Windows update Error 0x800b0003 is an error code that indicates a problem with the digital signature of a file or driver. It can occur when installing a new program or updating Windows. This message may appear if a required certificate is not within its validity period or the signature of the certificate cannot be verified. If you continuously face this issue, try the methods discussed below to fix 0x800b0003 on Windows 10 PC.
Table of Contents
Error 0x800b0003 Windows 10 can occur due to several reasons, such as:
- The file or driver that is being installed has an invalid or corrupt digital signature.
- The system is unable to connect to the certificate revocation list (CRL) server to verify the digital signature.
- The system files required to verify the digital signature are corrupted or outdated.
- The Trusted Root Certification Authorities store on the system is missing or contains invalid certificates.
- A third-party security software or Windows firewall is blocking the connection to the CRL server.
Basic Checks/Tips
It’s recommended to
- check the digital signature of the file or driver that is being installed
- ensure that the system is connected to the internet
- check for Windows updates
- try disabling any third-party security software temporarily
Method 1: Launch Windows in Safe Mode and Update
Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode in Windows operating systems used to obtain limited access to Windows when the operating system is unable to start normally. This is useful for troubleshooting and resolving certain types of problems, such as driver conflicts or malware infections. To launch Windows in Safe Mode, read out our guide.
Once in Safe Mode, you can then try to troubleshoot and resolve this error. This error is related to Windows Update, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, such as an incomplete update, a corrupted system file, or an issue with the update server.
Method 2: Perform Clean Boot
Performing a clean boot is a troubleshooting technique that can help identify if a conflict with another program is causing the error 0x800b0003 in Windows Update. To do so read out our guide on How to perform clean boot.
Also Read: 9 Ways to Fix Windows Update Error 0X80070003
Method 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Note: It’s important to note that before trying any of these steps, you should create a backup of your important data, because some of them may affect your system. Read out our guide on How to Run Windows update Troubleshoot.
Check to see if the error 0x800b0003 has been resolved. If not, try repeating the above steps or move on to other troubleshooting steps mentioned below.
Method 4: Reset Windows Update Components
You might have noticed the Windows update processes not working properly. At that time, users may have to think about the reset update components option, especially when the Windows Update agent-related services stop working on their system. Also, when some of the update components get corrupt or Windows has issues while updating the cache, reset windows update components script can also come into play. Read out our guide on How to Reset Windows update components to fix error 0x800b0003.
Also Read: Fix Microsoft Store Error 0X8A150006 in Windows 10
Method 5: Update Device Drivers
When trying to update Windows and encountering error 0x800b0003, updating the drivers on your computer can help resolve the issue. This is because error 0x800b0003 windows update can be caused by a problem with the digital signature of a file or driver. Read out our guide to update device drivers on Windows 10.
Method 6: Disable Antivirus Temporarily (If Applicable)
Disabling your antivirus software temporarily can help resolve the issue by allowing the connection to the CRL server and allowing the update or installation to proceed. Keep in mind that disabling your antivirus software can leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other security threats, so it is important to only disable it temporarily and re-enable it as soon as the update or installation is complete. Read our guide to disable your antivirus software temporarily in Windows 10:
Note: It’s also important to know that disabling your antivirus software is not a permanent solution to the problem, and it’s recommended to check for any software updates or to contact the software vendor for assistance.
Also Read: Fix Microsoft Outlook Error 0x80040115
Method 7: Run Malware Scan
The error can be caused by a variety of issues, including malware infections. One way to potentially fix this error is by scanning your computer with an anti-virus program. An anti-virus program is a type of software that is designed to detect and remove malware, such as viruses, worms, trojans, and spyware, from your computer. By running a scan, the anti-virus program will search for and identify any malicious software that may be causing the error.
To scan your computer with an anti-virus program, Read out our guide on How do I Run a virus scan on my computer.
Note: know that many Windows 10 have built-in anti-virus programs, you can check if it’s enabled and updated in the Windows security settings. Also, it’s a good practice to have more than one anti-virus program installed on your computer, as different programs may identify different types of malwares.
Also Read: How to Fix Microsoft Store Error 0x80073cfb
Method 8: Perform System Restore
System Restore is a feature in Windows 10 that allows you to revert your computer’s state to a previous point in time.
When you perform a System Restore, your computer’s settings, installed programs, and system files will be restored to the state they were in at the selected restore point. This can help fix problems caused by software conflicts, malware infections, or system corruption. To use System Restore to fix error 0x800b0003 windows 10.
