Error 0x80073701 in Windows

Error 0x80073701 in Windows typically occurs when there are issues with installing system updates or working with Windows components. This error indicates that some files are missing from the component store, or their integrity has been compromised. Let’s go through several methods to resolve this issue.

1. Running the Deployment Image Servicing and Management Tool (DISM)

DISM helps to repair corrupted system files:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This command checks the integrity of system files and automatically downloads any missing or corrupted components from Microsoft servers. Ensure you have an active internet connection when running this command.

2. Running the System File Checker (SFC)

SFC is another tool designed to restore system files:

sfc /scannow

This process can take a while as it scans all system files in Windows and tries to replace any damaged ones with cached copies.

3. Reinstalling the Problematic Update

If the error occurs while trying to install a specific update, try uninstalling it and reinstalling it:

  • Go to Control Panel → Programs → View installed updates.
  • Find the problematic update, right-click on it, and select "Uninstall".
  • After uninstalling, try reinstalling the update via Windows Update.

4. Analyzing the CBS Log for Errors

The CBS (Component-Based Servicing) log can help identify the cause of the error. To view the log:

  1. Open File Explorer and navigate to: C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log
  2. Open the file in a text editor and look for error-related entries, which can help diagnose the problem more precisely.

5. Resetting Windows Update Components

If previous methods don’t help, you may need to reset Windows Update components:


net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

These commands will stop the update services, rename the folders containing update data, and restart the services.

6. Reinstalling or Repairing Windows

As a last resort, you can consider restoring the system via a restore point or even reinstalling Windows while keeping your files intact.

These steps should help resolve error 0x80073701.