Solved: How to Fix the 0x80070670 Windows Update Error

Error Code 0x80070670 Summary

This error code, 0x80070670, typically appears during the installation or update process for Windows updates and applications that interact with Windows Update components. It signifies a problem related to corrupt system files, missing or incorrectly configured system components, or issues within the Windows Update service itself, including network connectivity problems that hinder access to Microsoft’s servers. This error is often encountered on machines running various versions of Windows such as Windows 10 and Windows Server operating systems.

When this error occurs, it usually means that there was an issue while attempting to download or install updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog or during a system repair process initiated by tools like System File Checker (SFC) or DISM. It can also arise when trying to apply a driver update through Windows Update or if there are problems with the SoftwareDistribution folder, which is crucial for storing and managing updates.

Fixing this error may involve several steps that target different potential causes of the issue. Below are detailed solutions aimed at resolving common sources of 0x80070670 errors.

1. Run System File Checker (SFC):
   • Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
   • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to initiate the scan. This command will check for file corruption issues and attempt to fix them automatically.
2. Perform DISM Cleanup-Image:
   • Launch Command Prompt with Administrative rights.
   • Execute dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth. This process scans the image of your operating system, identifies issues in files and registry entries related to Windows Update components, and attempts to fix them.
3. Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder:
   • Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution using File Explorer.
   • Once there, rename or delete the folder named “SoftwareDistribution”. Note that deletion requires administrative rights; renaming allows you to restore the original folder later if needed.
4. Reset Windows Update Components:
   • Start Command Prompt as Administrator.
   • Type wuauclt /reset and press Enter. This command resets the client settings for Windows Update, clearing any incorrect configurations.
   • After resetting, use sfc /scannow again to ensure that system files are not corrupted.
5. Manually Download & Install KB3075846:
   • Navigate to Microsoft Update Catalog and download the update package “Windows10.0-KB3075846-x64.
   • Run the downloaded file as an administrator to install it.

Note: Always ensure your system is up-to-date with other essential updates before applying KB3075846. Additionally, backing up important files and ensuring that you have access to recovery options such as System Restore points or a Windows installation media can be crucial in case any of these procedures cause unexpected issues.

Description of Error Code 0x80070670 and Common Scenarios Where It Appears

This error code is commonly found in situations related to software deployment through Windows Update mechanisms. It often occurs during an attempt to apply critical updates on machines running Windows 10, either directly or via WSUS (Windows Server Update Services). The issue may arise when the system cannot successfully communicate with Microsoft’s update servers due to network restrictions or local firewall settings blocking necessary ports.

Additionally, 0x80070670 can occur during an audit or repair process using tools like SFC and DISM. This error signifies that these utilities have encountered issues while trying to verify the integrity of system files or when attempting repairs on damaged components essential for Windows Update functionality.

It is also frequently reported in scenarios involving attempts to install specific KB (Knowledge Base) updates, particularly those related to core system functionalities such as network drivers and critical OS features. Issues within the SoftwareDistribution folder can cause this error, indicating that files or configurations required by Windows Update are either missing or incorrect.

In enterprise environments where WSUS is used to manage software distribution, 0x80070670 may be encountered when a client computer fails to connect to the internal update server due to network connectivity issues or configuration discrepancies between the local machine and the WSUS server settings. This can involve misconfigurations in GPO (Group Policy Objects) that control how clients interact with WSUS.

Finally, users attempting to manually install updates downloaded from Microsoft’s Update Catalog might also face this error if there are underlying system issues preventing proper installation of the files or if the update package is incompatible with their current operating system configuration. This includes scenarios where required prerequisites for a specific update are missing or outdated on the target machine.

Howto solve error code 0x80070670

To resolve the 0x80070670 error, follow these detailed steps:

1. Ensure System Updates Are Up-to-date: Before proceeding with any repair actions, make sure your system has all essential updates installed. Open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates”. Apply any available updates before moving forward.
2. Run SFC Scan: Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run sfc /scannow. This checks the integrity of critical system files and repairs them if possible. Wait for it to complete fully, noting any messages indicating successful or failed scans.
3. Clean Up Windows Components via DISM: In an elevated Command Prompt window, execute dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth. This process can take several minutes as it restores the health of various system components necessary for proper update operations.
4. Delete SoftwareDistribution Folder (Optional): Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and rename or delete this folder. Be cautious with deletion; renaming allows you to revert changes if needed.
5. Reset Windows Update Service: Use wuauclt /reset from an elevated Command Prompt window. This command resets the client settings for Windows Update, helping eliminate configuration issues preventing updates from being downloaded or installed properly.
6. Manually Install KB3075846 (If Needed): If previous steps do not resolve the issue, download and install this specific update package via Microsoft’s Update Catalog to address underlying system file integrity concerns.

Each step should be completed carefully, ensuring that no further actions are taken until the preceding one is verified as successful. This methodical approach helps isolate and correct the root cause of 0x80070670 errors efficiently.

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