What Causes Windows Update Error 0x800700a1?
Windows update error 0x800700a1 pops up upon downloading the latest OS updates. Although there can be multiple reasons behind the error code, below are some common culprits triggering the issue.
One of the primary reasons behind most Windows update errors is multiple pending updates. If crucial Windows update services are disabled on your system, you are most likely to encounter the error. Corrupt Windows update files are another major reason behind the update problems. The error message can pop up due to driver and hardware conflicts as well.
Now that you are aware of different reasons causing the error message, let’s check out how to fix it.
1. Rerun the Windows Update
Before trying any technical fixes, make sure to rerun the Windows update. As it turns out, the problem can result from multiple queued updates. In this case, you can simply reboot the system and begin the update process again to fix the issue.
2. Free Up Drive Storage Space
Most of the update errors often result from limited drive space. Although Windows already reserves space for updates, problems can still occur if there’s very little room available on the hard drive.
So, ensure that enough space is available on the primary partition for downloading updates.
3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
The latest OS features a Windows update troubleshooter tool that helps diagnose and resolve update errors. You can run the Windows update troubleshooter by following the below steps.
Open Settings using Win + I. Under the System tab, select Troubleshoot. Choose Other troubleshooters. Click on Run next to Windows Update.
The troubleshooter window will pop up and will look for the issues. If it detects any problems, it will suggest potential fixes.
4. Restart Windows Update Services
The next solution on the list is to restart Windows Update services. As it turns out, certain services need to be enabled to download updates from the Microsoft servers. If this isn’t the case, you will regularly encounter different update errors.
You can enable the Windows Update services by following the below steps.
Press Win + R to open the Run dialogue box. Type services. msc and press Enter. Locate Windows Update, right-click on it, and choose Properties. Change the Startup type to Automatic. Click on Start under Service status. Click on Apply > OK.
Next, repeat the above steps with these services as well – Background Intelligent Transfer Service, Cryptographic Service, and Windows Update Medic Service.
5. Unplug Unnecessary Peripherals
If enabling the update services wasn’t helpful, you can consider unplugging unnecessary peripherals. The update error can pop up due to hardware or driver conflict. In this case, remove extra peripherals attached to the system like webcam, microphone, and scanners.
Next, reboot the system and check for the issue.
6. Run DISM to Repair Damaged System Components
The Windows update error 0x800700a1 can result from damaged system components. In this case, you will have to run a DISM scan to fix the issue.
Here’s how to run a DISM scan on Windows.
Open Command Prompt in administrator mode. Type the following command and press Enter. DISM. exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Command Prompt will take a few minutes to complete the scan successfully. Once done, reboot the system and try to download the update. Check if the problem continues; if yes, continue with the guide.
7. Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder Content
All the data related to Windows updates are situated in the SoftwareDistribution folder. But if this folder gets corrupt for some reason, you will struggle to download Windows updates. You will have to clear the content of the SoftwareDistribution folder to resolve the problem. Here’s how.
Open Command Prompt in administrator mode. Type the following commands and press Enter. net stop wuauservnet stop bits Open the File Explorer using Win + E. Head towards the following location. C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution Select everything inside the SoftwareDistribution folder, right-click and choose Delete. If you come across the prompt, The file is currently in use, reboot the system and delete the folder content. Open Command Prompt again in administrator mode. net start wuauservnet start bits Type the following command and press Enter.
Restart the system and check if the problem continues. If yes, try the next solution on the list.
8. Check the Date and Time
If the system shows an incorrect date and time, you will most likely face issues upon downloading the Windows update. To eliminate update errors, you will have to ensure that the system displays the correct date and time. Here’s how to do it.
Open Settings using Win + I. Choose Time & language from the left pane. Select Date & time. Click on Change next to Set the date and time manually. Enter the correct date and time, and click on Change.
Reboot the system and try to download the update.
9. Troubleshoot in Clean Boot
Different startup applications and services can interfere in the update process and cause the error message. In this case, you’ll troubleshoot the Windows in the clean boot state to fix the problem. Here’s how to do it.
Open the Run dialogue box. Type msconfig and press Enter. Checkmark Load system services. Switch to this Services tab. Checkmark Hide all Microsoft services option. Click on Disable all option to remove all the listed third-party services from the startup. Click on Apply. Switch to the Startup tab. Click on Open Task Manager. Right-click on all the unnecessary startup applications, and choose Disable from the context menu. Close the Task Manager. Click on Apply > OK in the System Configuration window.
That’s it. Reboot the system, and you will be able to download the update.
Windows Update Error 0x800700a1 Fixed
Windows Update errors are very common while upgrading to the latest OS update. Fortunately, you can get rid of most error codes by trying the solutions above.
