8 Ways to Fix The Windows Update Error 0xe0000003

Contents

Understanding the Significance of Windows Updates

The Importance of Keeping Windows Updated

Common Challenges with Windows Updates

Troubleshooting the 0xe0000003 Error

8 Solutions That Can Help You Fix Windows Update Error 0xe0000003

Fix 1: Enabling Services Related to the Windows Update Process

Fix 2: Resetting Windows Update Components

Fix 3: Using the Network Troubleshooter

Fix 4: Running a Clean Boot

Fix 5: Using the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Fix 6: Using the Media Creation Tool

Fix 7: Running SFC and DISM Commands

Fix 8: Perform a System Restore

Conclusion

Fix 0xe0000003 Now

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Understanding the Significance of Windows Updates

Microsoft Windows, a renowned operating system, is known for its robust features and user-friendly interface. Regular Windows updates play a crucial role in maintaining the system’s smooth operation, with “Patch Tuesday” occurring every second Tuesday of the month. These updates encompass various types, such as security updates, critical updates, service packs, and driver updates, all aimed at enhancing functionality, security, and performance.

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The Importance of Keeping Windows Updated

• Enhancing System Security and Protection
• Addressing Bug Fixes and Performance Enhancements

Common Challenges with Windows Updates

• Introducing the 0xe0000003 Error
• Exploring Possible Causes: Corrupted System Files, Insufficient Disk Space, Incompatible Software, Windows Update Service Issues

Troubleshooting the 0xe0000003 Error

• Step 1: Checking for Adequate Disk Space
• Step 2: Repairing Corrupted System Files
• Step 3: Verifying the Windows Update Service Status
• Step 4: Resolving Incompatible Software or Hardware Conflicts

8 Solutions That Can Help You Fix Windows Update Error 0xe0000003

Here are 8 Solutions that you can perform by yourself to fix this issue.

Fix 1: Enabling Services Related to the Windows Update Process

Certain Windows services must be running for updates to always install windows updates properly. If these services are disabled, you might encounter errors during the update process.

1. Type “Services” in the Windows search bar and press Enter.
2. Find “Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)” in the list.
   • If it is already running, right-click on it and select “Restart.”
   • If the service is not running, double-click on it, and choose “Automatic” under the “Startup type” from the drop-down menu.
   • Click “Start,” then click “Apply” and “OK” to enable the service.
3. Repeat this process for the following services:
   • “Windows Update”
   • “Cryptographic services”

By ensuring that these essential services are running and set to the correct startup type, you can prevent potential interruptions during the update process and reduce the likelihood of encountering the 0xe0000003 error. Properly enabled services facilitate a seamless Windows update experience.

Fix 2: Resetting Windows Update Components

Manually resetting Windows update components can effectively resolve issues caused by disruptions or corruption during the update process.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Copy and paste the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each command:
   net stop bits
   net stop wuauserv
   net stop appidsvc
   net stop cryptsvc
   Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*”
   rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
   rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
   regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
   netsh winsock reset
   netsh winsock reset proxy
   net start bits
   net start wuauserv
   net start appidsvc
   net start cryptsvc
3. Restart your device.

By following these steps, you can manually reset the Windows update components, potentially resolving any underlying issues that might be causing the 0xe0000003 error. This reset helps ensure a smooth update process and improves the overall stability and performance of windows update services on your system.

Fix 3: Using the Network Troubleshooter

Network issues can sometimes hinder your computer from installing updates or communicating with the update servers, leading to errors like 0xe0000003. Fortunately, Windows includes a built-in Network troubleshooter that can identify and resolve these problems.

1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Settings.”
2. Go to the “Network & Internet” section.
3. On the right side, locate the “Advanced network settings” section.
4. Click on “Network troubleshooter” and wait for the troubleshooter to run.
5. The troubleshooter will automatically apply any necessary fixes.

By using the Network troubleshooter, you can tackle potential network-related issues and increase the likelihood of a successful Windows update process without encountering the 0xe0000003 error.

Fix 4: Running a Clean Boot

Running a clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, which can help identify if third-party security software is causing the update error.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type “msconfig” and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. Click on the “Services” tab and check the “Hide all Microsoft Services” box.
4. Click “Disable all” to disable non-Microsoft services, then click the “Startup” tab.
5. Open the Task Manager, disable all startup items, and close the Task Manager.
6. Go to the “Boot” tab and mark the “Safe boot” option.
7. Click “OK” on the System Configuration window and restart your computer.
8. Attempt to update Windows again.

