С установкой обновлений возникли некоторые проблемы windows 10 0x80073701

Getting Error 0x80073701 When Updating Windows 10? Here Are 5 Ways You Can Fix That

Error 0x80073701 is ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING, which means that some system files are missing, causing the update to fail. If you’re looking for ways to fix this error, see the guides below.

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One of the oldest cases of users getting error 0x80073701 was way back in 2016 with 2016-10 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 (KB3197954 and KB3200970.) But, that won’t be the last time users encounter this error. Many users got this error when installing the 2016-12 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1607 (KB3206632).

Many users experienced error 0x80073701 back in 2019 when Microsoft released the 2019-07 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1903 (KB4507453). Then, in 2020 there were reports of users getting error 0x80073701 when trying to install 2020-03 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1909 (KB4541335).

However, it wasn’t the end of error 0x80073701 coming up. Many users still encounter 0x80073701 as it occurs due to missing system files. System files can become corrupted or deleted due to various reasons.

The good news is that you can fix error 0x80073701. Windows 10 has various built-in tools you can use to resolve the underlying issue causing error 0x80073701.

Video Guide on How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80073701

Table of Contents:

• Introduction
• Solution 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
• Solution 2. Flush the SoftwareDistribution Folder
• Solution 3. Perform a System File Checker (SFC) Scan
• Solution 4. Perform a Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scan
• Solution 5. Reset Windows Update Components
• Video Guide on How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80073701

Solution 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Errors such as 0x80073701 can be solved using the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter. Windows Update Troubleshooter is designed to troubleshoot Windows Update bugs. As such, it’s an effective tool when trying to fix errors such as error 0x8007370.

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1. Right-click the Start button and click Settings.

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2. In the left pane, select Troubleshoot.

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3. Then, in the right pane, click Additional troubleshooters.

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4. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

5. The troubleshooter should provide fixes and apply them automatically.

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Solution 2. Flush the SoftwareDistribution Folder

To clean the SoftwareDistribution, make sure that the Microsoft Store isn’t running. Reboot your PC to ensure that the Microsoft Store or any other process won’t interfere with applying this fix.

1. Simultaneously hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.

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2. Then, in the Run dialog box, type in CMD and hold down Ctrl+Shift+Enter keys to open the elevated Command Prompt.

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3. In the Command prompt window, type in net stop wuauserv and press Enter.

4. Then, type in rd /s /q %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution and press Enter to clear the Update cache folder.

5. Lastly, type in net start wuauserv and press Enter.

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Solution 3. Perform a System File Checker (SFC) Scan

System File Checker or SFC is a built-in command-line tool that helps restore corrupted and missing system files. It downloads and replaces the corrupt and missing files that may be the cause for error 0x80073701.

1. Simultaneously hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.

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2. Then, in the Run dialog box, type in CMD and hold down Ctrl+Shift+Enter keys to open the elevated Command Prompt.

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3. In the Command Prompt window, type in SFC /Scannow and press Enter.

4. Restart your PC.

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Solution 4. Perform a Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scan

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management, a.k.a DISM, is a command-line tool designed to service a Windows Image. With this tool, you can fix corrupt system files.

1. Simultaneously hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.

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2. Then, in the Run dialog box, type in CMD and hold down Ctrl+Shift+Enter keys to open the elevated Command Prompt.

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3. In the Command Prompt window, type in DISM /Online /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup and press Enter.

4. Type in DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth in the Command Prompt window, and press the Enter key.

5. Then, type in DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press the Enter key.

6. Restart your PC and try updating Windows.

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Solution 5. Reset Windows Update Components

1. Simultaneously hold down Windows+R keys to open Run.

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2. Type in CMD in the Run dialog box and hold down Ctrl+Shift+Enter keys to open the elevated Command Prompt.

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3. Type in the commands listed below, and press the Enter key after entering each one:

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptSvc
• net stop bits
• net stop msiserver

Then, rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders.

4. Type in ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old and press the Enter key.

5. Then, type in ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old and press the Enter key.

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6. Type in the commands listed below, and press the Enter key after entering each one to restart the previously stopped services:

• net start wuauserv
• net start cryptSvc
• net start bits
• net start msiserver

7. Try updating windows once you’ve reset the Windows Update components.

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The 0x80073701 issue is one of those Windows Update errors that show up when the client app fails to download and install updates. It’s also known as ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING in technical terms.

