Windows Update error 0x80070306 can halt the update process due to issues like corrupted update files, system image problems, or .NET Framework errors. If you’re struggling to install updates because of this error, the following solutions can help.
Repair System Image Files
Corrupted system files are often the root cause of update failures. Using the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools, you can identify and repair these corruptions.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, search for cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter to run the System File Checker:
sfc /scannow
Step 3: After the SFC scan is complete, run the following DISM command to repair the Windows image:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 4: Wait for the DISM process to complete. This may take some time.
Step 5: Restart your computer.
Reset Windows Update Components
Sometimes, the Windows Update components themselves become corrupted, preventing successful updates. Resetting these components can resolve the 0x80070306 error.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 2: Stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Windows Update service, Cryptographic service, and the MSI Installer service by entering the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
Step 3: Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. These folders store temporary update files. Execute the following commands:
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %systemroot%\System32\Catroot2 Catroot2.old
Step 4: Restart the services you stopped earlier using these commands:
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc
Step 5: Close Command Prompt and restart your computer.
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to automatically identify and fix common update problems.
Step 1: Open the Settings app. You can do this by pressing Windows key + I.
Step 2: Navigate to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Step 3: Find Windows Update in the list and click the Run button next to it.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter. It will attempt to detect and fix any issues preventing updates from installing.
Step 5: Restart your computer after the troubleshooter has completed.
Repair .NET Framework
A faulty .NET Framework installation can sometimes trigger Windows Update errors. Microsoft provides a repair tool to address these issues.
If you encounter an error message such as,
Unhandled exception has occurred in your application.
Then, proceed with the steps below:
Step 1: Download the .NET Framework Repair Tool from Microsoft’s official website.
Step 2: Run the tool and follow the on-screen instructions. The tool will automatically detect and repair any issues with your .NET Framework installation.
Step 3: Restart your computer after the repair process is complete.
Disable and Re-enable Microsoft .NET Framework
Disabling and then re-enabling .NET Framework can sometimes resolve conflicts or corrupted installations.
Step 1: Press the Windows key, type Turn Windows features on or off, and press Enter.
Step 2: In the Windows Features dialog box, locate the .NET Framework entries (e.g., .NET Framework 3.5, .NET Framework 4.8 Advanced Services).
Step 3: Uncheck all .NET Framework boxes.
Step 4: Click OK and restart your computer when prompted.
Step 5: After restarting, repeat Step 1 to open the Windows Features dialog box again.
Step 6: Check all the .NET Framework boxes you previously unchecked.
Step 7: Click OK and restart your computer. This will reinstall the .NET Framework.
Use the Media Creation Tool
The Media Creation Tool can be used to perform an in-place upgrade, which can resolve update errors.
Step 1: Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website.
Step 2: Run the tool and select Upgrade this PC now.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the latest version of Windows. Choose the option to keep your personal files and apps during the upgrade process.
Use Microsoft Update Catalog
You can manually download and install updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog website. This is useful if Windows Update is consistently failing.
Step 1: Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
Step 2: Search for the update that you are trying to install by typing its KB number (e.g., KB5032278) in the search box.
Step 3: Download the appropriate update for your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).
Step 4: Run the downloaded .msu file to install the update.
How to fix error code 0x80072EFE?
The Windows Update error 0x80072EFE often indicates an issue with your internet connection. To resolve this, try switching to a different network, use the Network troubleshooter, or reset your network settings.
What is error 0x800703e6 on Windows Update?
The error 0x800703e6 during Windows Update usually occurs while installing a cumulative update. Running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, repairing system image files, or resetting Windows Update components can often resolve this issue.
By working through these solutions, you should be able to overcome the 0x80070306 error and successfully install Windows Updates.