Microsoft frequently updates its Windows 10/11 operating systems and update errors are bound to happen. These problems mainly occur due to some update or system file corruption, and their fixes are quite generic. This guide will cover the 0x80073701 Update error, mainly occurring on Windows 10 and 11.
Last updated on March 21st, 2023 at 03:00 am
Windows Update Error 0x80073701 Fixes That’ll Help
There are multiple reasons why update error 0x80073701 is popping up like corrupt system files and more. The following are the fixes that will help Windows users fix the update error and install updates.
Fix 1: Use Troubleshooters
Before trying out any of the fixes below, it is generally best to use a ready-made solution. To fix the Windows Update error 0x80073701, we’ll be talking about the Windows Troubleshooters. This utility is responsible for finding faults in different computer sectors and can deal with them systematically.
Open Windows Settings and head to the System section. There, you’ll find the Troubleshooter setting, so click on it. Then, once you do, locate the Other Troubleshooters section, and from the list, find the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Run the Update Troubleshooter and apply whatever fix it comes up with. Restart your PC and Update Error 0x80073701 will be fixed.
Fix 2: Manually Install Updates
One way to bypass the 0x80073701 update error is to take responsibility out of the system’s hands and manually download it. This can easily be done by heading over to the official Microsoft Update Catalog via this link. Once the catalog opens, type the update’s KB number and download it. After that, install the update, and voila your problem will be resolved in a few minutes.
Fix 3: Run SFC And DISM Scan
Another reason why you are experiencing the Windows update error 0x80073701 is corrupt system files that are not letting the update install. Running the SFC and DISM scans fixes these corrupt system files and will fix the update error in the process. Open CMD (Command Prompt) and run it as an administrator. Type the following command and press enter.
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Once the scan is complete, type sfc /scannow and press enter. Let the scan complete and try to install the update again. The update will install.
Fix 4: Reset Cache and Update Services
Sometimes, other Windows services and a corrupted cache can result in glitches, such as the 0x80073701 error. So, resetting them to their default values must start from a clean slate.
To do this, go to this link and click on download anyways. Then, once the download completes, run the program as administrator and allow any UAC prompt questions that appear. Once the procedure completes, go ahead and restart your PC and see if the problem persists.
Fix 5: Reset Windows
If the above fixes failed to resolve the update error 0x80073701 in Windows 10/11, then resetting the Windows OS is your last resort to fix it. This will reset the OS to default settings and it’ll be like a fresh Windows install. So backup your files in the C drive before performing a reset.
Open Windows Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Recovery > click “Reset PC”. Go through the on-screen prompts and rest your Windows OS, fixing the update error 0x80073701.
Update Errors are pretty standard, and their fixes are usually simple. Hopefully, the simple fixes have done the job for your 0x80073701 error. If you are facing errors and issues with other PC games or your PC, then also see our hub for commonly occurring PC errors and their fixes.