0x80073701: how to fix this update error?

Typically, error code 0x80073701 appears when system files are missing or problematic. If you still want to continue with the update, you can use the troubleshooter or try to repair the files manually.

Error code 0x80073701: what is it?¶

If error code 0x80073701 is generated during an update, this often means that system files are incorrect or missing. However, these files being essential to carry out the update, the system then chooses to interrupt the process. You can start by trying to resolve error 0x80073701 with a reboot, but your chances of success are rather slim. Error 0x80073701 (or error_sxs_assembly_missing) is indeed likely to appear several times, and therefore compromise the update. However, there are several solutions available to you to resolve this problem. Discover the best of them with us.

Use the troubleshooter to resolve error 0x80073701¶

The first method to try to try to stop error 0x80073701 can also apply to many other error codes. With its own troubleshooter, Windows analyzes the entire system and corrects any possible errors autonomously. So this technique can also work for error code 0x80073701. You can try applying it before taking further action. To do this, we advise you to follow the steps below.

1. Start by going to Settings.
2. Next, select the troubleshooter.
3. Click “Additional troubleshooting utilities”.
4. Look for the “Windows Update” option, and proceed to troubleshoot.

If the system manages to resolve error 0x80073701 on its own, then it automatically takes care of its repair. Once this process is complete, restart your computer and try running the update again.

Disable third-party security software¶

If the previous technique does not work, another simple solution can help you fix error 0x80073701. In some cases, the error comes from the firewall or antivirus program offered by a third-party provider. Either one or the other can in fact compromise the connection to Microsoft's servers. The solution ? Temporarily disable security software in question, and run the update again. Once this operation is completed, remember to reactivate all programs to continue enjoying the most effective protection possible.

Clean WinSxS¶

Error 0x80073701 is often linked to faulty system files that cannot be repaired using the solutions provided above. If this happens to you, you can try to clean WinSxS folder. Any obsolete and potentially harmful files are then deleted. Below you will find the procedure to follow:

1. Press the keys simultaneously [Windows] + [R] to open the “Run” window.
2. Enter the “cmd” command before pressing the keys simultaneously [Ctrl], [Maj] And [Entrée]. Then click “Yes” to continue the process as administrator.
3. Now call the console and enter the following command (remember to run it by pressing the key [Entrée]).

dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup

4. Once the command is executed, restart your computer and try running the update again. Error code 0x80073701 should no longer appear.

Fix error 0x80073701 with System File Checker¶

THE System File Checker (SFC, “system file checker” in French) can also help fix error 0x80073701. If you choose this option, simply follow the few steps below:

1. Use the keys again [Windows] And [R] to open the “Run” window.
2. Again, log in as administrator.
3. Next, enter and run the following command in the console:

4. Wait until the command has finished executing. Then restart your computer and try again to launch the update previously interrupted by error code 0x80073701.

Reset update components¶

You can manually reset the various Windows Update components to try to fix error 0x80073701. To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Log in again as administrator; so open the “Run” window by simultaneously pressing the keys [Windows] + [R]and run the “cmd” command there.
2. Now enter the following four commands one after the other. Each time, execute them using the key [Entrée] :

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

3. These commands have the effect of interrupting the affected Windows services. You can then rename the update folders. Then execute the following commands, executing them each time with the key [Entrée]again :

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

4. Finally, restart all services. Below you will find the commands to enter for this purpose:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

5. Restart the computer and try running the update again. Error 0x80073701 should no longer appear.

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