Код ошибки 0x80070003 при обновлении windows 11

Windows update is pretty significant for the OS as it comes with security patches that keep you safe online and offline as well. Such updates not only ensure safety but also let you experience additional feature enhancements moreover improve PC performance. The process of getting an update in Windows 11 and 10 is independent if you haven’t changed the related default settings earlier. But oftentimes, the procedure gets stuck in the middle due to some error codes.

Error 0x80070003 generally occurs when the Windows update fails to install. Though the exact reason behind this Windows issue is yet to be known, there are some potential causes that are often found to be culprit. In most cases, the incorrect status of update related services causes such an error. Additionally, missing update files, malware infection, corrupted system components, old Spupdsvc.exe file, and incorrect time zone can prompt the same issue.

Windows 11 and 10 update Error 0x80070003

Here is how to fix Windows 11 or 10 update Error 0x80070003 –

1] Download Servicing Stack Update manually

For any update to install successfully Windows 10 and 11 requires having SSU already installed. So before proceeding ahead to the next methods install the Servicing stack update and check if the error is fixed.

1. Press – Windows + I.
2. Click – System.
3. From the left, select – About.
4. Note down the System type present on the right-hand side.

Windows 11 users, open Settings=> Choose About from left to check System type.

1. After that, visit the official webpage of update catalog.
2. Click the search bar and type in the KB number of the Servicing Stack update.

1. Hit – Enter.
2. Look for the Servicing Stack Update that matches the system type you noted.
3. Click Download present next to the desired KB number.
4. Double-click the downloaded item and install it following on-screen instructions.
5. Restart Windows and check if the error still exists.

2] Run Windows Update troubleshooter to fix 0x80070003

To fix any kind of update error, Microsoft offers a troubleshooter that scans the full system to diagnose the real cause. Furthermore, it put forward automatic fix to resolve the error that you are getting while downloading or installing the new patch. Before running the troubleshooter, make sure you are connected with an active internet connection and then go through the below steps –

For Windows 10

1. Press – Windows + S.
2. Type in – troubleshoot.
3. Hit – Enter.
4. From the right-pane, click – Additional troubleshooters.
5. Select – Windows update.
6. Click – Run the troubleshooter.

1. Follow on-screen guidelines if any.
2. When the utility suggests a resolution, click – Apply this fix.
3. Close the troubleshooter and check for update error 0x80070003.

For Windows 11

1. Press – Windows + I.
2. Move to the right of appearing Settings page.
3. Scroll down to find – Troubleshoot.
4. Once you get it, select the same.
5. From next page, click – Other troubleshooters.
6. Hit – Run set beside Windows update.

3] Check the Windows update related services

Windows update service runs in the background and allows the system to download and install new patches automatically. Some other services like BITS, RPC helps in this procedure too. To get any update error-free, these services must run properly. Here are the steps to check the same –

1. Press – Windows key.
2. Type – services.
3. Hit – Enter.
4. From Services window, double-click – Windows Update.
5. Set the Startup type to Automatic.
6. If the service is not running, click – Start.

1. Shift to – Log on tab.
2. Click the radio button set before Local System account.
3. Make sure the checkbox of Allow service to interact with desktop is unchecked.

1. Click Apply and then OK.
2. Do the exact same for Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Event Log, and Remote Procedure Call (RPC) services too.

4] Reset Spupdsvc.exe folder

Spupdsvc.exe is a genuine executable file from Microsoft and a part of RunOnce service. When a new patch becomes available, another process gets a notification and the system adds a RunOnce entry to the registry for spupdsvc.exe. This happens to perform necessary updates to Windows PC. The process is executed when the device restarts and the user logs on. If the system finds anything unusual with Spupdsvc.exe folder, update error 0x80070003 may appear. To fix it out –

1. Click – Start icon.
2. Type – cmd.
3. Press – Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
4. When a User Account Control shows up, click – Yes.
5. In the elevated Command Prompt, insert the following –

cmd /c ren %systemroot%\System32\Spupdsvc.exe Spupdsvc.old

1. Hit – Enter.
2. Restart the device.

5] Restart Windows update services to fix error 0x80070003

As we said earlier, Windows update service is pretty crucial as it ensures the smooth functioning of the update process. After downloading an update, those files are being saved in the Software distribution folder for the time being. Sometimes if something wrong happens during the installation of update files, many of us try to download the same file again and again. As a result, they conflict with the existing one and end up causing update error 0x80070003. In order to fix the issue, you will have to restart Windows update service moreover replace the current Software Distribution folder with a fresh one. Here is how to proceed –

