Windows updates not working

Graeme Bates 0 Reputation points
2026-07-01T02:13:21.4133333+00:00

Windows does not update, and I keep getting error message (0x80073701)

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Install and upgrade
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3 answers

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  1. Ramesh 176.9K Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-07-01T10:30:12.8833333+00:00

    Your apps, settings, and files will be kept by default during a repair install.

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  2. Kapil Arya 37,936 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-07-01T09:33:18.1733333+00:00

    Hello,

    Please run Windows Update troubleshooter from Settings app > Update & security > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. See if it works.

    If that doesn't work, try this:

    Open administrative Command Prompt and type following commands one-by-one followed by Enter key.

    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

    Close Command Prompt and see if Windows Updates works then.

    Let us know if this helps!

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  3. Estrella721 41,630 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-07-01T02:47:19.8833333+00:00

    Hi,

    To better help you and guide you to the right solution, could you please check and confirm the following details?

    1. What troubleshooting steps have you tried so far to avoid repeating them?
    2. In your search bar, type winver and press Enter. Please send a screenshot of the result.
    3. Go to Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update.

    Please take a screenshot and share it here.

    Do not include any personal information.

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