Did you encounter an update error 0x800700c1 while trying to run Windows 10 Anniversary Update on your device? As its name suggests, this is an update-related issue that prevents you from further updating your PC. Worry not, as in this post, we will look into the reasons behind this error code, and how one may overcome this issue.
It might be really hard for users who don’t know the way to solve this error. If you’re also one of them, this article may help you fix it. When this error occurs, you may see an error message that is somewhat similar to –
There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x800700c1)
What is this error 0x800700c1?
The error code 0x800700c1 is basically an update-related issue, however, it may appear due to one or a combination of the below issues –
- Network problems
- Corrupted data or Windows Update Components
- Running a third-party security application
- Disabled essential services
How to Fix Windows 10 Update Error 0x800700c1
Sometimes the third-party antivirus programs conflict with the Windows Update process and result in such type of error code. So, if you have third-party antivirus software installed on your computer then turn it off temporarily and see if it helps. If it doesn’t help, try the given solutions. To fix Update Error 0x800700c1 on Windows 10, use the following workarounds –
1] Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder
First of all, delete all the updates that are currently downloaded on your system and see if the problem gets solved. To do this, you need to delete the content inside the SoftwareDistribution folder. Here are the steps you can use to do it –
- Run Command Prompt as administrator.
- Type the below command and hit enter to run to stop the Windows Update Service –
net stop wuauserv
- It may take a few seconds to run the commands successfully. Therefore, wait for a while until you see the message – The Windows Update service was stopped successfully.
- Next, you need to stop the BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service) service. To do this, run the below command –
net stop bits
- Now press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Copy and paste the below text and press Enter to open the SoftwareDistribution folder directly.
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
- On the following page, press Ctrl+A to select all the content of the folder, then delete everything from there. This will remove the corrupted updates that seem the primary cause to occur this error.
- If you’re asked to provide administrator permission, tick the box next to Do this for all current items and click Continue.
Note: If you’re unable to delete the entire files in the SoftwareDistribution folder, just restart your PC, and try it again.
- Now you need to start the services that you have stopped earlier. For this, run the below command line in the elevated command prompt. Don’t forget to press Enter after each command.
net start wuauserv net start bits
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After running the above commands, go to the Windows Update settings and see if the Windows functions are working now.
2] Download and Install Update Manually
If the above solution did not help then you need to download and install the updates manually and this should fix the problem on your computer.
In case you are facing this error code on your Windows 11 PC, follow this tutorial instead.
3] Disable and Remove the Antivirus Program
It is possible that the 3rd party program installed on your system might stop you from installing the Windows Update. In such a case, we suggest you disable the antivirus entirely and see if it works. If the problem still persists, uninstall the antivirus program using the below instructions –
- Open Windows Settings using the Windows + I keys.
- Select Apps > Apps and features from the menu list.
- On the right page, locate the antivirus installed on your computer.
- Select the antivirus program and click on the Uninstall button.
If uninstalling the antivirus program solves Error 0x800700c1, you need to look for a different third-party antivirus.
4] Try SFC and DISM scans
Third-party apps interacting with your system apps may corrupt system files or folders. As a result, when you try updating your operating system, error 0x800700c1 occurs. To mitigate or repair missing/damaged core files, you may run System File Checker or DISM tools. Here’s how to run them together on an elevated console –
- Launch CMD as administrator first.
- When Command Prompt launches, run SFC code first –
sfc /scannow
- This will take approximately 15-20 minutes to find and repair obsolete system files. So, wait patiently.
- When this completes, copy/paste the below DISM Health Repair command and wait again for this command to complete successfully.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- After this code executes 100%, restart your PC and check if you can now update your Windows normally.
I hope this article helps resolve the error code 0x800700c1 on your PC. Let us know in the comment box if you face any difficulty following this article.
That’s it.