Note: Please note that System Restore will not affect your personal files, but you will lose all installed programs and updates that were added after the restore point was created.
If after all the methods the error still persists, it might be a good idea to contact Microsoft support or a professional technician to help you to fix the issue.
Recommended: Fix Windows Update Error 0x80071160
Error 0x800b0003 in Windows 10 can be caused by a variety of issues, such as software conflicts, or malware. To fix this error, you can try several different methods mentioned above. Please let us know in the comments section below which approach you found to be most effective.
No one likes receiving an error code when attempting to update his/her Windows operating system. However, update errors have become a part and parcel of Windows 11/10. In this post, we will discuss an Update error 0x800B0003 that occurs mainly when you are trying to download and install the latest cumulative update on your computer.
In addition to that, we will also discuss what possibly could have triggered an error 0x800B0003 in Windows and what are the possible ways applying which you may overcome this scenario.
If you are unable to download and install the latest security or non-security updates on your Windows PC, consider applying the below fixes one after another.
- Troubleshoot Windows Update
- Disable Memory Integrity
- Disable External Antivirus Program
- Run SFC/DISM Scans
- Remove recently installed updates
- Perform a System Restore
- Manually download and install updates
1] Troubleshoot Windows Update
Troubleshooting Windows Update is an effective way to automatically detect unwanted settings that are preventing Windows Update from happening on its own. Attempt this fix and check if the error code 0x800B0003 resolves on your computer. Here’s how to proceed with this solution –
- Go to Settings (Windows + I) and select System from the left sidebar.
- Head over to the right pane and select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Locate Windows Update under “Most frequent”, and hit the Run button available beside it.
- Wait for the troubleshooter to launch and hit the Next button on it.
- Now, follow the on-screen instructions to find and resolve the underlying causes inside your operating system.
Note: If you are encountering the same error code on Windows 10, launch the troubleshooting tool by following these easy steps –
- Press Win + I to launch Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Click once on Windows Update and when it expands, hit Run the troubleshooter.
Wait for the troubleshooting tool to start and when it does launch, click Next and follow the on-screen instructions that come moving forward. Hopefully, the error code 0x800B0003 is resolved in this step alone. If not, try the next set of solutions discussed below.
2] Disable memory integrity in Windows Security
Several users reported fixing this error code 0x800B0003 after they disable the Memory Integrity under Windows Security. Here’s how to proceed ahead with this task on Windows –
- Press Windows + S, and search for Windows Security in the text field.
- Click on the top result and when it does open, select Device Security from the left sidebar.
- On the right pane, locate and click Core isolation details.
- Under Core isolation, you will find a toggle switch next to Memory integrity.
- When you turn off this toggle switch, the UAC window will prompt next.
- Click Yes to authorize disabling Memory integrity on your computer.
- This change requires you to restart your device. So, close all running windows and restart your computer.
Sign back into your device again and check if you can update Windows normally now.
Note: After you update your operating system, make sure to turn On this Memory integrity feature under Windows Security. Otherwise, your device will be prone to malicious attacks entering high-security processes.
3] Disable External Antivirus Program
If you use some external antivirus programs to protect your system against malware or ransomware attacks, you should uninstall or temporarily disable that security application. External software is known to interact with the system files and make them corrupt. Over a period of time, such files prevent installing new updates on your computer.
Note: In case you are using some freely available antivirus application, we suggest switching to Windows Security on your computer. Windows Defender is a far superior application when compared to such freebies. Moreover, this is an internal application and hence is compatible with different processes and services on Windows.
4] Run SFC/DISM Scans
The presence of corrupt system files and folders may also prevent Windows Update from happening and instead throw an error code 0x800B0003. Run System File Checker to check if there is indeed some corruption within your system files or folders. Here’s how to initiate an SFC scan in Windows –
- Press Windows + X, and select Terminal (Admin).
- By default, the terminal lands into Windows PowerShell having administrative privileges.
- Copy/paste the following code on it and press Enter –
sfc /scannow
- Wait for this code to finish scanning/repairing all system files and folders.
- After this is over, run the DISM tool to check and resolve any corruption within the System Image as well.
- For this, you need to run the following code on an elevated console –
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
- Wait again for the next 10-15 minutes for the DISM tool to finish its scanning/repairing process.
- After this is over as well, close the terminal, and restart your computer.
Hopefully, you should now be able to update your operating system to its next available Build version.
