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Over the years, there have been many user’s reports on error code 0x800703e6; an error that typically occurs when an end user attempts to update Windows.
There are a number of culprit updates that are known to, at the very least initiate error code 0x800703e6. These are:
KB4023057
KB5003173
KB5003214
On Windows 10 version 20H2, 2004, 1909 & 1903. KB5005033 is another Windows Update that is less frequently blamed on this error. Which oftentimes occurs on Windows 10 version 21H1 systems.
Windows Update errors and issues have been around, since the dawn of Windows, and can only be described as annoying. It seems, whenever a fix or patch is released for one, a new one, just as quickly rears its ugly head.
Update errors are pretty self-explanatory, almost all of them point to an issue with the Windows Update component(s) inability to correctly install a specified update. The symptom can be intermittent or in more severe situations permanent (until the error is rectified).
Windows Update error 0x800703e6 is one of literally hundreds of errors that can occur with the Update component of Windows.
In this tutorial, we’ll discuss its general causes, along with verifiable ways that you can fix it.
What Causes Update Error 0x800703e6?
The typical outcome of an update error (such as 0x800703e6) is an inability to update your system via the Update component. These errors however, are known to occur due to a variety of reason.
When looking at update error 0x800703e6, there are several things that you should be cognizant of. These are as follows:
- An internet security tool blocking Windows Update: It’s not uncommon for third-party security suites to block the Windows Update component, essentially preventing you from updating Windows.
- Corruption of the Windows registry: It is possible the registry was inadvertently corrupted. Broken entries, invalid keys, corrupted keys, etc., are all capable of causing Update error 0x800703e6. The corruption of the registry is typically due to the constant installation and uninstallation of apps and tools.
- Corrupted Windows Update component(s): There could be corruption of various components belonging to Windows Update. There are several known solutions for circumstances such as this.
- System Crash: If the system abruptly crashed, possibly due to a software bug, it could have damaged additional Windows components (such as Windows Update).
In addition to the above mentioned causes, other, possible, but less likely causes, could include the following:
- A Windows system that’s incorrectly configured.
- Two or more apps attempting to access the same memory allocation space, at the same time.
Now that we have that settled. The next thing for us to look at, are those much desired solutions.
So continue reading for that.
How to Fix It
With the large assortment of errors that can occur on your system, you may think that they are almost inevitable. But the reality is, with proper system care and maintenance, it’s possible to avoid, the vast majority of them.
There are certain things you can and should do, to avoid issues on your system, these include:
- Cleaning the Windows registry.
- Regularly removing redundant/junk files.
- Uninstalling apps and tools you no longer use.
- For mechanical drive users, consider defragging your drive.
For those end users that take the time to regularly check over their systems, the end result for said people, is the minimisation of issues like error 0x800703e6.
Anyway, below you will find a number of solutions that you can use to eradicate update error 0x800703e6. These solutions have been arranged in order of ease of execution and effectiveness. So it’s recommended that you try them in the order that they appear.
Disable Your Internet Security Tool
One common cause of error 0x800703e6, as highlighted above, is a third-party internet security tool blocking Windows Updates access to the World-Wide-Web.
If you use a third-party security suite, you’d want to eliminate it as a possible cause of this error. To do that, simply disable it.
The steps required to disable your security tool will vary (depending on its brand and version), but generally, you’d be expected to do something like the following:
1. Locate, then right-click on its icon in the Taskbar and select Disable.
Most security tools will allow you to disable them, directly from the Taskbar, whereas others may require you to load up the tool first. So please do bear that in mind.
Run Windows Repair Tool to Fix Error 0x800703e6
If the above mentioned solution fails to fix error 0x800703e6, then the next recommended action would be to run Advanced System Repair Pro.
If you don’t know what it is, then basically, it is as its name states. A repair tool for Windows. Designed to carry out a number of maintenance checks and repair solutions for a variety of error types. Such as update errors, game errors, runtime errors, DLL errors and more.
Anyway, you can learn more about this powerful tool, including, the various ways it can help your system, from the link below:
CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ADVANCED SYSTEM REPAIR PRO
 The solution(s) below are for ADVANCED level computer users. If you are a beginner to intermediate computer user, I highly recommend you use the automated tool(s) above! |
Clear SoftwareDistribution
SoftwareDistribution is a folder belonging to the Windows Update component, used for storing update installation files before running the update or patch. In the vast majority of cases, this folder is cleared after a successful update.
However, there are instances when old installation files linger, and end up adversely effecting new updates.
Disk Cleanup is a built-in Windows tool that is capable of erasing files from important file locations, however it’s not known to tamper with the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to erase the contents of this folder, if you’re currently bogged down with update error 0x800703e6. These are as follows:
1. Boot into your system as a full administrator.
2. Then, press 
+ R, type cmd and press CTRL + Shift + Enter.
3. When Command Prompt loads up, type the following command below and press Enter.
net stop wuauserv
4. Once you have successfully run the above command, type the following below, and press Enter, to remove the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder:
rd /s /q %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution
5. Now, type the final command below, pressing Enter at the end of it, to restart the Windows Update service.
net start wuauserv
6. You can now close Command Prompt and verify whether or not this has fixed the Windows Update error 0x800703e6.
Modify the Registry
Another method that you can use to fix update error 0x800703e6, involves erasing the registry keys WUServer and WUStatusServer.
WARNING: The Windows registry is a very crucial, yet sensitive area of the operating systems. As a result, any wrong modification to this component, can render your system inoperable.
With that out of the way, you can modify your registry, by following the steps outlined in my post on fixing error code 80072ee2.
Run Disk Cleanup
I already touched briefly on the merits of this built-in Windows maintenance tool. However, one thing I did not mention, was the fact that it was effective at removing general redundant data from your system.
Error 0x800703e6 could be due to insufficient disk space, in which case, running disk cleanup could do the trick.
That said, you can find step-by-step instructions on how to access and use the disk cleanup tool from my post on fixing error 0xc190012e.
Reset Your PC
If error 0x800703e6 continues to persist, even after attempting all the solutions above, then you may want to try something a little more drastic.
The solution I’m suggesting here, entails resetting your iteration of Windows. A method available to Windows 10/11 users.
You have the option of deciding whether or not you’d like the process to erase all data on your hard drive or to specifically preserve your confidential data.
Either way, you can find step-by-step instructions on how to use this Windows feature, from my post on fixing error 0xc000000f.
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