If you’ve been struggling with the install error – 0x80073701 , just keep reading.

In this article, you’ll find fixes that will show you how to get rid of it and complete your update.

What Is ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING on Windows 10?

Windows update error 0x80073701 is an indication that the Windows Update client is unable to find some files.

While this could be the case, other underlying problems could be triggering the (0x80073701) issue, including:

• Malfunctioning Windows Update services or components
• Corrupt system files
• Application interference
• Network connection problems
• Malware
• VPN usage

You can get rid of the 0x80073701 glitch by fixing its root causes.

While each solution below will show you how to fix the Windows update error 0x80073701 , only the ones that resolve the particular issues that exist on your computer will work.

So, apply them one after the other until the install error – 0x80073701 disappears.

Related: [FIXED] Windows 10 Update Error 0x8000ffff

How to Fix Error 0x80073701 on Windows 10

The most popular Windows OS in the world, Windows 10 is, unfortunately, quite prone to update issues. Turning a blind eye on them is not recommended since it will leave your OS unstable and easy prey for malware.

Adding to that is the fact that the current version is Windows 10’s final feature update. We recommend that you fix the 0x80073701 error asap to keep your software up to date.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If you see a message like “ There were some problems installing updates”, chances are high that some of your update components are acting up. Your first step should be running the Windows Update troubleshooter .

The utility is designed to check for common issues that trigger update errors and perform routine activities, such as restarting Windows Update services and resolving app conflicts.

• Go to the Settings application by tapping Windows key + I. You can also summon the app by right-clicking the Start button and clicking on Settings in the Power User menu.
• Click on the Update & Security icon after the Settings window shows up. Navigate to Update & Security in Windows 10.
• After the Windows Update page shows up, go to the left side of the window and click on “Troubleshoot.” 
• Click Additional troubleshooters on the Troubleshoot tab.
• Select Windows Update under Additional troubleshooters.
• Click Run the troubleshooter under Windows Update.
• Allow the tool to scan for problems. Once it’s done, it will show you the issues it found, if any, and allow you to apply the necessary fixes.
• After the process completes, restart your system and check whether the install error – 0x80073701 is resolved.

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Related: How to fix Windows update error 0x80092004?

Fix 2: Restart Windows Update services

Windows Update services are responsible for delivering updates to your OS. They may encounter errors, such as 0x80073701 , 0x800f0986, or 0x80070026, become stuck, and prevent updates from being installed or downloaded.

Luckily, you can easily restart the Windows Update services on your PC:

• Press the Windows key + R keyboard combo to open the Run dialog box.
• Enter services.msc into the Run box.
• Press Enter to open the Services Manager.
• In the Services Manager, locate the following services:

Windows Update Service (wuauserv)

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

Cryptographic Service (CryptSvc)

• Right-click on each service and select Restart from the context menu.
• After restarting all these services, check for updates to see if the error_sxs_assembly_missing issue has been resolved.

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Related: How to get rid of the Windows Update Error 80246001?

Fix 3: Find faulty system files and replace them

You will keep running into the Windows update error 0x80073701 if there are missing or corrupt system files on your PC.

You’ll have to find the problematic files and replace them using the System File Checker (SFC) tool.

But before you run it, you have to provide the replacement files using the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool:

• On your taskbar, right-click the Start button and click on Run once the Quick Access menu appears. Or, press the Windows logo key + R combination to launch the program faster. 
• After Run shows up, type CMD, and tap Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
• Select the Yes option once the User Account Control dialog window pops up and requests permission to run the Command Prompt as an administrator.
• You need healthy files for repairing the Windows image. Make sure you obtain them from a reliable source, such as Windows installation media in the form of a DVD or bootable USB.
• Insert or connect the DVD or bootable USB and run the following command:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\Source\Windows /LimitAccess 

• Allow the command to execute before you move on to the next step.
• After that, type sfc /scannow into the Command Prompt window and hit the Enter key.

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If you see a scan result that reads, “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them,” restart your computer and check if the “ There were some problems installing updates” error (0x80073701) has been resolved.

