Fix – Windows 10 Update Failed on Error Code 0x80071a2d

Did you fail to update Windows 10 because of an error code 0x80071a2d? This problem mostly occurs when you try installing the latest cumulative update to your device. Worry not, as we have come up with three workarounds applying which can fix the problem instantly. Let’s explore the solutions in detail –

Ways to solve Update Error Code 0x80071a2d

If you are not able to update Windows 10 Operating system because of this error code 0x80071a2d, try applying the below solutions sequentially –

1. Reset Windows Update Components

Windows 10 update-related troubles occur mostly because of corrupted update components. So, you need to fix all these components and the problem gets resolved automatically. Here’s how to perform this task –

• First of all, launch Command Prompt (Admin).
• As we are going to clear all caches that are stored inside the update folders, stop all essential services that are required for a Windows 10 update. To do so, copy/paste the below commands separately and press the Enter Key –

net stop wuauserv 
net stop cryptSvc 
net stop bits 
net stop msiserver

• Now that you have stopped all update-related services, execute the following two codes. Running the below commands will rename the SoftwareDistrubution to SoftwareDistribution.old and catroot2 to catroot2.old.

Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

• Next, restart all the services that you have stopped earlier. To do so, run these codes – 

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver 

• Reboot Windows 10 PC. 

Now try updating Windows 10. This should work without invoking the error code 0x80071a2d. 

2. Troubleshoot Windows Update to fix Error Code 0x80071a2d

If the issue is still there, troubleshooting Windows Update is the most viable option. Running this tool will scan for possible bugs and repair them. In case it doesn’t solve them, this will provide you a proper guide on how to fix the issues that it finds.

Here’s how to troubleshoot Windows Update –

• Press Windows key and I.
• Select Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Head over to the right pane and click Additional troubleshooters.
• Subsequently, click to expand Windows Update and hit Run the troubleshooter.

• Wait for a few minutes while this tool scans and repairs the underlying causes.

• Once this is over, click over the link View detailed information. 
• You will get a list of potential issues that it checked and fixed.
• Restart your PC next.

When Windows 10 reloads, check if you can update your operating system now or not. 

3. Download and Install the Standalone Package via Update Catalog

If the troubleshooter fails to recognize any potential issues during its scan, you need to manually download and install the respective standalone package. Microsoft uploads a “.msu” file of all its releases on its official site i.e. Update Catalog. Just visit this catalog, and type in the KB number of which you want the standalone package. 

Once you have downloaded the required patch update, double-click over the setup file to begin its installation. If you are still unclear what to do, read our article on how to manually download and install the latest cumulative update on Windows 10.

I hope, you are now able to update your operating system without getting into any bugs or issues. In case you do, let us know in the below comment section.