Troubleshooting Windows Update Error Issues

Windows Updates are very important on Windows operating systems. They provide the computers with important security update fixes, bug updates, and featured enhancements. It means, the computer requires timely updates in it’s software as well to bring the listed properties. During sometimes, these updates may not work properly because of different reasons.

In this comprehensive guide, we have discussed common update errors and it’s solutions. Let us quickly explain how it works! Follow the information below :-

Common Windows Update Error Codes

Error 0x80070002:

“The system cannot find the file specified” is the message it shows when you get this error 0x80070002. It could happen with respect to the updates on system files and they cannot be found on the computer. The tips here are to repair install your windows before you proceed with windows updates.

Error Code 0x80070003:

“The system can’t find the path specified” is the message it shows on windows update failure. There is a similar message when you try to install a program with an old setup files. This occurs when the setup files are not fully downloaded into the computer.

0x800F081F:

“The source files could not be found” message appears when you try to get the installation done with a recipro of the image file. It means the windows installation couldn’t proceed because that image files is not written properly or extracted into the disk.

Error Code 0x80070422:

“The service cannot be started” message appears when there are windows services failure. These services are the engines which run the windows updates. If the services found failure error in the middle of the update process, that returns back this error code 0x80070422.

0x80070005:

“Access is denied” message occurs due to permission issues. It is very clear with the access denied information. But there are cases where the user is an administrator but still can’t find the solutions. It is because of duplicate user profile and a temporary profile conflicts. Many users found there is a dummy profiles which over ride their original profile due to virus issues and it causes the error code 0x80070005.

Error 0x80073712:

“A file needed by Windows Update is missing or damaged” shows as a typical failure while the damaged software in your computer. The software damage can display multiple messages on the other programs too. The solution is to repair or over write new windows software.

0x8024402F:

“Windows Update encountered an unknown error” is due to the missing preliminary updates before you install primary one. There are prerequisites for any program to install and work, but they were lost during the installation of windows update. This is because, we didn’t had this update installed before. Try to find the required prerequisite ones and get them installed first before you continue to install the failed one.

Error 0x80070643:

“Fatal error during installation” messages incur when you have a blue screen errors on your computer. They are basically disk failures in windows computer. The hard disk health checks are required first to solve this kind of errors.

Error 0x80070003:

These errors typically indicate that Windows Update cannot find specific files or paths. We have to download the update source and point the path under c drive disk properties binary function to this shown path.

Common troubleshooting steps to fix the Windows Update errors:

Press Windows + S, type “Troubleshoot,” and select “Troubleshoot settings.”
Click on “Windows Update” and run the troubleshooter.

Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder:

• Stop the Windows Update Service (Windows + R, type “services.msc,” find Windows Update Service, right-click, and choose “Stop”).
• Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
• Delete all files and folders inside this directory.
• Restart the Windows Update Service.

Error 0x800F081F

This error often occurs when Windows Update can’t find necessary source files. To fix it:

1. Use the DISM tool:
2. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
3. Type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
4. After completion, run Windows Update again.

Error 0x80070422

1. This Windows Update Error  indicates that the Windows Update service is not running. To resolve it:
2. Press Windows + R, type “services.msc,” and press Enter.
3. Find “Windows Update” in the list, right-click, and select “Properties.”
4. Set the startup type to “Automatic,” click “Apply,” and then click “Start” to start the service.

Error 0x80070005

This error suggests that you don’t have proper permissions to perform the update. To fix it:

1. Right-click on the folder C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and select “Properties.”
2. Go to the “Security” tab and click “Edit.”
3. Add “Full control” permissions for your user account.
4. Click “OK” to apply the changes.

Error 0x80073712

This Error 0x80073712 points to missing or damaged files needed for the update. To address it:

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter as mentioned earlier.
2. If the issue persists, use the DISM tool with the command: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
3. Restart your computer and run Windows Update again.

Error 0x8024402F

This Error 0x8024402F  typically occurs due to network issues or problems with the Windows Update server. To troubleshoot:

1. Check your internet connection and ensure it’s stable.
2. Temporarily disable your antivirus or firewall software.

Error 0x80070643

1. This Error 0x80070643 often relates to installation failures. To resolve it:
2. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
3. If the issue persists, uninstall any recently installed updates that might be causing conflicts.
4. Reinstall the updates one by one to identify the problematic one.

Conclusion : 

Windows Update errors can be frustrating, but with patience and the steps outlined in this guide, you can overcome them. Regularly updating your Windows system is essential for security and performance, so don’t give up if you encounter these errors.

If the problem persists, consider seeking assistance from Microsoft’s support or online tech communities where experts can provide tailored solutions to your specific issue.

Tags: Windows 10/11 Update Error, Windows Error 0x80070002, Windows Error 0x80070003, Windows Error 0x800F081F, Windows TroubleshootingError, Windows Update Error