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Run System File Checker in Safe Mode

If you see a message that reads, “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation,” it means you have to run the System File Checker in Safe Mode to troubleshoot the install error – 0x80073701 :

• Go to the Settings application by tapping Windows + I. You can also summon the app by right-clicking the Start button and clicking on Settings in the Power User menu.
• Click on the Update & Security icon after the Settings window shows up.
• After the Windows Update page shows up, go to the left side of the window and click on Recovery.
• Next, go to the Recovery page and select Restart Now under Advanced Startup.
• Windows will now restart your computer into the Advanced Startup environment.
• Click on the Troubleshoot tile on the “Choose an Option” screen.
• Select Advanced Options once the Troubleshoot page opens.
• After that, click on Startup Settings on the Advanced Options screen.
• Select Restart on the Startup Settings screen to reboot your computer.
• Once your PC restarts, choose the number beside Safe Mode to boot your system in Safe Mode.
• Now, run the System File Checker as we’ve shown you above.

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Also Read: How to Get And Use Windows 10 Media Creation Tool

Fix 4: Reset the Winsock component

The Windows Update client might be showing the 0x80073701 error due to a connection problem caused by a faulty Winsock component.

The Winsock (Windows Socket) component is a dynamic link library file that holds network configurations that many apps depend on to connect to the internet.

Resetting the component is likely to fix the error_sxs_assembly_missing issue:

• Open the Search utility beside the Start button by pressing the Windows + S keyboard shortcut or clicking the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar.
• Enter command into the search bar once it appears.
• After you see Command Prompt in the results, right-click it and click on Run as Administrator.
• Next, click on Yes after the User Account Control dialog window shows up and asks for permission.
• After that, type the following line into the Command Prompt window and hit the Enter key: netsh winsock reset
• Windows will now clear the parameters in the Winsock component and reset the DLL file.
• Once the command executes successfully, reboot your PC and check for the error_sxs_assembly_missing (0x80073701) issue.

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Fix 5: Flush your DNS cache

Instead of using a DNS server to resolve every website domain name, your computer saves the IP addresses and domain names of the websites you visit in a DNS cache.

This way, it can quickly look at the cache to match a domain name with its IP address. Unfortunately, your DNS cache can go haywire and trigger an issue like error 0x80073701 .

Here is how to flush it to fix the problem:

• Use the Windows + R keyboard combo to open Run or right-click the Start button and select Run from the menu.
• Once Run shows up, type CMD and press Shift + Ctrl + Enter.
• Select Yes on the UAC pop-up.
• When you see the Administrator: Command Prompt window, type this line into the black window and punch the Enter button: ipconfig /flushdns
• Wait for a message such as “Successfully flushed the DNS Resolver Cache”.
• Close the Command Prompt window and check if the install error – 0x80073701 has been fixed.

Fix 6: Release and renew your IP address

Error 0x80073701 in Windows 10 may result from an expired DHCP IP address. To get your system a new, working IP address, you have to release your current IP and request a new one:

• Use the Windows + R keyboard combo to open Run or right-click the Start button and select Run from the menu.
• Once Run shows up, type CMD and press Shift + Ctrl + Enter.
• Select the Yes option after the User Account Control menu pops up and requests permission to allow the Command Prompt to launch as an administrator.
• When you see the Administrator: Command Prompt window, type these lines into the black window and punch the Enter button after entering each line:

  ipconfig/release  
  ipconfig/renew 

• After renewing your IP address, restart your PC and see if the Windows update error 0x80073701 has been resolved.

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Fix 7: Reset your hosts file

Your Hosts file is a text file that helps match hostnames to their IP addresses. When the file becomes corrupt or contains the wrong parameters, it affects the computer’s network connection and can trigger the install error – 0x80073701.

In this case, resetting the file to its default state will resolve the network connection problem:

• Open the Windows search interface by clicking the magnifying glass icon in the taskbar or pressing Win + S.
• Type “notepad” after the search box appears.
• Click on Notepad in the search results.
• Once Notepad shows up, copy and paste the following into the new text file:

# Copyright (c) 1993-2006 Microsoft Corp. 
# # This is a sample HOSTS file used by Microsoft TCP/IP for Windows. 
# # This file contains the mappings of IP addresses to host names. Each # entry should be kept on an individual line. 
The IP address should # be placed in the first column followed by the corresponding host name. 
# The IP address and the host name should be separated by at least one # space. 
# # Additionally, comments (such as these) may be inserted on individual # lines or following the machine name denoted by a ‘#’ symbol. 
# # For example: # # 102.54.94.97 rhino.acme.com # source server # 38.25.63.10 x.acme.com # x client host # localhost name resolution is handled within DNS itself. # 127.0.0.1 localhost # ::1 localhost

• Go to the File menu in the top-left corner of the Notepad window and click on Save As.
• Go to the File Name text box in the Save As dialog window and type hosts.
• Navigate to the desktop and click on the Save button.
• Next, press Windows + E to open a File Explorer window.
• Once the window shows up, click on the address bar, copy and paste the following line, and tap the Enter button:  %WinDir%\System32\Drivers\Etc
• Once you see the ETC folder, right-click on the Hosts file and select Rename. Change the name of the file to Hosts.old. 
• Now, go to your desktop and copy the new Hosts file you created to the ETC folder.
• After that, check if the error_sxs_assembly_missing  (0x80073701) issue has been fixed.

