6 Ways to Fix a 0x80073701 Windows Update Error

Encountering a 0x80073701 error usually indicates your PC’s Windows Update components aren’t working correctly. There are other reasons this error occurs and prevents you from updating your system. We’ll show you various ways to get around this problem and bring your operating system up to date.

Some other reasons the above error occurs are that the Windows Update cache is corrupted, Windows system files are damaged, a third-party app is interfering with your updates, and more.

1.Restart Your PC

When an update fails to download or install,give your PC a rebootand see if that resolves your problem. This is because your PC may have a minor glitch, which you can try to fix by restarting your system.

Make sure to save your unsaved work before powering off your computer.

2.Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 11 and 10 include many troubleshooters to help you fix various issues on your machine. You can use the Windows Update troubleshooter when you haveproblems updating your operating system. This tool automatically finds issues with your updates and helps you resolve those problems.

3.Clear the Windows Update Download Cache

One fix to use when your updates fail to download or install is todelete your Windows Update cache. This is because certain downloaded update files might be corrupted, causing your issue.

Windows will re-download the required files after you’ve cleared the cache. Note that you’ll use the same steps on both Windows 11 and Windows 10 to remove the update cache.

4.Reset Windows Update on Your PC

If you continue to get a 0x80073701 error while updating Windows,reset your PC’s update componentsto fix your problem. Your update components might be facing issues, and resetting those items should resolve your issue.

You’ll use a batch file to reset the Windows Update components on your Windows 11 or 10 PC.

5.Repair Windows’ Damaged System Files

If Windows’ core files are damaged, that might be why you can’t update your system. Such core-level corruption happens for various reasons, including other apps’ interference and virus or malware infection.

In this case, use your PC’s built-in SFC (System File Checker) tool tofind and replace the broken system files with working files. This tool automatically detects the damaged files; only little interaction is required from your end.

6.Clean Boot Your Windows PC

If your Windows update still fails to download or install, a third-party app might be causing interference. One way to verify that is toclean boot your PC, where your system only loads the essential files to boot up your computer.

Get Around a 0x80073701 Error to Update Windows Successfully

It’s important to keep your Windows system up to date, but errors like 0x80073701prevent you from installing the latest updates. Using the above methods, you can fix that particular issue and get Windows to download and install the available updates without any hiccups. We hope the guide helps you.

Mahesh has been obsessed with technology since he got his first gadget a decade or so ago. Over the last few years, he’s written a number of tech articles on various online publications including but not limited to MakeTechEasier and Android AppStorm.Read Mahesh’s Full Bio

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