Fix Error 0x80073701 While Installing Updates

Installing the latest Windows updates should be an easy process. Hit the “Check for updates” button, wait until your computer downloads and installs the updates, and you’re done. Unfortunately, sometimes that’s easier said than done. Error code 0x80073701 may occasionally prevent you from installing the latest Windows updates. Let’s see how you can get rid of it.

How Do I Fix Windows Update Error 0x80073701?

Restart Your Computer

First, check for updates again. Maybe error 0x80073701 was triggered by some temporary server issues. Then go back to Settings, select Update, and Security, and click on Windows Update. Hit the Check for updates button, and try to update your machine again. If the problem persists, restart your computer.

Run the Update Troubleshooter

1. Navigate to Settings, and select Update and Security.
2. Then click on Troubleshoot (left-hand pane).
3. Click on View additional troubleshooters.
4. Locate and launch the Update troubleshooter.
5. Wait until the troubleshooter finishes scanning your computer. Check for updates again.

Run DISM

If you’re still getting error 0x80073701, run DISM.

1. Type cmd in the Windows Start Search field.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Allow the app to make changes to your device.
4. Enter the following command: dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
5. Wait for your computer to run the command, restart it, and check for updates again.

Restart the Update Services

1. Go to the Windows Search field, and type services.msc.
2. Launch the Services app. Enter your password if prompted.
3. Locate the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
4. Check the Startup status.
   • If it says Stopped, click Start and then click OK.
   • If it says Running, right-click on the service, then select Restart.
5. Then double-click on Windows Update.
6. Start the service if it’s not running. If the Windows Update service is running, restart it.

Manually Download the Updates

If you’re still unable to update your computer, check if you can manually download and install the latest updates.

If you’re trying to download a feature update, use the media creation tool to get the job done. Follow the Update Assistant’s on-screen instructions to update to the latest Windows version.

On the other hand, go to Microsoft’s Update Catalog website if you’re trying to download the latest security updates. Enter the KB number in the search field, and hit the Download button.

Disable Background Programs

Launch the Task Manager, click on the Processes tab, and identify the apps and programs running in the background. Select End task to close the respective programs.

If you’re running a third-party antivirus or malware program, temporarily disable your security tools. As a quick reminder, third-party antivirus solutions may sometimes block the Windows Update service.

Conclusion

To fix Windows update error 0x80073701, restart your computer and check for updates again. Then run the Update Troubleshooter, run DISM in Command Prompt and restart the update services. If the error persists, disable background programs and manually download the updates.

Did you manage to get rid of error 0x80073701 and install the latest Windows updates? Which method did the trick for you? Let us know in the comments below.