1. Open Command Prompt as admin.
2. In the prompt, insert the bellow command one after another and hit Enter after each one –

net stop wuauserv

ren c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.old

net start wuauserv

exit

1. Reboot the system and check for update error 0x80070003.

6] Resolve existing system corruption

System File checker resolves the existing corruption as well as recover missing components. On the other hand, DISM is used to repair and make Windows image including Windows RE, Windows Setup, and Windows PE ready. Many people reported that, after running this utility, error 0x80070003 didn’t occur anymore and they were able to install the update without a hitch.

1. Press – Windows + S.
2. Type in – cmd.exe.
3. Opt for – Run as administrator.
4. To grant access, click – Yes.
5. Type in – sfc /scannow.
6. Hit – Enter.
7. Once the procedure hits 100%, check the report thoroughly.
8. If the corruption is fixed, restart the PC.
9. Else, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth command in the same console.
10. After completion of the scanning process, close Command Prompt.
11. Reboot Windows PC.

7] Ensure correct Time and Date settings to resolve 0x80070003

Incorrect time zone many times gives rise to error 0x80070003 while installing a new patch. Therefore, it’s necessary to check if your current settings reflect the correct time zone. For that –

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Set the View by option to Category.
3. Click – Clock and Region.
4. From the right pane, hit – Date and Time.
5. Shift to Internet Time tab.
6. Click – Change settings.
7. Check the box present before Synchronize with an Internet time server.
8. Click – Update now.

1. Hit – OK to save the changes.

8] Disable the running antivirus program

On many occasions, the antimalware program you are using get a wrong idea about the update files and consider them as a threat. For that reason, the utility blocks the updates from being downloaded. To settle down the issue, you can put the antivirus program out of action. However, don’t forget to turn it on after installing the updates successfully.

Turn Windows Defender Firewall off

1. Press – Windows + S.
2. Type in – firewall.cpl.
3. Hit – Enter.
4. From the left column, click – Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off.
5. Select – Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) for both Private network settings and Public network settings.
6. Click – OK.

Disable third-party antimalware program

1. Click the up arrow icon from the notification bar.
2. Right-click on the icon of your antivirus software.
3. Choose – Disable.
4. Set a period of time that decides how long the tool will remain disabled.

9] Clean boot Windows to install updates without 0x80070003

All third-party software and services are not trustworthy and often create problems on Windows 11 and 10. When we end up installing too many similar programs, they conflict with each other which gives rise to several fatal codes. Update error 0x80070003 can be a result of the same. Clean boot lets the system start with basic programs and services, as a result, you will get to know if any third-party component really causing the issue. To clean boot –

1. Click – Start icon.
2. Type in – MSConfig.
3. Hit – Enter.
4. Select the radio button set for Selective startup.
5. Uncheck – Load startup items.
6. Shift to – Services tab
7. Check the box present next to Hide all Microsoft services.
8. Select – Disable all.
9. Go to the Startup tab.
10. Click – Open Task Manager.
11. Right-click on each program that exists there and choose – Disable.
12. Close Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.
13. Click Apply first and then OK.
14. Restart the PC.

Methods list
1] Download Servicing Stack Update manually
2] Run Windows Update troubleshooter
3] Check the Windows update related services
4] Reset Spupdsvc.exe folder
5] Restart Windows update services
6] Resolve existing system corruption
7] Ensure correct Time and Date settings
8] Disable the running antivirus program
9] Clean boot Windows

That’s all!!

The error code 0x80070003/0x80070002 is an update-related issue that may occur while installing pending Windows 10 updates or upgrading to Windows 11. This problem occurred indicates that there are some corrupted system files on your PC or there has been some issue with the Spupdsvc.exe application.

Apart from these two, the unnecessarily piled-up Cache or a recent patch update may also trigger this bug. To solve this error code i.e. error 0x80070002 or 0x80070003, we suggest running the Update Troubleshooter and repairing corrupted/missing files using SFC.

