How to Fix “Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension Install Error” in Windows

Don’t be scared, read this instead

The Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Extension is a software component that enables Windows 11/10 to interact with Realtek’s audio and networking devices. It gets updated through Windows Update whenever Realtek releases newer versions.

But what if Windows Update suddenly begins to display “Realtek Semiconductor Corp. – Extension Install error – 0x80070103” on repeat? Although this failing driver update shouldn’t interfere with your operating system’s ability to use Realtek’s hardware, continually seeing the error is unsettling and leads to problems later.

This troubleshooting guide has been created to help you resolve the Realtek Semiconductor Corp. Extension install error. You’ll learn multiple solutions, from basic troubleshooting steps to more advanced techniques, to fix this driver update issue on your Windows PC.

Reboot Windows Update

In most cases, an issue with a driver update in Windows is simply due to a temporary glitch, such as a network issue or a server-side problem from Microsoft. If hitting theRetrybutton causes the Realtek extension update to fail repeatedly, try rebooting Windows Update. To do that:

Restart Your PC

Restarting your PC is a quick and fast way toresolve loads of underlying issues with Windows. Just open theStart menu, selectPower>Restart, and rerun Windows Update after you log back into the desktop.

Pause and Retry the Update

Another quick fix for the Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension install error in Windows involves pausing Windows Update and re-enabling it. Here’s how:

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter tool designed to identify and fix issues related to system and driver updates. It can suggest potential fixes and even auto-apply them.

To run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

Use the Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter

Show or Hide Updates is an alternative Microsoft troubleshooter that gives you control over which updates to install.Forum chatterindicates using the tool to hide, unhide, and reinstall the Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension update as a viable technique to avoid install error 0x80070103.

Download theShow or Hide Updates troubleshooterfrom Microsoft, and then:

Reset the Windows Update Cache

Windows maintains a cache of partially downloaded update data to speed things up. Errors and corrupt files within the cached folders—SoftwareDistribution and catroot2—can result in persistent Windows Update errors.

To reset the Windows Update cache:

Repair Corrupt System Files

Next, run Windows’s System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command-line tools. SFC scans and fixes corrupt or missing system files that could lead to Windows Update issues, while DISM improves system stability.

Torun the SFC and DISM tools:

Uninstall and Reinstall Realtek Devices

If everything fails, try removing and reinstalling the Realtek audio or network drivers on your Windows PC. This action eliminates potential driver corruption issues leading to update errors. To do that:

Install Updates From Computer Manufacturer

An alternative method to install Realtek drivers and components is to get the relevant drivers from your computer manufacturer—HP,Dell,ASUS, etc. It’s not convenient compared to Windows Update, but it helps resolve recurring Realtek extension update errors, at least for now.

After visiting the manufacturer’s website, search for yourPC model, download the latest Realtek drivers, and install them. Then, re-run Windows Update.

Fix Error Code 0x80070103 in Windows Update

The Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension install error is not straightforward to troubleshoot, but working through the fixes above should make it go away eventually. If none of these solutions work for you, wait until the next Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension update hits Windows Update and install that instead. Or, if you’re up for it,reset Windows 11or 10 to default settings, set up everything from scratch again, and check if that deals with any conflicts causing the error to pop up.

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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How to Fix “Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension Install Error” in Windows#

Reboot Windows Update#

Restart Your PC#

Pause and Retry the Update#

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter#

Use the Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter#

Reset the Windows Update Cache#

Repair Corrupt System Files#

Uninstall and Reinstall Realtek Devices#

Install Updates From Computer Manufacturer#

Fix Error Code 0x80070103 in Windows Update#

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