter, or clearing the Windows Update cache should always help. If not, running through the rest of the fixes definitely will. In the off-chance that none of them works, considerresetting your Windows installation to factory defaults.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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