Last updated on February 10th, 2024 at 04:52 pm

In Windows 11, the install error 0x80070103 occurs mostly when you try to install a driver that is already installed or is less compatible than the one you already have. In any case, it’s very easy to fix the Windows Update error code. There are a variety of ways to fix it, which we’ve listed below. Therefore, let’s check them out.

What Is Install Error – 0x80070103

Windows update install error 0x80070103 typically occurs during installation. It usually occurs when you try to install a previously installed hardware driver or when you try to install a conflicting driver update.

This error indicates that a newer driver version is available through Windows Update or that the driver you are trying to install is already installed on your system. In order to avoid compatibility issues or instability, the operating system prevents the installation of an older or conflicting driver.

Why does 0x80070103 Windows Update Error Appear?

There are a lot of reasons why the install error 0x80070103 will appear during a Windows Update.

• While installing or updating the driver, it is already in use.
• A corrupted system file.
• There is no update service available.
• Windows Update files are corrupted.

How to Fix the Install Error 0x80070103 in Windows 11

It is very easy to fix the 0x80070103 error code during Windows 11 update installation by following these steps:

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft’s Windows Update Troubleshooter tool is designed to fix issues related to Windows updates, BSOD, Hard Drive, etc errors. If you want to move on to more advanced methods, start by running it first.

1. Click Start and then select Settings.
2. Go to the System panel and click Troubleshoot.
   
   
3. Choose Other Troubleshooters.
   
   
4. Next to Windows Update, click Run.
   
   
5. Ensure that all suggested fixes have been applied. You need to restart your computer.

Fix 2: Restart the Windows Update Service

It is sometimes possible to fix the installation error 0x80070103 in Windows 11 by simply restarting the Windows Update service. You can follow these instructions:

1. Initially, to open the Run dialogue box, press the Windows Key and R together. To open the Services application, type services.msc and click OK.
2. Right-click Windows Update in the list of applications and select Stop.
   
   
3. Once again, right-click Windows Update. Then click start.
   
   

Check if the install error 0x80070103 has been resolved by restarting the computer.

Fix 3: Delete the Windows Temporary Files

Many Windows 11 users have reported that deleting the Windows Temporary Files fixed the 0x80070103 Update Error. To resolve this problem, you can also delete the Windows Temp files. I’ll tell you what to do.

1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key + R. You will see the RUN window appear.
2. In the RUN dialog box, type %temp% and press Enter.
   
3. The Temp folder will be opened. To select all files, press CTRL + A. The next step is to right-click on any of the files and select Delete.
   
   

It’s done! Now, you just have to restart your Windows 11 computer after you’ve deleted the Windows Temporary files. You should check for Windows updates again after restarting your computer.

Fix 4: Run DISM and SFC Scan

If Windows updates are incomplete, third-party apps are not installed properly, or a virus infects the computer, system files may be damaged or corrupted. In the first step, DISM restores the system image, and SFC scans and fixes any discrepancies found.

1. Start by typing Terminal in the Start Menu. Right-click the Terminal tile in the search results, then select Run as administrator.
2. Your screen will now show a UAC (User Account Control) window. If you are not logged in as an administrator, enter your credentials. If not, click Yes.
3. Click the chevron icon (downward arrow) and choose Command Prompt.
4. Next, type or copy and paste the following command and press Enter. You will be able to restore the current OS image on your device by doing this: DISM/ Online/ Cleanup-Image/ RestoreHealth
   
   
5. To check and repair the system files in your PC, type or copy + paste the following command: SFC/ Scannow
   
   

After completing all of the steps above, restart your PC and try to update your computer to see if the install error 0x80070103 problem persists.

Fix 5: Rename and Reset Software Distribution Folder

In order to fix the Windows 11 install error 0x80070103, renaming the app is the best thing you can try. To accomplish this, follow these steps.

• Open the command prompt as administrator.
• Thereafter, in the pop-up window, enter the following commands one after another to reset the SoftwareDistribution Folder.
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
  
  

• To rename the SoftwareDistribution, type these commands and press Enter after each:
  Ren C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  Ren C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  
  

• You can run the command below:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
  
  

To verify that the problematic error code 0x80070103 has been fixed, restart your computer and run Windows Update again.

Fix 6: Pause And Resume the Update

It’s better to try pausing and resuming the update to troubleshoot the install error 0x80070103. So, to do so, simply go to Settings > Windows Update > Pending Update > Select the Retry option when trying to install the update that had been causing the error. 

After that, pause the update once and resume it as soon as possible. It is possible that this simple pause-resume fix will resolve the Windows installation error issue, and your updates will be installed if you’re one of the lucky ones.

Fix 7: Install the Offered Drive and Optional Update

In order to install Drivers and Optional Updates in Windows 11, follow these steps:

1. To change the settings, right-click on the Start button and select Settings.
2. Afterward, on the left side of the Settings window, select the Windows Updates tab.
3. On the Windows Updates tab, click Advanced Options.
   
   
4. In the Additional Options menu, you will find Optional Updates.
   
   
5. Pick the updates you want to download and click on it.

Also Read: 

1. Fix Error 0x8096002A: No Error Description Available
2. Windows Error Code 0x5 (ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED) | How to Fix
3. How Do I Install Openssl Windows 10/ 11
4. Windows Server 2016 End of Life | Everything You Need To Know
5. Hidusb.sys BSoD: What is it & How to Fix it

So, that’s all we have for you on how to fix install error 0x80070103 in Windows 11. our hope that this guide has helped you. But, in case you find that any of the above-mentioned workarounds is outdated, please comment below and let us know.

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