5] Remove recently installed Windows Updates
If you have recently installed some cumulative update on your computer and this error code 0x800B0003 started occurring afterward, you must have installed a buggy update. In that case, you should remove that particular update from your system and check if the problem resolves this way. Here’s how to uninstall a recent update from Windows 10.
Windows 11 users may follow these steps instead –
- Press Windows + I to launch Settings.
- Go to Windows Update from the left sidebar and select Update history under More options.
- Scroll down to the bottom and click Uninstall updates under Related settings.
- Locate the update after installing which, this error 0x800B0003 started occurring.
- After you find the buggy update, click the Uninstall button available on its right-end.
- The system will confirm next if you really want to remove the selected update from your system.
Well, click Uninstall again and wait for the next 10-15 minutes while the system is uninstalling the chosen update. Your device may restart a few times during this whole process, so wait patiently. After this is over, restart your computer again and check if you can install new updates on your Windows PC from the subsequent login.
6] Perform a System Restore
There are times when you can’t remove a cumulative update from your system manually. If that’s the case, you may use the last restore point to revert back your PC to its earlier stable state.
If you haven’t created a system backup ever on your computer, skip to the next solution. Else, read this article on how to use a system restore point on Windows 11/10.
7] Manually download and install pending updates
Since you are here, the above solutions must not have worked in your favor. Worry not, as you can always download the relevant standalone package of a recent cumulative update from Microsoft’s Update Catalog and install that manually on your PC. Here’s a guide on how to proceed with this solution on Windows 11 or Windows 10.
Why Windows Updates are essential?
Updates to Windows are essential for several reasons and they are as follows –
- Stability: An update significantly improve the stability of an operating system.
- Security: Every now and then, new techniques of exploiting others’ money is coming to the market. To safeguard users’ interests and prevent them from such attacks, it is imperative for Microsoft to bring new security updates.
- New features: This is one thing where users spend the most. This is why tech companies are constantly trying to do something new and as a result of this, new features do come into our systems.
- Compliance: Updates to Windows must necessarily comply with new regulations and standards in certain industries, such as healthcare or finance.
In totality, updating your Windows system ensures that your computer is secure, stable, and up-to-date with the latest features and technologies. It is important to keep your system updated to ensure the best performance and protection for your computer.
The 0x800b0003 error often occurs when you are trying to update Windows. It reads, “There were problems downloading some updates, but we’ll try again later” or “Windows Update encountered an unknown error.” So this error won’t let you upgrade your Windows version, and you’ll be stuck with an older variant.
Mainly, the problem is that your system drivers are outdated. Apart from being unable to update Windows, you will also face issues like your computer freezing, the blue screen of death showing up, or the system crashing due to this error.
You can update your drivers from the Device Manager section in Windows. Just make sure you have a good internet connection to carry out the process smoothly.
Along with updating the drivers, we’ll be looking at 7 solutions to counter the 0x800b0003 error on Windows. You can go through these methods sequentially and see which one works best for you.
1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Straight off the bat, try and run the Windows Update troubleshooter. Its purpose is to identify and fix update issues and will likely resolve the 0x800b0003 error as well.
Simply follow the steps below to run the troubleshooter.
- Press the Windows Key and type Troubleshoot Settings.
- Open the Troubleshoot window and click on Additional troubleshooters.
Troubleshoot Settings screen
- Click Run the Troubleshooter after clicking on Windows Update under the Get up and running section.
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
- Let the troubleshooter look for the error and then go on with the on-screen instructions to rectify it.
2. Run SFC Scan and Restart
The SFC scan locates corrupted system files and repairs them. The reason you are getting the update error can be because of this malfunctioning data. Therefore, running the SFC scan will help in the process of fixing the issue.
Here’s how to execute the SFC command:
- Press the Windows key and type CMD.
- Run the Command Prompt as administrator.
- Now paste the following command:
sfc /scannow
SFC scan command
- Once the scan completes, restart your PC and see if the error is still showing up or not.
3. Update Device Drivers
Incompatible or outdated drivers are a common reason why these errors take place. It is necessary to keep your drivers up-to-date for your system to run efficiently.
Now follow the steps below to update your system drivers.
- Open the Run dialog box with the Win + R keys.
- Paste the following in the Open bar and click OK: devmgmt.msc
- Expand the Display Adapters section and right-click on the device drivers.
- Now click on Update Drivers.
Device drivers in Device Manager
- Select Search automatically for drivers.
Search automatically for drivers option
- Follow the on-screen instructions next to update your drivers.
