By If you’re seeing the 0x800703E6 error code when you try to run Windows Update, it typically means that a file needed by Windows Update is currently in use and can’t be accessed. Here’s how to fix the problem.
If you’re seeing the 0x800703E6 error code when trying to run Windows Update, it indicates that there’s a problem with the Windows Update service. This can be caused by a number of things, but most often it’s due to a problem with the way the service is configured or a problem with the update files themselves.
In most cases, the best way to fix this error is to simply reset the Windows Update service. This will clear out any corrupted files or settings that may be causing the problem. To do this, follow the steps below:
1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter.
3. Find the “Windows Update” service and double-click it.
4. Click the “Stop” button.
5. Click the “Start” button.
6. Close the Services window.
If resetting the Windows Update service doesn’t fix the problem, you may need to manually download and install the latest updates. To do this, follow the steps below:
1. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
2. Search for the updates you need.
3. Download the updates.
4. Double-click the downloaded updates to install them.
5. Restart your computer.
If you’re still seeing the 0x800703E6 error code after following the steps above, it’s possible that there’s a more serious problem with your system. In this case, you’ll need to use the DISM tool to repair your Windows installation. For more information on how to do this, see the following Microsoft support article:
Use the DISM tool to repair Windows
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10164/fix-windows-update-errors
Table of Contents
What is the 0x800703E6 error?
The 0x800703E6 error is a Windows Update error. This error occurs when the Windows Update service is not able to connect to the Microsoft Update server. This can be due to a number of reasons, including firewall or proxy settings, or a temporary network issue.
To fix this error, you will need to make sure that the Windows Update service is able to connect to the Microsoft Update server. This can be done by checking your firewall and proxy settings, and making sure that there are no temporary network issues.
How to fix the 0x800703E6 error
The 0x800703E6 error is a common Windows Update error that usually appears when trying to install new updates. This error can be caused by a number of factors, but most often it is caused by a corrupt registry or a damaged Windows update file.
Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to fix the 0x800703E6 error and get your system updated.
1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The first step is to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This is a built-in tool that can help fix a variety of update-related errors.
To run the troubleshooter, go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot and click on the “Windows Update” troubleshooter.
2. Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder
The next step is to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder. This folder is used by Windows Update to store temporary files, and sometimes these files can become corrupt.
To delete the folder, open the Command Prompt as Administrator and type the following commands:
net stop wuauserv
del %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution
net start wuauserv
3. Reset the Windows Update Components
If the above steps don’t work, you can try resetting the Windows Update components. This will essentially reset the update process and hopefully fix the 0x800703E6 error.
To reset the Windows Update components, open the Command Prompt as Administrator and type the following commands:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
4. Run the System File Checker
The System File Checker is a built-in tool that can scan for and replace corrupt system files. This can be helpful if the 0x800703E6 error is being caused by a corrupt system file.
To run the System File Checker, open the Command Prompt as Administrator and type the following command:
sfc /scannow
5. Perform a Clean Boot
If you’re still seeing the 0x800703E6 error, you can try performing a clean boot. This will start Windows with a minimal set of drivers and programs, which can help rule out software conflicts as a potential cause of the error.
To perform a clean boot, go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery and click on the “Get started” button under the “Reset this PC” section.
Follow the prompts to perform a clean boot and then try installing the updates again.
If you’re still having trouble, you can contact Microsoft support for more help.
Other ways to fix the 0x800703E6 error
If you’re still seeing the 0x800703E6 error, there are a few other things you can try to fix the problem.
First, you can try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This is a built-in tool that can help fix many common issues with Windows Update.
If that doesn’t work, you can try resetting the Windows Update Components. This will essentially reset the Windows Update service, and should fix any issues you’re having.
Finally, if you’re still having trouble, you can try manually installing the updates that are causing the error. This is a bit more complicated, but can often fix the issue.
If you’re still seeing the 0x800703E6 error after trying all of these things, then you may need to contact Microsoft support for help.
Conclusion
The fix for the Windows Update Error Code 0x800703E6 is to install the latest updates for your Windows operating system. To do this, go to the Windows Update website and download the updates that are available for your system. Once the updates are installed, restart your computer and try to run the Windows Update service again. If the problem persists, contact Microsoft support for further assistance.
