Windows Updates usually contain some important patches that protect your system from different malicious attacks. But they can also cause errors at times and one such error is Windows Update Error 0x80071160 which has been experienced while trying to update or install security/optional patches on Windows 11 or 10 PC.
This error mostly occurs due to a glitch or corrupted Windows Update system components. In this guide, we’ll take you through a few potential solutions that will help you to address this issue.
Note: If you are getting this error code while using a system restore point on your computer, read and apply the fixes discussed in this article.
Windows Update Error 0x80071160 Solutions
To fix Windows Update Error 0x80071160, try these workarounds –
1] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Many times it has been reported to fix such kind of issue simply by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool. It identifies the problem and tries to fix it automatically which protects you from going through a hassle. The procedure to run this tool is as follows:
Windows 11:
- Press Win + I to open Settings then navigate to the path below –
System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
- Under “Most frequent“, you will find Windows Update. Well, click the Run button available beside it.
- When the troubleshooter launches, hit Next and follow the on-screen instructions.
Windows 10:
- Right-click on the Start menu and select the Settings app.
- Choose Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- Go to the right pane and select “Additional troubleshooters”.
- Select Windows Update and then click Run the troubleshooter to start the repair process.
- It might take a little while to complete the task. Once it completes, restart your computer and try to install the updates.
2] Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder
Remove the contents of the Software Distribution folder and try to install the Windows Update again. The procedure is as follows:
- Open the Run dialog box using the Win + R keys.
- Type “cmd” in the text field and press the Ctrl+Shift+Enter keys altogether.
- If the UAC pop-up menu appears on your screen, hit Yes.
- In the elevated command prompt window, run the below commands one after another:
net stop wuauserv net stop bits
The above commands will stop the Windows Update Service and the Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
- Now open File Explorer (by pressing Windows + E) and navigate to the folder –
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
- Select all the contents of the folder and delete them.
| Note: You may not be able to delete a file if the file is being used at that time. In that case, restart your device, execute the above commands, and then delete the files. |
- After deleting the files, run the following commands:
net start wuauserv net start bits
This will restart the Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer services.
3] Manually download and install the Update
If even after deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder, the error is still persisting, then download and install the update manually via Microsoft Update Catalog.
- Open the Windows 11/Windows 10 Update History page first.
- Go to the left navigation and select your Windows 11/10 edition.
- Scroll down to the below “In this Release” section and click the top link.
- Head over to the adjacent right pane and note down the KB number.
- Visit Microsoft Update Catalog and search for the “KB” number you noted.
- Then press Enter and it will display a list of available updates.
- Select the update that matches your system architecture.
- Click the Download button and then select the Topmost link on the next page.
- Once it completes, double-click the setup file to start updating your Windows OS.
4] Perform a Clean Boot
In case none of the above methods work to solve the Update Error 0x80071160, you may perform a clean boot on your PC. Doing so will eliminate any software conflicts that may arise when you install a Non-Microsoft program or update. Here is how to proceed –
- Right-click on the Windows icon and select Run.
- Type “
msconfig” in the text files and hit enter. - In the System Configuration window, switch to the Services tab.
- Mark the checkbox next to Hide all Microsoft services and hit the “Disable all” button.
- Then go to the Boot tab and mark the checkbox next to “Safe boot.”
- Make sure the Minimal option is selected automatically, if not then select it.
- Then click Apply > OK to save the changes. At this time, your computer will restart and will enter Safe Mode.
- Now run the Windows Updates. For this, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates.
- If you’re on Windows 11, go to Settings > Windows Update and hit Check for updates.
If Windows Update is running in Safe Mode, it means any third-party application is interfering with the update and causing the error. In such a case, restart your computer and enable all third-party applications one by one to determine which app was the real culprit. Once you find it, make sure you uninstall it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Update Error 0x80071160?
0x80071160 is a Windows update error that occurs when the system fails to download or install updates from the Microsoft Store. This issue can be caused by an inadequate connection or an outdated version of Windows.
What are the Symptoms of the 0x80071160 Update Error?
Symptoms include a “Failed to install” or similar message when trying to access the store, as well as a 0x80071160 error code being displayed. In some cases, the system may also be unable to access the Windows Update page.
How do I Fix Update Error 0x80071160?
To troubleshoot this issue, try running Windows Update Troubleshooter and check your internet connection. If that doesn’t work, then you can check for Windows Update service-related issues or reinstall the latest version of Windows.
What can I do to Prevent the 0x80071160 Update Error?
To reduce the risk of 0x80071160 errors, keep your system and all its software up-to-date by regularly checking for updates. You can also create a restore point before starting any Windows update process, to ensure that you can easily revert back if something goes wrong
Read Next:
