Troubleshooting Windows Update Error 0x80070103: A Comprehensive Guide

Encountering errors during Windows updates can be frustrating, and one particularly common culprit is Error 0x80070103. This error typically arises when Windows Update attempts to install a driver or update that’s already present on your system or is incompatible. This article provides a thorough guide to understanding the root causes of this error and, more importantly, offers detailed, step-by-step instructions to resolve it, ensuring your system stays up-to-date and secure.

Understanding Error 0x80070103

Before diving into solutions, it’s crucial to grasp what’s triggering this error. Error 0x80070103 essentially signifies that Windows Update is trying to install a driver or update that is either already installed with the same or a higher version, or that is not suitable for your hardware. Common scenarios include:

• Duplicate Driver Installations: Windows Update might attempt to install a driver that is already installed, leading to a conflict. This often happens when a manufacturer releases a newer driver that Windows Update also attempts to install.
• Incompatible Driver Updates: The update may be for a different hardware version, model, or operating system. Attempting to install an incompatible driver can result in this error.
• Corrupted Update Files: Corrupted or incomplete update files can lead to installation failures and trigger this error code.
• Issues with Windows Update Components: Faulty Windows Update components, such as the Windows Update service itself or the update store, may contribute to the issue.
• Conflicting Software: Occasionally, third-party software (such as antivirus programs) may interfere with the update process.

Detailed Solutions to Resolve Error 0x80070103

Here are several effective methods you can employ to tackle the 0x80070103 error. Work through them step by step until the error is resolved.

Method 1: Hide the Problematic Update

One of the simplest and most effective solutions is to prevent Windows Update from attempting to install the problematic update. Here’s how:

1. Download the Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter: Microsoft provides a dedicated troubleshooter for this. Download it from the official Microsoft website. Search for “Show or hide updates” on the Microsoft support site to find the most current download link. The file will typically be named something like `wushowhide.diagcab`.
2. Run the Troubleshooter: Double-click the downloaded `wushowhide.diagcab` file to launch the troubleshooter.
3. Click “Next” to Start the process. The troubleshooter will scan your system for pending updates.
4. Select “Hide Updates”: The troubleshooter presents you with options. Choose the option to “Hide Updates”.
5. Select the Problematic Update: A list of available updates will appear. Look for the update that is failing with the error 0x80070103. Check the box next to it.
6. Click “Next” to Hide. The troubleshooter will hide the selected update.
7. Close the Troubleshooter: Once the update is hidden, close the troubleshooter.

By hiding the update, Windows Update will no longer attempt to install it, bypassing the error. You can later try to update drivers manually.

Method 2: Manually Install the Latest Drivers

Instead of relying on Windows Update, you can try manually installing the latest drivers directly from the hardware manufacturer’s website. This allows for more control over the installation process. Follow these steps:

1. Identify the problematic hardware: First, you need to know which hardware component is causing the error. Often, it is mentioned by name in the error message or in the update history. You can also use Device Manager to see if any of the devices have a warning icon. The device with error is more likely to cause issues during update.
2. Visit the Manufacturer’s Website: Once you know the hardware component, go to the official website of the manufacturer (e.g., Nvidia, AMD, Intel, etc.).
3. Search for Drivers: Look for the drivers download section. Use the exact name or model of your hardware for the best match. Make sure to select the correct operating system (Windows version and architecture – 32-bit or 64-bit).
4. Download the Driver: Download the latest version of the driver that’s relevant for your OS.
5. Uninstall the Existing Driver: Before installing the newly downloaded driver, it’s best to remove the older driver to avoid conflicts. To do this:
   • Press Win + X and click on “Device Manager”.
   • Expand the category for the problematic device. For example, if it’s a graphics card, expand “Display Adapters”.
   • Right-click the device and select “Uninstall device”.
   • Check the box that says “Delete the driver software for this device” and click “Uninstall”.
6. Install the Downloaded Driver: Run the downloaded driver setup file and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
7. Restart your computer: After installing the driver, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
8. Check Windows Update: After a restart, you can check Windows Update again to see if the error is resolved.

If the error was due to outdated or conflicting driver version, this method will likely fix it.

Method 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix many common update issues. Try running it:

1. Open Settings: Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Update & Security: Click on “Update & Security”.
3. Click “Troubleshoot”: On the left pane, click “Troubleshoot”.
4. Click “Additional Troubleshooters”: Click on the “Additional troubleshooters” link.
5. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Scroll down and select “Windows Update” and then click “Run the troubleshooter”.
6. Follow the Instructions: Follow any instructions that appear on the screen. The troubleshooter will try to detect and fix any identified problems automatically.
7. Restart your computer: Once the troubleshooter finishes, restart your computer.

