Fixed: Error Code 0x80070003 In Windows 10 (5 Ways)

Why Error Code 0x80070003 Occur in Windows 10?

When encountering an error code 0x80070003 in Windows 10 during update, there are four primary reasons to consider:

• Corrupt system files: The update tool relies on functioning system files. If these files are corrupted, it can cause issues. This may also involve corruption within the Windows Update cache, which we will address separately.
• Disrupted Windows update process: The Windows update process is intricate and depends on multiple Windows services working correctly. If any of these services are disabled or experiencing malfunctions, it can impede the successful completion of an update.
• Configuration issues in the Windows Registry: Problems with the Windows Registry configuration can arise and may require careful editing of the Registry to resolve. Exercise caution when making changes in this area.
• Broken or missing components: Windows Update is comprised of various subcomponents, and if any of these components are broken or missing, it can result in difficulties when attempting to complete an update.

But it doesn’t matter. Next, we will give you several effective methods to help you fix this error code 0x80070003 in Windows 10. Let’s take a look together!

How to Fix Error Code 0x80070003 In Windows 10

1. Restart Your PC

As a general troubleshooting step, it is recommended to restart your PC and attempt the update again. If you haven't restarted your system recently, certain services required by Windows 10 may have become frozen or closed. Restarting your system can help resolve the 0x80070003 update issue, or it will provide an indication if the problem persists.

2. Utilize the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 10 and 11 offer specialized troubleshooters designed to fix Windows 100x80070003 update errors in Windows without the need for complex manual troubleshooting. To address this particular issue, you can utilize the Windows Update Troubleshooter. However, please note that the specific location of the app may vary depending on your Windows version.

• For Windows 10 users, navigate to Start > Settings> Update & Security> Troubleshoot> Additional troubleshooters. Then, under the "Get up and running section, select Windows Update and Run the troubleshooter.
• For Windows 11 users, access Start> Settings> System> Troubleshoot> Other troubleshooters. Then, under the Most frequent section, select Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.

Once you have executed the troubleshooter, restart your computer. Check if the update issue has been resolved.

3. Clear the Software Distribution Folder

To resolve any problems related to the temporary update files generated during your update history, you can clear the download folder where they are stored. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.

Step 2. To stop the Windows Update service, enter the following command in the Command Prompt window: net stop wuauserv. Press Enter to execute the command.

Step 3. In File Explorer, delete the contents of the directory located at C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\Download.

Step 4. In Command Prompt, enter the following command and press Enter: net start wuauserv. Attempt the Windows Update process once more to check if the issue has been resolved.

4. Perform Manual Stop & Restart of Windows Update Service

The Windows Update Service is the key component responsible for updates on Windows. If you're experiencing issues, you can manually halt and resume this service in an attempt to resolve the problem.

Step 1. To open the Run dialog box, press Windows + R. Enter services.msc and hit Enter.

Step 2. Locate the Windows Update service.

Step 3. To stop it, right-click on it and select the Stop option.

Step 4. After restarting your PC, repeat steps 1 and 2 to access the Windows Update service. Once located, right-click on it and choose the Start option to fix error code 0x80070003 in Windows 10.

5. Verify the Registry for Errors

This error is frequently caused by a misconfigured Windows Registry.

☀Caution: Modifying the Registry carries a certain level of risk. If you are not familiar with it, it is advisable to backup data in Windows 10 before making any changes.

Step 1. To open the Run dialog box, press Windows + R. Enter regedit and press Enter.

Step 2. Copy the text below and paste it into the Registry address bar: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WIMMount.Then, press Enter. To open the registry key, double-click on ImagePath.

Step 3. Verify that system32\drivers\wimmount.sys is included in the Value data field. If it is not listed, modify it accordingly and click OK.

Step 4. Next, open Windows File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\System32\drivers\(assuming your system drive is Drive C).

Step 5. Ensure that wimmount.sys exists in this directory. If it is not present, refer to section 3 above to repair your system files. Restart your computer and attempt to run Windows Update again.

The above is all about fixing error code 0x80070003 in Windows 10. In fact, backing up your Windows 10 is an effective way to prevent problems. It can quickly roll back to the previous normal version when problems occur in your system.

To avoid data loss caused by operational errors, you should also back up your system data to prevent unnecessary trouble caused by data loss. Next, I will introduce you to professional backup software to protect your data.

Backup Your Windows 10 to Protect Data

You have the option to select a free professional backup software to safeguard your data or system. AOMEI Backupper Standard is an exceptional and free backup software that is compatible with Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows XP, and Windows Vista PCs.

Here are some key features of AOMEI Backupper Standard:

☁It offers file backup, folder backup, disk backup, partition backup, and system backup capabilities, all with a user-friendly interface that allows for easy operation in just three steps.
☁You can store backup images on external hard drives, internal hard drives, NAS, USB/DVD/CD, or even back up files to AOMEI Cloud if you create an AOMEI account.
☁Automatic backup scheduling is available for daily, weekly, and monthly backups.
☁It supports incremental and differential backup, which allows for efficient backup of newly added or modified data.
☁Additional backup options include adding comments to backups, compressing data backup images, splitting images into multiple file images, encrypting backups, and enabling email notifications upon backup completion.

The software's user-friendly interface enables you to set up a data backup task with just a few clicks. Let's take system backup as an example to illustrate how it works. If you require data backup on Windows Servers, please refer to AOMEI Backupper Server. You can download this software for free and proceed with the installation.

Step 1. On the Home screen, navigate to the Backup section and choose the option for System Backup.

Tip: If you wish to back up all the data on the hard drive, including the operating system, select Disk Backup.

Step 2. To choose a location for storing the backup image file, click on the second box. You have the option to back up to an external hard drive, internal drive, or a network location.

Step 3. To initiate the backup process, click on the Start Backup button.

Tip:
Options: In this section, you can add comments to your backups, adjust the compression level for your backups. If you desire to encrypt your backups, kindly consider upgrading to the AOMEI Backupper Professional edition.

Conclusion

That’s all the five methods on how to fix error code 0x80070003 in Windows 10, you can choose any one according to your preference. At the same time, whether to prevent such problems or to protect your data, you must use professional backup software - AOMEI Backupper to back up your system. If you prefer an alternative to image backup, you can utilize the option to clone the hard drive or system as a means to back up your data in Windows 10 using AOMEI Backupper Professional.