Solved: Troubleshooting Guide for Windows Update Error 0x80073701

Error Code 0x80073701 Summary

The error code 0x80073701 typically indicates an issue with the Windows Update service or problems related to system files. This specific error often occurs during attempts to install updates, upgrade versions of Windows, or repair certain components through the command prompt’s System File Checker (SFC) tool and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) utility. Additionally, it can appear when trying to recover corrupted system files on a Windows installation. The exact cause could be varied, including issues with permissions, file corruption, network connectivity problems, or conflicts within the update package itself. Resolving this issue generally involves troubleshooting steps aimed at addressing these potential causes.

Description of Error Code 0x80073701 and Common Scenarios

Error 0x80073701 can occur in various scenarios within Windows environments. Common occurrences include during attempts to install Windows updates via the Update and Security settings interface, while using the Command Prompt to run the SFC /scannow or DISM commands for system file repairs, when attempting to use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool with administrative privileges, or when trying to upgrade a version of Windows through media creation tools. It might also appear during setup processes that involve downloading and installing Windows 10/11 updates from Microsoft’s servers directly or indirectly through third-party software that interacts with system settings for maintenance purposes. In all these cases, the error suggests an inability to complete certain operations due to a failure in accessing necessary resources or completing required checks successfully.

Howto solve error code 0x80073701

  1. Restart your computer and try running Windows Update again after waiting 24 hours.
  2. If the issue persists, disable any third-party antivirus software temporarily as it might interfere with Windows Update processes.
  3. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing “cmd” in the search bar, right-clicking on Command Prompt (or Windows PowerShell), and selecting “Run as administrator.”
  4. Type sfc /scannow to run a system file check that scans all protected system files and replaces incorrect versions with correct Microsoft versions.
  5. If SFC does not solve the issue, type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth. This command checks for missing or corrupted files in your Windows installation image and attempts to repair them.
  6. After running DISM, try running Windows Update again through Settings > Update & Security.

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