Partition Recovery™
An expert tool for recovering lost partitions
An expert tool for recovering lost partitions

Here is how to deal with Windows update error 80073701

Windows update error 80073701

In this article you will find out:

  • how to deal with this issue
  • how to protect your data

Are you ready? Let's read!

About this issue

While updating the system and its components, you may receive an error message: “Updates could not be completed. Error code 0x800f0988 ".

This article will help you solve the problem and complete the update 100%


1. SFC & DISM

Try running the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM.exe) tool to fix corrupted system files. To do this, open an elevated command prompt. Next, run the command:

Dism / Online / Cleanup-image / Startcomponentcleanup and press Enter.

Next, restart your computer and try updating the system again.

Alternatively, you can run the System File Checker (SFC) to check for and fix problems in existing system files. To do this, also open Command Prompt and run the following command:

sfc / scannow, press Enter.

Restart your computer after fixing any errors that occurred and check if the error code 0x80073701 persists.

2. Work with Software Distribution

If the previous method did not help, you can try to clear the SoftwareDistribution folder. To do this, start a command prompt with administrative rights and enter the following lines of text one at a time:

clean stop wuauserv and press Enter.

clean stop bits and press Enter.

Then open the C: \ Windows \ SoftwareDistribution folder and delete all its contents.

Then you should restart your computer and try using Windows Update again.

Fast tip: Refresh OS

Try to boot the system in a clean state, then run Windows Update. In most cases, it helps to fix windows error 80073701.

3. Work with logs

Check the CBS logs and remove any possible fixes.

In general, the file CBS.log includes component logs when they are installed or removed during upgrades. If updates are unsuccessful in the CBS logs, you need to uninstall the fixes that were missing assemblies.

So, open the CBS logs and look for the words "ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING". Next, check if there is any KB update. If there is one, remove it and reinstall it using Windows Update.

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So good luck with this problem. You will succeed!

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