If the error persists even after this, try deleting the stored Cache and Resetting Windows Update Services. As per some users, replacing the old Configuration file Spupdsvc.exe also proves to be useful. If you are stuck with this bug, you may use the previously created restore points or Reset this PC.

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What does Error 0x80070003 mean?

The error 0x80070003 simply implies that the Windows update is not working and it could be because of varied reasons. A few of them include –

• Disabled Update Services – BITS, WUAUSERV, etc.
• Missing/Damaged System Files
• Corrupted Update components

To solve the Update Error Code 0x80070003 or 0x80070002 on Windows 10 PC, try the following suggestions –

1] Run Windows Update troubleshooter

Running the default troubleshooter for Windows updates may address any update-related issues on the computer. All you need is to have proper net connectivity and follow the below steps –

Windows 11

• Navigate to the path below, and hit the Run button –

Settings (Win + I) > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters > Windows Update

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Windows 10

• Jointly press WinKey + I to start the Settings App.
• Select Update & Security thereafter Troubleshoot on the succeeding screen.
• Head over to the right pane and hit “Additional troubleshooters”.
• Next, click to expand the Windows Update section and tap “Run the troubleshooter“.

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• This will automatically check for any possible errors and repair them (if found).

2] Repair Corrupt System Files using SFC

The presence of corrupt or missing system files may also cause the 0x80070003 error. To get rid of this error, you must use the System File Checker Utility program and repair damaged files and folders. Here are the essential steps to work upon –

• First of all, launch Command Prompt as an Admin.
• On the elevated console, type “sfc/ scannow” and press the Enter Key.

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• This usually takes 15-20 minutes to scan and repair corrupt files, so wait accordingly.
• After this is over, Restart Windows to incorporate the recent changes. 

Sign back into your PC and check whether you still encounter the 0x80070003 error while upgrading Windows. If yes, try the next set of solutions.

3] Reset Windows Services using a batch file

The above two solutions are in general enough to resolve any update-related troubles. They only fail when there is some unnecessary stored cache or service-related corruption on the computer. In this method, you need to stop some of the basic Windows services, clear the cache, and restart the stopped services.

To keep things simple, we suggest creating a batch file of necessary command lines and then running it using Administrative privileges. Let’s explore how to carry out this solution –

• First, minimize all the running windows and right-click anywhere on the Desktop.
• Choose New > Text Document. 
• Now, copy all the greyed codes below and paste them on the notepad. 

@ECHO OFF
echo Simple Script to Reset / Clear Windows Update
echo.
PAUSE
echo.
attrib -h -r -s %windir%\system32\catroot2
attrib -h -r -s %windir%\system32\catroot2\*.*
net stop wuauserv
net stop CryptSvc
net stop BITS
ren %windir%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.old
ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution sold.old
ren "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\application data\Microsoft\Network\downloader" downloader.old
net Start BITS
net start CryptSvc
net start wuauserv
echo.
echo Task completed successfully...
echo.
PAUSE

• Go to the File Menu and select “Save As”.
• Subsequently, type “WSReset.bat” under the “File Name” and select “All Files” under the “Save As Type“. 

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• Next, put right-click on the newly created batch file and hit “Run as Administrator”.
• If there appears any confirmation window, tap Yes to proceed further.
• The Console will then prompt to “press any key”, and hit any key to run the script.
• Once over, Reboot the PC to make the changes effective from the next login.

4] Replace old Configuration file Spupdsvc.exe

Sometimes, the mere presence of an old configuration file titled “Spupdsvc.exe” under Microsoft Update RunOnce Service may cause the error 0x80070003. Each time users update their existing Build OS, a RunOnce entry is added to the registry for spupdsvc.exe. In case, this doesn’t get renewed after performing an upgrade, it may result in update-related issues. To fix this, all you need is to run a single code on the Command Prompt. Here’s how to proceed –

• Open Command prompt as an Administrator: Press Win+R to start Run, type “cmd“, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter keys together.
• On the elevated prompt, copy/paste the below command line and hit Enter –

cmd /c ren %systemroot%\System32\Spupdsvc.exe Spupdsvc.old

Note: Executing the above code will replace the old configuration of Spupdsvc.exe with a new one.

• Restart Windows to implement the above changes. 

5] Manually Install Windows 10 Updates

If you start receiving the 0x80070003 error after installing a recent security patch, there might be some issue with the cumulative update itself. In such scenarios, we suggest rolling back the OS to its previous state. 