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Fix 8: Reset Windows Update components

If you still can’t get rid of the Windows update error 0x80073701, consider resetting every update-related component. To automate the process, you can use a batch script:

• Press the Windows key + S combination, type in Notepad, and right-click on the Notepad app in the search results. Select the Run as administrator option to open Notepad with elevated rights.
• Copy the following script and paste it into the Notepad window:

@echo off 
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 
echo. 
echo Windows Update components have been reset. 

• Click on File in the Notepad app’s menu and select Save As. 
• Choose a location where to save the file. 
• In the Save as type menu, select the All Files option. Name the file and add the .bat extension, like “reset_windows_update.bat.” 
• Click the Save option.
• Locate the .bat file, right-click on it, and select Run as administrator. If required, click on Yes to enable the script to make changes to your system.
• The script will stop your Windows Update services, rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders, and then restart the services. 
• Wait a few minutes until the process is over. The Command Prompt will close automatically.
• Restart your computer to apply the changes and check if the 0x80073701 glitch has been eliminated.

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Fix 9: Perform a clean boot

A third-party application could be forcing the Windows Update client to produce the install error – 0x80073701 . You can put an end to the issue by stopping that application by performing a clean boot in Windows 10.

When you start your system in a clean boot environment, you prevent startup applications from running on your PC.

After doing that , check whether the 0x80073701 issue shows up.

Fix 10: Check Your PC for Malware

With more than 450,000 new pieces of malware and potentially unwanted applications detected daily, every PC in the world is at risk of getting infected. If the error_sxs_assembly_missing issue persists, chances are malware might be at play in your case – especially if you work in the education sector .

There are several w ays to remove malware from Windows. One of them is by using Auslogics Anti-Malware: 

• Download the Auslogics Anti-Malware app on your Windows PC and install it using the instructions in the installation wizard.
• Wait a few minutes until the tool’s anti-malware database is updated with the latest malware definitions.
• Navigate to the Scanners tab and open it.
• Select the type of scan you would like to run. We recommend performing a deep scan to check all the components of your system. 
• Once the scan is done, quarantine or eliminate the threats detected by the tool.
• After doing that, check if you can install updates without facing the 0x80073701 issue.

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Related: Auslogics Anti-Malware: Features and Reviews

Fix 11: Clean up your computer

A PC cluttered with unnecessary or out-of-date files and apps is likely to experience update issues, including the install error – 0x80073701 . To make sure your updates can install properly, get rid of unnecessary files and programs.

Don’t forget to delete temporary Internet files and remove duplicate files. You can also try running the Windows Update Cleanup and Windows Disk Cleanup features.

Related: How to Get More Storage on PC – Clean Up Your PC to Run Faster

Fix 12: Troubleshoot your connection issues

To get rid of the Windows update error 0x80073701 , you may need to troubleshoot network connection problems on Windows 10.

Make sure your Wi-Fi connection is on (if you are using a wireless connection): Settings -> Network & Internet -> Wi-Fi. Another option is to run the Internet Connections troubleshooter:

• Open the Settings app and select the Update & Security option.
• Go to the Troubleshoot section and click on Additional troubleshooters.
• Select the Internet Connections option and click the Run the troubleshooter button.
• After running the troubleshooter, check if error 0x80073701 has been eliminated.

Related: Windows 10 Won’t Connect to Wi-Fi Automatically [Fixed]

Fix 13: Disable your VPN

There are many benefits to using a VPN, so it’s no wonder VPN usage steadily increases – mostly because people want to protect their personal data.

Unfortunately, using a VPN is not always a smooth ride: it can trigger various issues, including Wi-Fi not working with a VPN, Error Code 609, and the 0x80073701 issue.

You may need to temporarily disable your VPN to help your updates install properly.

