Windows Update Failed to Install With Error 0x80070643
By Timothy Tibbettson 03/09/2025 |
Windows error code 0x80070643 is one of those annoying errors that pop up when trying to install Windows Updates. It can be caused by anything from corrupted files and update conflicts to third-party software interference. But don’t worry—if Windows won’t fix itself, we’ve got your back. Here’s how to kick this error to the curb and get those updates rolling again.
One of the best tricks to fix stuck updates is todelete pending Windows Updatesor rename the SoftwareDistribution folder. This forces Windows to redownload fresh update files, which often fixes installation failures. By removing this folder, Windows will recreate it after a reboot and begin to download any pending Windows Updates.
Open an elevated Command Prompt (search for cmd, right-click, and choose Run as administrator).
Type the following commands, hitting Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
If you prefer, here's a step-by-step video guide on deleting pending Windows Updates.
Follow the steps at How-To Delete Pending Windows Updates. However, we're going to delete an additional folder for this particular error.
Once you've removed the Software Distribution folder, we also want to delete the catroot2 folder located at C:\Windows\System32.
Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell and type each of these followed by enter.
net stop cryptsvc
md %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old
xcopy %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old /s
Now delete the catroot2 folder and type in net start cryptsvc and reboot.
Windows actually comes with a built-in troubleshooter that sometimes works (keyword: sometimes). Here’s how to give it a shot:
Windows 11: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Run Windows Update Troubleshooter.
Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters > Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
Let it do its thing, follow any prompts, and restart your PC. If the troubleshooter found issues and fixed them, try running Windows Update again.
The Windows Update Troubleshooter should be located under Control Panel > Update & Security > TroubleShoot > Windows Updates. If you don't see it, you can download it from MajorGeeks here.
If updates still fail, let’s manually reset Windows Update services.
Open an elevated Command Prompt and enter these commands one by one:
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
Restart your PC and give the update another shot.
By now you should have solved the problem, but if not we have one last Hail Mary to try. Just in case a third-party program is causing your error, let's reboot into safe mode and try running Windows Updates from there. Be sure to select Safe Mode With Networking.
Windows Update errors are the digital equivalent of stepping on a Lego—painful, unexpected, and frustrating. But with a few simple steps, you can get things working again without waiting on Microsoft to fix it for you. If none of these solutions work, drop by the MajorGeeks Forums and we’ll help you out!
Good luck, and happy updating!
Similar:
Will Windows 10 Receive Windows Updates if It's Not Activated?
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1: Delete Pending Windows Updates
One of the best tricks to fix stuck updates is todelete pending Windows Updatesor rename the SoftwareDistribution folder. This forces Windows to redownload fresh update files, which often fixes installation failures. By removing this folder, Windows will recreate it after a reboot and begin to download any pending Windows Updates.
Open an elevated Command Prompt (search for cmd, right-click, and choose Run as administrator).
Type the following commands, hitting Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
If you prefer, here's a step-by-step video guide on deleting pending Windows Updates.
Follow the steps at How-To Delete Pending Windows Updates. However, we're going to delete an additional folder for this particular error.
Once you've removed the Software Distribution folder, we also want to delete the catroot2 folder located at C:\Windows\System32.
Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell and type each of these followed by enter.
net stop cryptsvc
md %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old
xcopy %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 %systemroot%\system32\catroot2.old /s
Now delete the catroot2 folder and type in net start cryptsvc and reboot.
2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows actually comes with a built-in troubleshooter that sometimes works (keyword: sometimes). Here’s how to give it a shot:
Windows 11: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Run Windows Update Troubleshooter.
Windows 10: Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional Troubleshooters > Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
Let it do its thing, follow any prompts, and restart your PC. If the troubleshooter found issues and fixed them, try running Windows Update again.
The Windows Update Troubleshooter should be located under Control Panel > Update & Security > TroubleShoot > Windows Updates. If you don't see it, you can download it from MajorGeeks here.
Reset Windows Update Components
If updates still fail, let’s manually reset Windows Update services.
Open an elevated Command Prompt and enter these commands one by one:
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
Restart your PC and give the update another shot.
3: Update From Safe Mode
By now you should have solved the problem, but if not we have one last Hail Mary to try. Just in case a third-party program is causing your error, let's reboot into safe mode and try running Windows Updates from there. Be sure to select Safe Mode With Networking.
Final Thoughts
Windows Update errors are the digital equivalent of stepping on a Lego—painful, unexpected, and frustrating. But with a few simple steps, you can get things working again without waiting on Microsoft to fix it for you. If none of these solutions work, drop by the MajorGeeks Forums and we’ll help you out!
Good luck, and happy updating!
Similar:
Will Windows 10 Receive Windows Updates if It's Not Activated?
comments powered by Disqus