4. Manually Reset Windows Update Service
Another way to deal with the 0x800b0003 error is by manually resetting the Windows Update Service. After it resets, you can try and update Windows again to see if it works now.
Here’s how to do it:
- Type CMD on the Windows search bar.
- Run the command prompt as administrator.
- Now execute the following commands in sequence:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Manually Resetting Windows Update Service
- Afterward, exit the command prompt and try to update Windows again.
5. Manually Update Windows
Another method is to install the updates manually. If your system is failing to update Windows automatically, then this is the process you should go for.
- Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
- Now go to Windows Update under Update & Security.
- Click on View update history and look at the updates you had on your Windows.
View update history option
- Next, go through Microsoft’s update catalog to download and install the latest update.
You would be required to turn off your automatic update option for the time being. Follow our guide here for doing so.
6. Restore the PC to a Previous Point
Sometimes there can be software or a file that gets installed and becomes the reason for the update error due to malware or virus. So, if you have a restore point on your PC, go back to it and try to install the Windows update again.
Here’s how to restore the system:
- Press the Winkey and type System Restore.
- You’ll be at the System Properties screen now.
- Navigate to System Protection > System Restore.
System Restore option
- Click Next on the System Restore wizard.
- Now you will see the restore points on your PC. Select the point you want to go back to.
System restore points
- After you click Next, the resulting window will show the apps & updates that will be removed due to the restore.
- Click Next again and then finally click on Finish to complete the restoration.
7. Manually Upgrade Windows with Media Creation Tool
Upgrading Windows with the Media Creation Tool will not only keep your data saved but will also repair corrupt system files. Once the Windows update takes place, the 0x800b0003 error will be automatically corrected.
- Open Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool page and click on Download Now.
- Click on Run and start the setup.
- Accept the License terms.
- Now select Upgrade this PC now.
Upgrade this PC now option
- Click Install on the next window.
Ready to Install screen in Windows 10 setup - Your system will restart multiple times while the installation takes place.
- After it completes, sign in with your account and the error will disappear.
Abdullah Iqbal
Abdullah is a Google IT certified Help Desk Technician with extensive experience in providing technical support to system users. He has a proven track record of effectively resolving IT issues, and is adept at working with tools like Jira and ZenDesk to efficiently manage support tickets. Abdullah is committed to staying up-to-date with the latest technological advancements and constantly seeks to improve his skills and knowledge through professional development opportunities.
There are many users who are getting an error message when trying to perform Windows Update with the error code 0x800b0003. This error usually occurs due to corrupt system files, outdated drivers, etc. Hence, you need to make sure that all your drivers are updated on a regular basis and there are no faulty operating system files. So, in order to solve this error, in this guide, I am going to tell you how to fix error 0x800B0003 on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 operating system in detail below.
Fix: Error Code 0x800B0003 on Windows 11/10 (2023)
You can easily fix the error code 0x800B0003 on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC by running the built-in Windows troubleshooter or by resetting the Windows Update Service. Below, you will find both methods to get rid of the error you are facing on your computer forever.
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
- First of all, click on the Start menu.
- Then click on Settings to open a new window.
- Here, click on Update & Security option.
- In the left pane, click on Troubleshooter.
- On the right side, click on the Additional troubleshooters link.
- In the next window, click on Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
- Finally, after the process is finished, restart your PC to resolve the error code 0x800B0003 from your computer.
How to Reset Windows Update Service
- In the Search box, type CMD.
- From the top list, right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
- In the CMD box, type the below command one by one and press the Enter key after every command:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver - Finally, once the process is completed, restart your PC and check that the error will be fixed now.
That’s all there is to know about how to fix error code 0x800B0003 on your Windows 10/11 computer. In the meantime, do not forget to check out our other similar types of guides only on our website TechNClub.com: How to fix WHEA Logger Fatal Hardware Error on Windows, and How to fix “No Such Interface Supported” Error on Windows.
Установка Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) может прерываться сообщением с кодом ошибки 0x800b0003. Самая частая причина неисправности — сбой Windows Update, так как инсталляция MSE зависит от этого сервиса.
Способы решения ошибки 0x800b0003
Для решения сбоя выполняйте следующее:
- Отключите или удалите любые программы от сторонних разработчиков (не Microsoft), которые установлены для обеспечения безопасности ОС.
- Скачайте и запустите официальное приложение для устранения сбоев Windows Update.
Компьютеры
#Microsoft Security Essentials #Windows 7
Автор статьиДмитрий Иванов