This troubleshooter can often identify and resolve issues with the update service itself, clearing minor bugs that may cause the error.

Method 4: Reset Windows Update Components

If the Windows Update components are corrupted or having issues, resetting them might help. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press the Win key, type `cmd`, right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Stop Windows Update Services: Execute the following commands one by one. Press Enter after each command.

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop cryptsvc
   net stop bits
   net stop msiserver

3. Rename the Software Distribution Folder: Execute the following command to rename the folder that contains downloaded update files. This will force windows update to redownload the files.

   ren C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

4. Rename the Catroot2 Folder: This is the folder that stores update catalog files. Rename it with the command:

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

5. Restart Windows Update Services: Execute these commands, pressing Enter after each:

   net start wuauserv
   net start cryptsvc
   net start bits
   net start msiserver

6. Close Command Prompt: Type `exit` and press Enter to close Command Prompt.
7. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer and check for updates once the system is back online.

By renaming the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folder, and restarting the services, Windows Update will rebuild the necessary files, potentially fixing the error.

Method 5: Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

The DISM tool can be used to scan and restore the Windows image. Corrupted system files can cause update issues, and DISM can repair them.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press the Win key, type `cmd`, right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Run DISM Commands: Execute the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Wait for Completion: Let the commands finish running. This may take some time.
4. Close Command Prompt: Type `exit` and press Enter.
5. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer to allow the changes to take effect.

DISM can fix corrupt or damaged system images, making the updates installation process smoother and resolving the 0x80070103 error.

Method 6: Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes, third-party software or services can interfere with the update process. Performing a clean boot can help identify if this is the case.

1. Open System Configuration: Press Win + R, type `msconfig` and press Enter.
2. Go to the Services Tab: Click on the “Services” tab.
3. Hide Microsoft Services: Check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services”.
4. Disable All Remaining Services: Click on “Disable all”.
5. Go to the Startup Tab: Click on the “Startup” tab.
6. Open Task Manager: Click on “Open Task Manager”.
7. Disable all Startup Items: Right-click on each startup item and select “Disable”.
8. Close Task Manager: Close Task Manager.
9. Click “OK” in System Configuration: Click on “OK” in the System Configuration window.
10. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer.
11. Check for Updates: After restarting, try running Windows Update again.

If the error is resolved after a clean boot, you can enable services and startup items one by one to identify the problematic software.

Method 7: Use the System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) is another tool that can scan for and repair corrupted system files. This helps identify and resolve issues with Windows files needed for the update process.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Press the Win key, type `cmd`, right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Run the SFC Command: Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.
3. Wait for Completion: Allow the scan to complete, which may take some time.
4. Restart your computer: After the process is completed, restart your computer.

If SFC found and fixed corrupt files, it could resolve update errors, including the 0x80070103 error.

Method 8: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, third-party antivirus programs might interfere with Windows Update processes. Temporarily disabling them can help to check if this is causing the error.

1. Locate the antivirus icon: Find the icon of your antivirus program in the system tray (usually in the lower-right corner of the screen).
2. Disable the antivirus: Right-click on the icon, and select an option to disable the program temporarily, such as “Disable protection”, “Turn off”, or similar. The specific wording will vary depending on the antivirus software.
3. Try Windows Update: After disabling the antivirus program, try running Windows Update again to check if the error is resolved.
4. Re-enable your antivirus: After testing, remember to enable your antivirus software to ensure the system remains protected.

If this fixes the error, then you might need to adjust the antivirus settings to prevent it from interfering with Windows Update.

Preventing Future Occurrences

While solving the error is crucial, preventing it from reoccurring is equally important. Here are some tips to keep things running smoothly:

• Keep Drivers Updated: Manually check for driver updates from the manufacturer’s website occasionally.
• Regularly Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Before issues occur, run it periodically as preventive maintenance.
• Avoid beta drivers: Stay with stable, released driver versions rather than using beta or test drivers.
• Monitor System Stability: Track how your system performs after updates to see if anything changes that could indicate potential problems.
• Use System Restore Points: It’s a good practice to create a system restore point before installing updates, so if issues do arise, you can revert your system to a working state.

Conclusion

Error 0x80070103 can be a nuisance, but with the right approach, it can be tackled effectively. By systematically implementing the solutions discussed in this article—from hiding problematic updates and updating drivers manually to running troubleshooters and resetting Windows Update components—you can resolve this error and keep your system up-to-date and running smoothly. Remember to regularly perform maintenance on your system and to check manufacturer’s websites for driver updates, which can prevent such issues from happening in the future. The key is patience and methodical troubleshooting to pinpoint the root cause of the error.