Solved: Troubleshooting Error Code 0x80073701 on Windows 10/11

Error Code 0x80073701 Summary

The error code 0x80073701 typically occurs when there is an issue with the Windows Update service or when attempting to install updates on a Windows system. This error can manifest in different scenarios, such as during update installation, while checking for available updates, or even when trying to roll back updates. The underlying cause often involves problems with corrupted files, issues related to the Windows Update component, or incorrect settings preventing the system from accessing necessary resources.

This code indicates that there is an issue with a critical system file or service. In some cases, this might be due to corruption of the Windows update database or failure in connecting to Microsoft’s servers for downloading updates. It can also happen if your antivirus software is interfering with the update process or if your internet connection becomes unstable during the download.

To troubleshoot and resolve the error 0x80073701, follow these steps:

1. Ensure that your system meets all necessary requirements for updates by checking if Windows features like .NET Framework are up-to-date.
2. Restart the Windows Update service. Press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter to open Services Manager, find “Windows Update” service, right-click it, and select Restart.
3. Run the System File Checker tool by opening Command Prompt as Administrator and typing sfc /scannow. Wait for the process to complete and restart your computer after completion.
4. Delete WSUS (Windows Server Update Services) content on your system. Navigate to %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\Download and delete all files in this folder, then try installing updates again.
5. If none of these methods work, reset Windows Update component by running commands: wuauclt /reset, followed by wusa.exe /uninstall:update /kb:KBxxxxxx /norestart (replace KBxxxxxx with the specific update you want to uninstall).

The 0x80073701 error can occur at different stages of the Windows Update process, including but not limited to checking for updates, downloading and installing them. It may also appear when trying to rollback a recent update installation or during the activation phase after an update is installed. Additionally, this issue could arise if you recently changed network settings that affect your connection to Microsoft’s servers for software distribution.

Where Does Error Code 0x80073701 Appear in Windows Systems?

The error 0x80073701 commonly arises in situations where Windows Update encounters difficulties accessing or processing required files or services essential for updating your system. This can occur during the update check, download, installation phases, and even when attempting to uninstall updates. Factors such as a corrupted Software Distribution folder, interference from security software like antiviruses, firewall settings blocking necessary connections, or issues with network connectivity are likely culprits.

To address this issue effectively:

1. Initiate a system scan for potential malware using your antivirus program.
2. Enable the Windows Update service through services.msc, ensuring its Startup type is set to Automatic (Delayed Start).
3. Disable any firewall or security programs that might be interfering with update processes temporarily and test if updates can proceed without obstruction.
4. Modify your internet connection settings to ensure they do not restrict access to Microsoft’s servers during the update process, including DNS settings and proxy configurations.

These measures aim at resolving common causes of 0x80073701 by addressing potential software conflicts, network issues, or system file integrity problems that prevent successful Windows Update operations.

Howto solve error code 0x80073701

The error code 0x80073701 often results from malfunctions within the Windows Update service or critical system files necessary for maintaining your operating system’s health and security. To tackle this issue efficiently, consider implementing these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run sfc /scannow to scan and repair damaged system files.
2. Execute the command wusa.exe /uninstall:update /kb:KBxxxxxx /norestart, replacing KBxxxxxx with the update identifier, then restart your computer.
3. Manually clean up any remnants of failed updates by navigating to the path %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\Download and deleting its contents.

The above actions aim at resolving file corruption issues, resetting the Windows Update service for a fresh state, and ensuring that there are no leftovers from previous unsuccessful update attempts that might hinder progress.

These steps should help in overcoming the obstacle presented by error 0x80073701, allowing your system to successfully engage with the process of updating itself through Windows Update services.

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