Related: How to Choose VPN: Best Free VPN for Windows 10 PC

Fix 14: Perform a system restore

If all your efforts have been to no avail, meaning the Windows update error 0x80073701 keeps bothering you, performing a system restore may be your best bet. It will help you fix issues and undo updates and changes triggering error_sxs_assembly_missing (0x80073701). Here is how to restore your Windows OS to a previous state:

• Press the Windows key + S combination on your keyboard and type System Restore into the search bar. 
• Locate the Create a restore point option and select it.
• Switch to the System Protection tab in the System Properties window. 
• Click on the System Restore button.
• Click Next to see available restore points.
• Choose the restore point you want to use (choose a date before the 0x80073701 issue started).
• Confirm your restore point selection by clicking Next and then clicking Finish.
• Click Yes to start the system restore process.
• Your PC will restart and begin the restore process. It may take some time, so be patient and let it run uninterrupted.
• After the restore is complete and Windows boots up, check if the install error – 0x80073701 is no longer present.

Related: How to fix the System Restore error 0x8007045b in Windows 10

Fix 15: Run a checkup of your OS

To eliminate a persistent problem like the error 0x80073701, you may need to run a complete checkup of your entire system, scanning every nook and cranny for potential culprits.

Doing that manually will take plenty of time and effort, so we recommend you to automate the process.

For instance, a tool like Auslogics BoostSpeed identifies causes of system or application problems and easily eliminates them:

• Download the BoostSpeed tool and install it on your Windows computer. 
• On the My Dashboard window, click on the large blue Scan button.
• Wait while Auslogics BoostSpeed is checking your PC for issues.
• Once the scan is over, click on the Resolve All button.

As soon as Auslogics BoostSpeed is done fixing your problems, restart your PC and check if the Windows update error 0x80073701 has been resolved.

Conclusion

The install error – 0x80073701is a persistent problem that prevents users from receiving and installing updates. From faulty Windows Update components and poor connectivity to malware and file corruption, there are various factors that can trigger this issue.

You can fix it by ensuring your system is free from malware, junk, and software conflicts and its components are in top shape.

FAQ

0x80073701 is one of the major concerns for yet another Windows 10 update error, that’s been bothering users for a while now. Basically, you experience this code when any corrupted or missing file interferes with patch installation, as well as if the update components are faulty.

Additionally, error code 0x80073701 could be accompanied by other issues like system crashes and the Blue screen of death. In this article, we have listed out some workaround for error, therefore, try them out one by one.

Error Code 0x80073701 Windows 10 Update Solutions

Here is how to Fix: Error Code 0x80073701 Windows 10 Update –

1] Basic workarounds

In some cases, resolving the update errors aren’t as complicated as with others. This is because a minor or basic glitch causing error code 0x80073701 can easily be fixed by simply restarting the device. Furthermore, sometimes, poor internet or disturbed network could prevent smooth update installation. If you find a network warning (exclamation sign-on network sign), or a ‘no internet’ message, try changing switching. Moreover, wired connections are relatively more stable in comparison to Wireless ones.

So, here are the steps you need to follow –

• Unplug all external devices or hardware like disk or flash drives or mics etc.
• Hit the Power button in the start menu.
• Select Restart from the options
• Log on normally with your password.
• Ensure a stable internet connection.
• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows update and click on Check for updates.

2] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Troubleshooting is certainly one of the handiest and immensely helpful tools on Windows when it comes to dealing with errors. Particularly, now that the operating system has a specific tool for update issues, it should be your go-to for dealing with those. It is not complicated either, check out the steps for yourself and follow them –

• Press Win+I hotkey and let the Windows Settings appear.
• Open Update & Security and then select the Troubleshoot from the left pane.
• Locate the Windows Update option in the main panel in the right and then click on it.
• Click the ‘Run the troubleshooter’ button.

• Restart your device after the process completes and try installing the update.

3] Check for any troublesome patches

We had read in the introductory description of the error that missing system file or corruption is the lead cause of error code 0x80073701. Therefore, ensure that all files are in place and no corrupted system component is available there so that you can avoid unwanted update issues. For this purpose, you can use the System File checker that comes as an inbuilt utility in Windows. Here is how you can utilize the function –

• In the Windows search box, type command prompt.
• Right-click on the results and select Run as administrator.
• When UAC dialog prompts up on the screen, click on the Yes button.
• Once the Command prompt opens, type the following syntax – SFC / Scannow.

