Windows Updates Failed to Install – Error 0x80073701

Windows Update problems are probably one of the most important issues that users often struggle with. This is because problems are generally considered difficult to solve, and various update error codes are sometimes associated with a completely different cause and solution. In this blog post, we will look at possible solutions for Error Code 0x80073701 displayed next to the ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING message. 

Fix 1: Troubleshoot the Windows Update

Windows 11/10 comes with a built-in Windows Update troubleshooter that can also help you fix Error Code 0x80073701 using several repair tactics.

Windows 11:

1. At first, open the Settings.

2. Then, tap on Windows Update from the left-hand side.

3. Next, on the right-hand side, tap on Troubleshoot to open it.

4. This will open up the Troubleshooter settings window.

5. On the same window, tap on the Other troubleshooters.

6. On the right-hand side, find the Windows Update troubleshooter.

7. Then, click on Run to run the troubleshooter on your system.

Now, follow the on-screen instructions to let Windows check where the problem is and recommend some fixes.

8. Now, tap on Apply this fix.

This will apply the fix in the Windows Update process and fix the problem for you.

You may have to restart your computer to check whether this has worked for you not.

Windows 10: 

1. Open Windows Settings as we mentioned above.

2. Click on the Update & Security icon.

3. In the left pane, go to the Troubleshoot section.

4. Move to the right side and select Windows Update.

5. Click on the Run the troubleshooter button.

This will start detecting the possible reasons behind the issue.

Once it is done, check if the problem is still there.

Fix 2: Use SFC and DISM utility

The corrupted system files might cause Error 0x80073701. These files can be repaired by using SFC and DISM utility. Here is the tutorial for running the SFC:

1. Open the Command Prompt with the administrator’s permission.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter.

 sfc/ scannow

3. Let the utility scan your system.

4. See if the problem is solved.

In case when the problem still persists, try running DISM to repair the corrupted system file. The steps for using DISM utility is given below:

1. Open the Command Prompt with admin access.

2. In the elevated Command Prompt, type the following commands and hit Enter after each command.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. Wait for each process to complete.

4. Now restart your computer and check for the problem to get solved.

Video:

Fix 3: Delete contents of the Software Distribution folder

1. At first, press the Windows key and write “cmd“.

2. Then, right-click on the Command Prompt” and then tap on Run as administrator. 

3. Now, type/paste the following commands and hit Enter after each to stop a bunch of Windows Update related services.

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptsvc
• net stop bits
• net stop msiserver

4. Once done, press Windows + E to launch the File Explorer, paste the following path in the address bar and hit Enter.

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\

5. Double-click on the DataStore folder here to view its contents.DataStore folder

6. Next, press Ctrl + A to select all the files here, and hit the Del key to delete them.

7. Choose the appropriate response, in case a confirmation prompt pops up.

8. Now, go back to the Command Prompt tab in Windows Terminal, and execute the following commands to run the services that you stopped earlier.

• net start wuauserv
• net start cryptsvc
• net start bits
• net start msiserver

After you are done with the process, again check for updates, and verify if you are able to install them. In case you still encounter the error code 0x80073701 in Windows 11/10, 

Fix 4: Restart Windows Update Service

Windows Update is a free service from Microsoft that works silently in the background for most parts of your machine. It downloads and installs security updates on its own. However, sometimes it crashes and stops working causing Error Code 0x80073701.

1. Launch the Run dialog as we explained above.

2. In the field, enter services.msc and hit the OK button.

3. On the following page, scroll down to Windows Update.

4. Right-click on the result and select the Stop option.

5. Again, do a right-click on the Windows Update and select Start to restart it.

Fix 5: Change the Date and Time Setting

Incorrect Date and Time may cause Error 0x80073701. Changing the Date and Time Settings might help you fix this issue. Below are the steps for changing the Date and Time:

1. Go to the right side of the taskbar, right-click on the date and time, and select Adjust date/time.

2. Turn off the Set time automatically option.

3. Now click on the Change button.

4. After changing the date and time of your PC, again click Change to save the changes.

I hope this article helps you in fixing your issue.