Or, you may manually download and install the latest Standalone package on the computer. To do so, you need to first know the recent CU number matching your system architecture. You may visit the Cumulative Update Catalog to know whether there lies any new patch or not. Once you have the required “KB” number, follow the below steps to download and install the .msu file. 

Manually Install the Available Updates

• Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website and type the “KB” number noted above.
• This will present a list of well-matching results, choose one as per the system architecture.
• Click Download next to the update link and thereafter the top link on the upcoming window.
• When the download completes, click twice on the setup file to upgrade the operating system.

6] Use a System Restore Point or Fresh Start PC

If the error persists even after this, we recommend using the restore points to revert back OS to an earlier state where everything was running OK. If you haven’t created any system backups in the past, you are left with either “Reset this PC” or “Clean Installation of Windows“.

Windows 11 has been one of the major updates from the Redmond-based tech giant. The latest update is lightyears ahead of Windows 10 in terms of features and design. The adoption rate for the latest update was speedy until it recently hit a roadblock. One of the reasons behind the recent slowdown in the adoption rate could be the Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003 in Windows 11.

This is when the latest update is unable to download and install automatically through the Windows Update service. Let’s understand why the error occurs in the first place and how to fix the Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003 in Windows 11.

What is Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003?

If you are reading this, it means you have already encountered the issue where the Windows Update process stopped the update download and threw up the error 0x80070003. While the outcome is the same always, the underlying reason might vary from system to stem. 

The error usually comes up while trying to update Windows and can happen due to several reasons. It could be because Windows Update got stuck during the installation process, could not be installed, or when updates get installed but the process cannot be finished. 

This can happen due to missing Windows Update files or corrupted components in the downloaded update package.

Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003

Thankfully, there are several ways to fix the Windows Update Error Code 0x8007000 in Windows 11 and get the latest update installed on your system. Let’s take a look at these solutions.

1. Windows Update Troubleshooter

One of the first steps to fix the Windows Update Error Code 0x8007000 is to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter built in the operating system. Here’s how to do it.

1. Press Win + R (Windows logo + R) keys on your keyboard to open the Run command box.

2. Type Control and hit enter to open the Control Panel.

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3. In the control panel window, type troubleshoot in the search box on top and press enter.

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4. From the search results, click on Troubleshooting.

5. On the next page, click on Fix problems with Windows Update under System and Security.

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6. Click Next on the prompt that comes up and let the initial scan finish.

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7. If the scan finds a fix, click on Apply this fix and follow the on-screen instructions.

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8. Once the fix is applied, restart your Windows 11 machine and try updating it again.

If the Windows Update still fails with the same error code, move on to the next method listed below.

2. Restart Windows Update Service

Windows 11 has a persistent bug that causes certain services to be in a state of limbo where they are neither closed nor opened. Due to this, they are inaccessible during the process of Windows update. This issue can be fixed by restarting the main Windows Update Service through the steps below.

1. Press Win+R to open the Run command box.

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2. Type cmd in the Run box and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt with admin access.

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3. Type commands – net stop wuauserv, net stop regsvr32 %windir%\system32\wups2.dll, and net start wuauserv.

Type the above commands one after another while hitting Enter after each command to restart and re-register the main Windows Update service.

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Once each command has been processed successfully, try installing the failing update again.

3. Clean the DataStore Folder

Several users have reported that the issue occurs when there are corrupt references in the Windows log file. Deleting the DataStore.edb file fixes the issue for many and here’s how to do it.

1. Press Win + E on your keyboard to open File Explorer.

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2. Go to System (C:) drive and open the Windows folder.

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3. Look for the Software Distribution folder and open it.

4. On the next page, open the DataStore folder and then open Download from the list of sub-folders.

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5. Delete all content from the Download folder in DataStore.

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Now, restart your computer and try to reinstall the failing update.

4. Reset Windows Update Component in PowerShell

At times several Windows Update dependencies like MSI Installer, Cryptographic services, and BITS services are responsible for the Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003. Here are the steps to completely reset these Windows Update dependencies.

1. Press Win+R to open the Run command box.

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2. Type cmd in the Run box and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt with admin access.

3. Type commands – net stop wuauserv, net stop cryptSvc, net stop bits, and net stop msiserver.

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4. Type the above commands one after another while hitting Enter after each command to stop all Windows Update-related services.

