Error 0x80070003: Some Update Files Are Missing or Have Problems

Error code 0x80070003 may sometimes prevent you from updating Windows to the latest version. This error indicates that some of your update files are missing or have become unusable. For example, if the files got corrupted, your computer won’t access and read them. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to get rid of this error.

Error 0x80070003: Some Update Files Are Missing

Run the Update Troubleshooter

1. First, disconnect all the peripherals connected to your computer.
2. Restart your machine.
3. Then, go to Settings.
4. Select Update and Security.
5. Click on Troubleshoot (left-hand pane).
6. After that, click on View additional troubleshooters.
7. Locate and run the Update troubleshooter.
8. Check for updates again.

Restart the Update Components

Restart the Windows Update components to establish a new connection to Microsoft’s servers. Check if this solution solves the problem.

1. Launch Command Prompt with admin rights.
2. Then run the commands below one by one (hit Enter after each one):
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop cryptSvc
   • net stop bits
   • net stop msiserver
   • Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   • Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start cryptSvc
   • net start bits
   • net start msiserver
3. Check for updates again.

⇒ Note: If the error persists, unplug your router and leave the device unplugged for two minutes. Then plug it back into the wall outlet. Connect your computer to the network and check for updates again.

Disable Your Antivirus

The apps and programs installed on your device may interfere with the Windows update process. Third-party antivirus, antimalware, and firewall solutions often block the Windows Update service. The quickest way to solve the problem is to disable all the unnecessary third-party programs running on your computer. This includes security tools as well. Do that using the Task Manager or clean boot your device. Then check if error 0x80070003 persists.

Repair and Restore Broken System Files

If your system files got corrupted or your computer can’t access them, you won’t be able to install the latest updates. Run SFC and DISM to solve the problem.

1. Launch Command Prompt with admin privileges.
2. Run the following commands one by one:
   • SFC /scannow
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Restart your computer and check for updates again.

Download the Updates Manually

Download the latest Windows updates manually, and check if error code 0x80070003 still pops up on the screen. If you’re trying to install a feature update, use the Update Assistant to get the job done. If you’re trying to install a specific update or a security patch, download it from Microsoft’s Update Catalog website.

Conclusion

To fix error code 0x80070003 on Windows, first, run the Update Troubleshooter. Then restart the update components, disable your antivirus, and repair broken system files. If the error persists, download the problematic updates manually. Did you find other ways to fix error 0x80070003? Feel free to share your ideas in the comments below.