How to Fix Windows Error 0x80070103

What Causes This?

Windows error 0x80070103 usually appears when Windows Update tries to install a driver that is already installed, older than the current one, or not fully compatible with your hardware. It can also happen when stale update cache files or stuck update records make Windows repeatedly offer the same driver update. In many cases, the update is not actually critical, but the error keeps showing until the bad update data is cleared.

Common Symptoms

• Windows Update fails with error 0x80070103
• The same driver update keeps reappearing after multiple retries
• Update history shows repeated failed installs for a device driver
• Optional driver updates fail even though the device seems to work normally
• Windows Update gets stuck checking, downloading, or retrying the same update

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check which update is failing

   1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   2. Go to Windows Update.
   3. Select Update history.
   4. Look for the failed update with code 0x80070103 and note whether it is a driver update.

2. Hide or ignore the problematic driver update

   1. If the failed update is a driver and your device is already working, you may not need it.
   2. Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting Device Manager.
   3. Find the device mentioned in the failed update, right-click it, and choose Properties.
   4. On the Driver tab, compare the installed driver version and date with the one Windows is trying to install.
   5. If your current driver is newer or working correctly, you can safely skip that update.

3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

   1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
   2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   3. Find Windows Update and click Run.
   4. Let Windows apply any suggested fixes, then restart your PC.

4. Clear the Windows Update cache

   1. Press Windows + S, type cmd.
   2. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   3. Run these commands one at a time:

      net stop wuauserv
      net stop bits
      ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
      net start bits
      net start wuauserv

   4. Restart your PC and check Settings > Windows Update again.

5. Install the correct driver manually if needed

   1. Open Device Manager.
   2. Right-click the affected device and choose Update driver.
   3. Select Search automatically for drivers first.
   4. If that does not help, download the latest driver directly from your PC or hardware manufacturer’s website.
   5. Install it, restart, and then try Windows Update again.

6. Pause and retry Windows Update

   1. Open Settings > Windows Update.
   2. Click Pause updates for a week, then resume updates.
   3. Click Check for updates again to force Windows to rebuild the update queue.

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If you do not want to sort through update cache folders, driver versions, and stuck Windows Update records manually, Kudu can do it for you. It can detect broken update data, clear stale Windows Update files safely, and help resolve repeat update failures like 0x80070103 without the usual trial and error.

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