Is your Windows 10 or Windows 11 failing to update, showing errors like 0x80070643, retry-related issues, or other update failures? This guide will help you resolve these problems step by step.

Why Do Windows Update Errors Occur?

Windows Update errors can happen due to:

• Corrupted system files
• Conflicts with pending updates
• Disabled Windows Update services
• Issues with the SoftwareDistribution folder

Below are the best troubleshooting methods to fix these errors.

---

Method 1: Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

This folder stores temporary update files. If corrupted, updates may fail.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer (Win + E) and go to:

   C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

2. Select all files & folders inside (Ctrl + A) and delete them.
3. If some files can’t be deleted, skip them.
4. Restart your PC and check for updates again.

---

Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can cause update failures.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Admin (Search cmd > Right-click > Run as administrator).
2. Type the following command and press Enter:

   sfc /scannow  

3. Wait for the scan to complete (may take 10-30 minutes).
4. Restart your PC and retry Windows Update.

---

Method 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in tool to fix update issues.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings (Win + I) > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Click Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to apply fixes.
4. Restart your PC and check for updates again.

---

Method 4: Enable Windows Update Services

If Windows Update services are disabled, updates won’t install.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find Windows Update, right-click > Properties.
3. Set Startup type to Automatic and click Start (if stopped).
4. Click Apply > OK.
5. Also, check Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS):

• Set Startup type to Automatic and Start the service.

1. Restart your PC and retry updates.

---

Method 5: Perform a System Restore (Last Resort)

If updates still fail, restore Windows to an earlier state.

Steps:

1. Open Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
2. Select a restore point (preferably before the update issue started).
3. Follow the prompts to complete the restore.

⚠ Note: This will revert system changes made after the restore point.

---

Final Step: Check for Updates Again

After applying fixes:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click Check for updates.
3. Install any pending updates.

---

Conclusion

If you’re still facing Error 0x80070643 or other update issues, try:

• Resetting Windows Update components (DISM scan).
• Manual update via Microsoft Update Catalog.

For more Windows troubleshooting guides, stay tuned!

---

Tags:

Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Update Error, Error 0x80070643, Fix Windows Update, SFC Scan, SoftwareDistribution

Hashtags:

#Windows10 #Windows11 #WindowsUpdate #ErrorFix #TechGuide #PCRepair

🔹 Disclaimer: Modifying system files/services may cause issues. Proceed with caution and back up important data.

Sneha Rao

Sneha is a hardware reviewer and technology journalist. She has reviewed laptops and desktops for over 6 years, focusing on performance, design, and user experience. Previously working with a consumer tech magazine, she now brings her expertise to in-depth product reviews and comparisons.

Website · More from this author