• Press the Enter key on your keyboard to initiate the process.
• This will take some time as it goes through all critical files and folders.
• Restart and attempt updating again.
• Now again open CMD and type – dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup and press Enter.
• Reboot and Error Code 0x80073701 will no longer occur.

4] Checking for any troublesome patches

There have been reports that certain buggy or problematic patches are interfering with the system processes. This could be likely if you started facing all these issues like 0x80073701 errors after getting an update. Uninstalling the same would straighten things up in this case. To do that, here are the steps that you need to follow –

• Press Win+S hotkey and let Windows search appear.
• Type ‘Control panel’ in the search box and hit the Enter key.
• On the following screen, go to the top right corner and type ‘installed’ in the search box.
• Under Programs and Features, click on the link View installed updates.
• By checking the corresponding dates, you can figure out the last patches you installed.
• Locate and hit the Uninstall button on the top bar.
• Click on the Yes button to confirm when prompted.
• Restart to apply changes and try getting the latest update.

5] Disable the Third-party security apps

It isn’t a new thing for the security applications to suspect files that you get from the internet, including the updates from Microsoft itself. This could happen if the program detects some incompatibilities or suspicious factor (even when they are secure). To prevent any potential interruption, try disabling the third part anti-malware software you have on your computer. You can do this by following the steps –

• Open control panel by using the steps we discussed earlier.
• Locate and open the Program and Features.
• On the following screen, find out the third-party security program available there.
• Once you locate, right-click on the same and select the Uninstall button.
• Finally, restart and attempt updating

6] A clean boot of the Computer

Giving your computer a clean boot means having no program active during the start-up except the core ones itself. No apps or programs will conflict with the process that would be used during the initialization. Follow the steps to have a clean boot –

• Type ‘System’ in the search box.
• Select System Configuration from the list.
• Right-click on the same and select Run as administrator.
• On the following page, switch to the Services tab.
• Check the box in front of the text “Hide all Microsoft services” and hit Disable all button.

• Thereafter, head to the ‘Startup’ tab and click the link saying Open Task Manager.
• On the Startup tab of the subsequent page, right-click on the items, and hit Disable option.
• Close the Task Manager and when prompted, click OK.
• Thereafter, do a reboot after which you should try installing the update once again.

7] Attempt System Restore so as to undo any unknown recent changes causing 0x80073701 error

Sometime, it would become difficult to detect whether some recent changes you made are giving way to various errors. In this circumstance, resetting the system could help out, as the tool will revert the device where you were not experiencing any issues in installing updates. Follow the steps below to do a system restore –

• Make sure you are logged in with administrative privileges. If not, switch the account and log on as an admin.
• In the Windows search bar, type ‘system restore’.
• From the appeared result, select Create a restore point.
• On the System Protection tab of the respective page, select System Restore.

• This will take a while and then click Next.
• Thereafter, choose the most recent system restore point.
• You can do it after hitting “On this list, click a restore point”. After selecting, click Next.
• When a confirmation window comes up, hit Next again.
• Now, when the restoration is finished, restart the computer normally and attempt updating again.

8] Rename Windows Update Components

Rename of the various folders is an integral task in the update process that will sort reset them thereby eliminating any corrupted files available there. Therefore, if something related to those components was causing error code 0x80073701, this method will surely work as a fix. Here is what you need to do –

• Open an elevated command prompt as we discussed earlier.
• Now, when the black window comes up, pass the following entries one by one –

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

(These stop various update components for the time being)

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

(This renames the SoftwareDistribution folder and the Catroot2 folders so that Windows get a fresh on the next time you attempt updating.)

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc 

net start bits 

net start msiserver

(This is to restart the services you stopped.)

• Now, exit the command prompt and reboot your device. See if updating is working now.

9] Checking the Time & Date related settings

In a few cases, conflict or inconsistency between the system date and time and update time or date may cause error code 0x80073701. Fixing it is easy, so do attempt this as well.

• Open Control Panel as we discussed above.
• Locate and open the Date and Time section.
• Switch to the Internet Time tab and click on the Change settings button.

• Now, you need to mark ‘Synchronize with an Internet time server’
• Thereafter, click Update now.
• Lastly hit OK and reboot the system.

Methods:
1] Basic Workarounds
2] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
3] Use the System File checker
4] Check for any troublesome patches
5] Disable the Third-party security apps
6] Clean boot of the Computer
7] Attempt System Restore
8] Rename Windows Update Components
9] Check the Time & Date

That’s all!!