Resolve The Windows Update Error 0x80070003 Quickly

The Windows Update error 0x80070003 is the most frequent issue that all the Windows users face at least once while working with their PC. The issues usually occur due to damaged system files resulting in an incomplete installation or uninstallation or even to an improper deletion of applications or hardware. If you are facing similar issues, go through the article and get easy solutions to fix the error instantly.

How To Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070003? : Easy Methods

Resolving Windows update error 0x80070003 is not a difficult job. However, if you do not consider yourself tech-savvy, try the methods mentioned below and fix the error quickly.

Method 1: Check Your Date And Time Settings

The date and time settings of your computer might also cause the error Windows update error 0x80070003. Therefore, before jumping on to the other complicated solutions, first try to check the date and time of your computer. To check for and change the date and time settings, you can follow these steps:

• Windows 10
• Windows 7

Windows 10

If you a Windows 10 user, you need to follow the steps given below.

1. First, right-click the date and time, then you need to select the Adjust date and time option.
2. If the Date, Time or Time zone is incorrect, you are likely to face this issue. Therefore, you need to change the settings.
3. Finally, restart your PC and then again try to update the system.

Windows 7

The steps will vary if you are a Windows 7 user from the previous method. Perform the following steps:

1. First, you need to click on the date/time in the lower right corner of the computer screen. After that, you need to click the Change date and time setting.
2. Incorrect Date, Time or Time zone can cause the error. Hence, you need to you can click Change date and time. Or Change time zone to rectify it.
3. Restart your computer and update your system again.

Now, check if the error persists.

Method 2: Using The Command Prompt

You can also use the Command Prompt to troubleshoot the 0x80070003 error. Follow the steps given below to easily fix the glitch:

1. At first, click on the Start button and then in the search box, type the “cmd” command. Then you need to right click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
2. You need to click Yes if you are prompted by the User Account Control.
3. When the window opens, you need to type net stop wuauserv and then press the Enter key on the keyboard. It will stop the Windows Update service.
4. Type “ren c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution software distribution.old” and press Enter to rename the Windows update folder software distribution.old.
5. Now, you have to type the net start wuauserv command and then finally press on the Enter key to restart the Windows Update service.
6. Then, type exit and click on the Enter button to close the window. Now, try to download the Windows updates.

The steps mentioned above has helped a lot of the users to fix the Windows update error 0x80070003.

Method 3: Run System File Checker

The error code 0x80070003 might also occur due to damaged system files. To fix the issue, run the System File Checker. It will scan and detect the problems. The following guidelines will help you to complete the process.

1. Click on the Start menu and in the search box; you need to type cmd.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and then select the Run as administrator option.
3. When the window opens, type the sfc /scannow command. Finally, hit the Enter key from your keyboard.
4. You will find a message appearing on the screen when the process completes.
5. Finally, reboot the system and check if the error persists.

Method 4: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

You can also run the Windows Update Troubleshooter to troubleshoot the Windows Update error 0x80070003 if you are a Windows 10 user. Follow the following steps to run the troubleshooter:

1. Click on the Start menu and then on the Settings icon.
2. Now, select the Update and Security option.
3. Then click on the Troubleshoot option, you will get it in the left pane of the screen.
4. Finally, click on the Windows Update and then on the Run the troubleshooter. You will get the Windows update option in the right pane of the screen.

Method 5: Update Drivers

Updating the faulty, corrupt or outdated drivers can also resolve the Windows update error 0x80070003. You can update the drivers both manually and automatically.

Manually: To manually update the faulty drivers of your computer, you need to visit the manufacturer’s website and then install the correct version of the driver that is compatible with your device.

Automatic: You can also automatically update the drivers of your computer by performing a deep full scan of your system. Scanning will help you to detect the errors with the drivers. Then, you can click on the Update option and manually install the drivers. Alternatively, you can also click on the Update All option. Clicking on the option will automatically download and install the correct version of the driver for your system that is corrupt, missing or outdated. Make sure that the driver you are installing is compatible with your system.