How to Fix "Install Error 0x80070103" on Windows?
Encountering error 0x80070103 while updating Windows can be frustrating. This error usually occurs when Windows attempts to install a driver that is already installed or is incompatible with your system. Fortunately, there are several ways to resolve it.
In this guide, we'll cover the possible causes and step-by-step solutions to fix this issue.
What Causes Install Error 0x80070103?
This error typically occurs due to:
✅ Windows trying to install a duplicate driver
✅ An outdated driver conflicting with the new update
✅ Corrupt or incompatible driver installation
✅ Windows Update glitches
How to Fix Install Error 0x80070103?
1. Hide the Problematic Update
If Windows is trying to reinstall an already installed driver, you can hide the update to prevent it from appearing again.
🔹 Press Win + I to open Settings
🔹 Go to Windows Update > Advanced options
🔹 Select Optional updates and uncheck the problematic driver
🔹 Restart your computer
Alternatively, you can use Microsoft's "Show or Hide Updates" troubleshooter to block the update.
2. Manually Update the Driver
If the error is related to a driver issue, manually updating it can help.
🔹 Press Win + X and select Device Manager
🔹 Find the device with a missing or outdated driver
🔹 Right-click it and select Update driver
🔹 Choose Search automatically for updated driver software
If Windows doesn’t find an update, visit the manufacturer’s website and install the latest driver manually.
3. Clear the Windows Update Cache
Sometimes, corrupted update files can trigger error 0x80070103. Clearing the Windows Update cache can resolve this.
🔹 Open Command Prompt (Admin) and type the following commands:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
🔹 Delete update cache files:
- Open File Explorer and go to:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download - Delete all files inside this folder.
🔹 Restart the update services:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
🔹 Restart your PC and try updating again.
4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool to detect and fix update-related issues.
🔹 Open Settings (Win + I)
🔹 Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
🔹 Click Run next to Windows Update
Follow the on-screen instructions and let Windows fix any detected problems.
5. Install Updates Manually
If the issue persists, manually downloading and installing the update may help.
🔹 Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog (https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com)
🔹 Search for the KB number of the update
🔹 Download and install the correct version for your system (32-bit or 64-bit)
Final Thoughts
Error 0x80070103 is usually not critical, but it can be annoying when it blocks updates. By following these solutions, you should be able to resolve the issue and keep your system running smoothly.
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