5. Now, clear and rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders with commands ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old and ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old.

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6. Now, Type commands – net start wuauserv, net start cryptSvc, and net start bits.

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7. Restart your computer and try to install the update.

5. Run SFC Scan

As mentioned before, there might be some corrupted dependency or damaged system file that must be stopping the auto-update feature. This can also be resolved by running the built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool integrated into Windows 11. 

1. Press the Windows logo + R keys on your keyboard to initiate the Run box.

2. Type cmd and then press Ctrl+Shift+ Enter to open the command prompt as administrator.

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3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

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4. The command will then scan the system files and repair the corrupt ones.

5. Wait for the display to show Verification 100% complete.

6. Manually Download and Install the Latest Update

If the Windows Update is not working properly and the above methods failed for you, you can try manually installing the failed update from Microsoft Update Catalog. Here’s how you can install a pending update from Microsoft Update Catalog.

1. Visit Microsoft Update Catalog (MUC).

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2. Type the Update number that’s failing for you in the search box.

3. From the search results, pick the appropriate update version for your computer.

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4. Click on the Download button next to the update and wait for the download to finish.

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5. Once the download is finished, head to the Downloads folder and locate the update file and double-click on it

6. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the update.

7. Restart your computer and see if the error is fixed.

7. Employ the Media Creation Tool

You can use the Media Creation tool to upgrade Windows OS on your computer by looking for any missing updates and installing them. Here are the steps to use the Media Creation tool to update the Windows version to the latest.

1. Head to the official Windows download page.

2. On the next page, click on Download Now under Create Windows 11 Installation Media.

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3. Located the downloaded file and double-click on it.

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4. Click Yes, accept the Terms of Service, and select Upgrade this PC

5. Click Next and wait for all downloads to finish.

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6. Choose Keep everything and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

8. Use Windows Update Assistant

You can also download the Windows Update Assistant from the Windows download page to keep your Windows up to date. Here’s how you can update your Windows with the Update Assistant tool.

1. Head to the official Windows download page.

2. On the next page, click on Download Now under Windows 11 Installation Assistant.

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3. Locate the downloaded file on your computer, right-click on it and select Run as Administrator and click Yes on the confirmation prompt.

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4. In the Windows Update Assitant window that opens next, agree to the Terms of Service, Select Language and edition, Choose which media to use, and follow the on-screen instructions.

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5. You’ll be asked to restart your computer once the process finishes.

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6. You will see the Finishing Up window as the computer restarts, indicating a successful update.

9. Rollback to a System Restore Point

If all the above method fails and you are certain that a recent third-party application installation or changes you made is causing the issue, you can roll back to the previous system restore point to rectify the issue. Here’s how to do it.

1. Press the Win + R keys on your keyboard to invoke Run Command.

2. Type Control and hit Enter to open Control Panel.

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3. Navigate to the Recovery option and click on it.

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4. Now click on the Open System Restore option.

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5. On the newly opened System Restore window, click on the Next button at the bottom.

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6. Select the latest System Restore Point and click Next to proceed.

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7. You’ll now see the drives that will roll back from the chosen restore point.

8. Click on the Finish button to start the System Restore process.

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FAQs

How do I fix error 0x80070003?

There are multiple ways to fix the Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003 in Windows 11. These include running the Windows Update troubleshooter, resetting the Windows Update service, deleting the DataShare folder, and more.

How do I fix errors when installing Windows 11?

Usually, Windows shows an error code when it runs into an issue, you can look up the specific error code to find a troubleshoot. For the ​​Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003, you can follow the steps mentioned above.

What does 0x80070003 mean?

The error code 0x80070003 indicates that some of your Windows update files are missing or have become unusable. This prevents the computer from updating to the latest Windows version.

How do I force Windows 11 to update?

You can manually initiate a Windows update by navigating to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates. You can also use the Media Creation tool or Windows Update Assistant from the official Microsoft downloads page.

Final Words

The inability to update to the latest Windows can be quite frustrating for those who like to stay on top of the Windows update cycle. As such, the Windows Update Error Code 0x80070003 in Windows 11 could be a real pain for them.

Thankfully, the troubleshooting methods in this article have been tried and tested to be working effectively. Lets us know in the comments if any of these worked for you and your experience.