getting install error - 0x80070103 on Windows 11

[JAY BJay]

Hi! I deleted the SoftwareDistribution folder with the net stop wuauserv and net stop cryptsvc commands. Then I got this: Install error - 0x80070103. Any way to fix it?

 

[DanTheShield]

Hi @JAY BJay

The 0x80070103 error typically occurs when Windows Update is trying to install a driver that's already installed or incompatible. Since you’ve already deleted the SoftwareDistribution folder, let’s try a few more steps to resolve this issue:

1. Restart Windows Update Services:
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Run the following commands to restart the services:
     
     net start wuauserv
     net start cryptsvc
2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
   • Click on "Additional troubleshooters" and select "Windows Update."
   • Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Hide Problematic Update:
   • If the error is caused by a specific driver update, you can hide it to prevent Windows from trying to install it again.
   • Download and run the "Show or hide updates" troubleshooter from the Microsoft website.
   • Follow the instructions to hide the problematic update.
4. Check Device Manager:
   • Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Device Manager."
   • Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark and update their drivers manually.
   • Right-click on the device, select "Update driver," and choose "Search automatically for updated driver software."
5. Reset Windows Update Components:
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
   • Run the following commands to reset the Windows Update components:
     
     net stop bits
     net stop wuauserv
     net stop appidsvc
     net stop cryptsvc
     Ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
     Ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
     net start bits
     net start wuauserv
     net start appidsvc
     net start cryptsvc
6. Manually Install the Update:
   • If the problematic update is a driver, you can try downloading it from the manufacturer’s website and installing it manually.
7. Check for Pending Updates:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for any pending updates.
   • Install any available updates and restart your computer.

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the 0x80070103 error and successfully update your Windows 11 system. Let me know if you need any further assistance!