How to fix Windows Update Error 0x800703e6? (Complete Guide)

Contents

The Problem with Windows Update (Error 0x800703e6)

Methods to Apply to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x800703e6

Option 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Option 2: Repair Corrupted System Files

Option 3: Check the Disk

Option 4: Clean the Files in The Windows System in Order to Fix 0x800703e6 Error

Option 5: Update Computer Drivers

Option 6: Clean Boot Method

Option 7: Reset Windows Update Components to Fix 0x800703e6 Error

Option 8: Re-install Windows With Media Creation Tool (By keeping your files intact)

Conclusion & Why Backup Matters

Fix 0x800703e6 Error

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Microsoft’s Windows is one of the most widely used operating systems by both individuals and companies. It includes a lot of cool features and a simple user interface. Windows includes a plethora of choices for system maintenance that may be carried out by any user.

Many problems, such as 0x8007371c, 0x800f0986, and 0x800f0990, prevent users from updating. This one appears to happen after installing KB4023057, KB5003214, KB5003173, and other updates on Windows 10 versions 1903, 1909, 2004, and 20H2. When installing KB5005033 for Windows 10 version 21H1, some users experienced the same issue.

Error 0x800703e6 usually means that Windows “is missing key security and quality fixes.” A cluttered Windows registry[1] or defective entries of non-existent programs generated by improper software uninstalls might cause this. Other common causes include improper user input and accidentally removed registry files that now cause system failures.

Because it’s unclear what’s causing the problem, human troubleshooting could take a long time, so you might want to attempt an automated solution. To bypass going through all of the options, use Mac Washing Machine X9. By scanning the system, the repair program may discover broken system components, rectify BSODs[2], and fix registry errors. This software can also be used to remove cookies and free up space.

However, Windows may be unable to automatically update the system, drivers, or troubleshoot and resolve other issues. Users must take matters into their own hands in these situations. Users have experienced issues updating their operating systems and received the error code 0x800703e6. The complete text of the notice is as follows:

The Problem with Windows Update (Error 0x800703e6)

On Windows 10 versions 1903, 1909, 2004, and 20H2, the problem occurs when attempting to install KB4023057, KB5003214, KB5003173, and other cumulative updates. When installing KB5005033 for Windows 10 version 21H1, some users experienced the same issue. Most of the time, error 0x800703e6 indicates a problem with the system’s memory processes.

The most common recommendation is to use Update Troubleshooter first. This built-in capability has been there for a long time in the Windows environment, assisting users in resolving challenges. In the vast majority of circumstances, it is not a cure for all problems, as there are typically deeper explanations for update failures.

So if you’re trying to update your windows 10 1903 to 1909 but you are facing an error 0x800703e6, it’s time to read this quick guide to fix the update error.

Methods to Apply to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x800703e6

Option 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

• In the Windows search box, type Troubleshoot and press Enter.
• Click Additional troubleshooters on the right side of the window.
• Select Windows Update and then press Enter. Run the troubleshooter to see if there are any issues.

If you’re done, apply all the recommended fixes and restart your device.

Option 2: Repair Corrupted System Files

To repair system file corruption, use the following Command Prompt commands:

• As an administrator, open Command Prompt.
• Press Enter after entering the following command:
• sfc /scannow sfc /scannow sfc /s

Reboot your system.

If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, Enter after typing the following:

• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
• DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Option 3: Check the Disk

Make sure your disk isn’t broken. Administrative Command Prompt can be used to run checks:

• In the Windows search box, type cmd.
• Select Run as administrator from the context menu when you right-click on Command Prompt.
• If User Account Control appears, choose Yes.
• Use the following command and click Enter if you’re using an HDD as your main driver (where your operating system is installed – C: by default):
• chkdsk /f c:

• If you are using SSD, use this command: chkdsk c: /f /r /x
• If you receive an error, type in Y and hit Enter
• Restart your device to perform the check

Option 4: Clean the Files in The Windows System in Order to Fix 0x800703e6 Error

• Go to This PC
• Hover to the main disk and then right-click disk
• Choose Properties
• Go to Disk Cleanup

• Choose the Cleanup system files, tick all the boxes, and click OK
• Proceed with restarting your computer and try to install the update again

Option 5: Update Computer Drivers

The problem could be caused by out-of-date drivers. In this scenario, you can use iolo System Mechanic to automatically fix it by scanning your PC for missing and out-of-date device drivers. You can also manually update them:

• Open the Settings.
• Select Update & Security from the drop-down menu.
• Select Windows Update.
• Check for updates by clicking the Check for updates button.

• Click the View optional updates option
• Click the Driver updates tab
• Select the driver you want to update
• Click the Download and Install button

After checking for updates, if the View optional updates link is not visible, Windows Update does not have any new drivers or updates for other products at that time.

Option 6: Clean Boot Method

Clean boot is one of the troubleshooting procedures that can be used to determine if an app is the source of the problem. When non-Microsoft goods generate software conflicts, this procedure is commonly used.

A clean boot aids in the quick startup of an operating system by just loading necessary files and programs:

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter
• Go to Services tab and tick the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox
• Select Disable all

• Go to Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Here, right-click on each of the non-Windows entries and select Disable.
• Close down the Task Manager
• Tick the safe booth option and then press OK. After that, restart your computer.

Option 7: Reset Windows Update Components to Fix 0x800703e6 Error

• Open Command Prompt (Admin) as explained above
• Copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter each time:
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop cryptSvc
  • net stop bits
  • net stop msiserver
• Press Windows + E to open File Explorer
• Go to the following locations and delete the contents of these folders:
• C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2
• C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution

• Open Command Prompt again and paste these command lines:
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start cryptSvc
  • net start bits
  • net start msiserver
• Restart your system

Option 8: Re-install Windows With Media Creation Tool (By keeping your files intact)

Media Creation Tool is the final, but highly powerful tool to utilize if no other attempts to get your upgrades to work pay off.

It focused on helping consumers who are having trouble getting the most recent version of an update through regular methods. This program is a wonderful replacement for the default Windows Update Center.

• To begin, go to the Microsoft website and download the utility.
• After that, run the downloaded file.
• Following your acceptance of the Terms of Service, you will have two alternatives to choose from. Now is the time to upgrade this PC.
• To ensure that personal files are not harmed, select Keep Personal Files.
• Finally, start the process and wait for it to finish.

Hopefully, this solution assisted you in resolving the 0x800703e6 error.

Conclusion & Why Backup Matters

Hopefully, these methods and our guide helped you to fix the 0x800703e6 Windows Update error. If not — you can try downloading and running iolo System Mechanic that will automatically scan your PC for any related or unrelated problems and fix your 0x800703e6 error.

It’s important to add, that having backups is really important as well, whether you’re experiencing Windows update error or some viruses — it can eventually break your computer. But when you have backups, it’s not that scary and you can restore your files anytime.