How to Fix Windows 10 & 11 Update Error 0x800703F1

When trying to update Windows 10, you might see error code 0x800703F1, and "Updates failed." If you clicked retry without luck, here are some steps you can try.

1: Windows Update Error 0x800703F1 - Reboot

Many times, a reboot might be required to install pending updates, or to verify that all the Windows Update services are running.

2: Windows Update Error 0x800703F1 - Run The Troubleshooter

Always try a troubleshooter when available first. Press Start > Settings > Update & security. Click on Troubleshoot on the left.

Click on Additional troubleshooters.

Scroll down and click on Windows Update, then Run the troubleshooter.

Follow the prompts and automatically repair any problems.

3: Windows Update Error 0x800703F1 - Windows Repair

Windows Repair can reset all the Windows Update settings saving you a lot of work.

Download Windows Repair from MajorGeeks.

Boot into Safe Mode.

Select Preset: Windows Updates.

Reboot when completed.

4: Windows Update Error 0x800703F1 - Clear SoftwareDistribution Folder

Open a elevated command prompt and type in the following two lines, and press Enter after each:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits

Each command should take a few seconds, so wait until you see the messages that the services were stopped successfully. Leave the command prompt open for now.

Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and open the folder. Press CTRL + A to select all files and folder, then press the Delete key. All the files in the SoftwareDistribution should be deleted. We don't want to delete the folder itself.

Rebooting will start the two services we stopped, but if you don't want to reboot, open up the command prompt again and type in the following two lines, and press Enter after each:

net start wuauserv
net start bits

5: Windows Update Error 0x800703F1 - Install the Latest .Net Framework

Windows 10 should keep your .Net Framework up to date, but you can download the latest .Net here. The installer will notify you if your .Net is current.

6: Windows Update Error 0x800703F1 - Download Manually

You can download the update manually, as explained in this tutorial. List by date to find the most recent update you're missing.

Because these errors have come and gone over time, you will need to know the KB number or search by date.

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Rename or Delete the Software Distribution Folder in Windows 10/8/7