Read on to find out how to fix this issue and get back to downloading your updates without issues.

Why do I get the Windows Update failed 0x80070103 error message?

The Windows update error 0x80070103 mostly happens when you try to run an already installed driver update with a Windows update. It indicates that an existing driver update on your computer is trying to install alongside Windows updates. Furthermore, other factors can prompt the error 0x80070103 on your PC. Some are:

Driver update compatibility issues – The error 0x80070103 can occur if the driver update trying to install is not compatible with the version of the Windows operating system on your PC. Driver under use – Sometimes, you can experience difficulty updating drivers when they are under use. So, the error 0x80070103 may occur if other programs use the driver you want to install. Corrupt system files – The error 0x80070103 can appear if there’s an issue with the update process due to a corrupt system file. You can check ways to troubleshoot corrupt system files here.

The causes of Windows update error 0x80070103 on your PC may differ from other users. Nonetheless, you can fix the error by troubleshooting your PC.

How do I fix the install error – 0x80070103?

Before proceeding with any troubleshooting steps for the error, try the following preliminary checks:

Resolve network congestion on your PC. Turn off background apps running on your computer. Restart Windows in Safe Mode and check if the error persists.

In case the error appears, proceed with the following solutions:

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Running the troubleshooter will detect and repair issues causing the Windows update not working on your PC. Check other ways to run the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 10/11 if you have issues with the steps above. SPONSORED

2. Restart the Windows Update process

Restarting the Windows Update service can fix issues and corrupt files affecting its processes.

3. Hide updates from reinstalling

The above process will prevent Windows from reinstalling driver updates already on your system and should fix the 0x80070103 error code in Windows Update.

4. Delete the Windows temporary files

Deleting Windows temp files will clear up corrupt files that may affect your Windows update and fix the error.

5. Update device drivers manually

Manual updates will help you update single drivers in isolation without including the rest. Otherwise, you can always use an alternative tool such as DriverFix which helps you update automatically specifics drivers as well as the whole drivers environment. Alternatively, read more about fixing Windows Update Service registration missing or corrupt on your PC. Likewise, you can check how to delete the Software Distribution folder on your PC in case renaming it doesn’t work. Also, Windows update error 0x800f0988 is another error users complain about, which you can read about. For further questions or suggestions regarding the error 0x80070103 in Windows Update, kindly drop them in the comments below.

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