By running a clean boot, you can isolate and eliminate potential conflicts caused by third-party software or services, thus resolving the 0xe0000003 error during the Windows update process. If the error does not occur in the clean boot state, you can gradually enable services and startup items to identify the specific cause of the issue.

Fix 5: Using the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter is a helpful tool designed to identify and resolve issues that may be preventing your system from updating. This automated tool can often solve the problem with minimal user intervention.

1. Type “Troubleshoot” in the Windows search bar and press Enter.
2. Select “Additional troubleshooters” or “Other troubleshooters.”
3. Find “Windows Update” from the list and select “Run the troubleshooter” or “Run.”
4. Wait for the troubleshooter to complete the scan – it will provide you with potential causes and recommended fixes.
5. If the troubleshooter does not provide any suggestions, proceed with the solutions below.

By utilizing the Windows Update troubleshooter, you can efficiently identify and resolve issues that may be causing the 0xe0000003 error during the update process, leading to a smoother and error-free update experience.

Fix 6: Using the Media Creation Tool

If all other methods fail to resolve the 0xe0000003 error, installing the Media Creation Tool can be a reliable alternative to manually upgrade your system. This tool allows you to download the latest Windows version and upgrade your system without deleting your files.

1. Visit the official Microsoft website and download the Windows 10 installation media (or the Windows 11 version if available).
2. Double-click the installer and select “Yes” when User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears.
3. Agree to the terms and conditions presented during the setup process.
4. Select “Upgrade this PC now” and click “Next.”
5. Windows will now download all the necessary files for the upgrade, which may take some time depending on your internet connection.
6. Agree to the terms and conditions once again and click “Next.”
7. Before proceeding with the installation, review your choices and ensure you are satisfied with them. You can click the “Change what to keep” option to customize your preferences if needed.
8. Click “Install” to initiate the upgrade process.

By using the Media Creation Tool, you can manually upgrade your Windows version, potentially bypassing the update error code and enjoying the latest features and improvements while preserving your files and data.

Fix 7: Running SFC and DISM Commands

System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) are powerful tools that can repair corrupted system files that might be causing the update error.

1. Type “cmd” in the Windows search bar.
2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
3. Type in the following command and press Enter:
   sfc /scannow
4. Once the SFC scan is complete, run the following commands as well:
   dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
   dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth
   dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
   (Note: If you encounter an error executing the last command, add:
   “/Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess” to it and try again).
5. After completing the SFC and DISM scans, restart your system.

By running SFC and DISM, you can effectively repair any corrupted system files that may be contributing to the 0xe0000003 error during Windows updates. These tools can help restore the integrity of your system files and facilitate a smoother update process.

Fix 8: Perform a System Restore

If the 0xe0000003 error persists and you suspect that recent system changes are causing the issue, performing a System Restore can be an effective solution. This process allows you to revert your system to a previous state when it was functioning correctly, potentially resolving the update error.

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type “rstrui” and press Enter to open the System Restore window.
3. Click “Next” on the initial System Restore window.
4. Choose a restore point from the list that predates the appearance of the update error, then click “Next.”
5. Review the selected restore point and its details, then click “Finish” to initiate the System Restore process.
6. Your system will restart and begin the restoration process. This may take some time, so please be patient.
7. Once the process is complete, your system will restart again, and it should be restored to the selected previous state.

By performing a System Restore, you can potentially undo recent changes that might have triggered the 0xe0000003 error during previous Windows updates. If the error was caused by a recent software installation or system configuration, the System Restore can help rectify the issue and allow for a smoother update process.

Conclusion

Maintaining a well-functioning and secure operating system is crucial for a smooth computing experience. Windows updates play a vital role in enhancing system performance, fixing bugs, and ensuring optimal security. However, encountering errors during the update process, such as the 0xe0000003 error, can be frustrating.

In this guide, we have explored various effective fixes to address the 0xe0000003 error and ensure successful Windows updates. Starting with using the Network troubleshooter and the Windows Update troubleshooter to identify and resolve network and update-related issues, we moved on to running SFC and DISM to fix windows update and repair corrupted system files. Enabling essential Windows update-related services and performing a clean boot helped identify potential conflicts caused by third-party software or services.