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FIX: 0x800703f9 Windows 10/11 Update Error
Change your Windows Update settings by following our step-by-step guide below
7 min. read
Updated onMarch 19, 2024
updated onMarch 19, 2024
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Key notes
Many Windows users often complain the 0x800703f9 error prevents them from updating their systems.
Users encounter this error when they are trying toupgrade to Windows 10, as well as when they are trying toinstall the latest updateson theirWindows 10OS.
How to fix the 0x800703f9 error
0x800703f9 error can prevent you from downloading new updates, which can be a big security risk for many users. Speaking of update issues, users reported the following problems:
1. Check your antivirus
Sometimes 0x800703f9Windows Updateerror can be caused by your antivirus or firewall. Your antivirus can sometimes blockWindows Updateby accident, and that can lead to this problem.
However, you can fix this issue simply by disabling certain antivirus settings.
If disabling the settings doesn’t solve the problem, you might want to consider disabling your antivirus entirely.
Even if you disable your antivirus,Windows Defenderwill still protect your system, so there’s no need to worry.
In a worst-case scenario, you might have to uninstall your antivirus in order to fix this problem. If removing the antivirus solves the issue, you might want to consider switching to a different antivirus solution.
It is perfectly acceptable to use athird-party security toolthat does not interfere with Windows updates. Most typical anti-virus products operate wonderfully, however, some have flaws.
Some of them may fail to detect malware on occasion, which is why we recommend doing scheduled scans with it, for a complete security check.
All these tools are fully compatible with Windows 10, and they won’t cause you any problems in the future.
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
If you’re having issues while trying to download updates, you might be able to solve the problem by usingWindows Updatetroubleshooter.
Microsoft is aware ofWindows Updateissues, and it has already developed a tool that can help you with commonWindows Updateerrors.
If you’re not familiar, Microsoft’s troubleshooters are designed to scan your PC and fix common problems.
If you’re having a 0x800703f9Windows Updateerror, you might be able to fix it by following these steps:
3. Clean your Registry
Several users reported that they fixed the 0x800703f9Windows Updateerror simply by cleaning their registry.
According to users, sometimes your registry can interfere with theWindows Updateprocess and cause this problem to appear.
To fix the problem, it’s advised to use registry cleaner software.
There arevarious cleanup toolsavailable that claim to improve your PC’s efficiency by removing unneeded registry keys. They’re unlikely to cause any damage, but they’re also unlikely to have any effect on overall PC speed, like optimizing it.
If you needprofessional cleaning softwareto help you clear the registry, the software below is the right answer.
4. Manually reset the Windows Updates Components
Sometimes problems withWindows Updatecan occur due to corrupted files. For example, if yourWindows Updatecomponents are corrupted, you might encounter a 0x800703f9Windows Updateerror on your PC.
However, you can fix the problem simply by stoppingWindows Updateservices and removing the corrupted files. This is relatively simple, and you can do it by following these steps:
5. Delete the C:$WINDOWS.~BT folder
According to users, sometimes certain files can prevent you from installing the updates. To fix the issue, it’s advised to find and remove those files.
This is relatively simple, and you can do it by following these steps:
6. Run the SFC and DISM scans
If you’re having this problem on your PC, the issue might be corrupted system files. However, you can fix this problem by running an SFC scan. To do that, just follow these steps:
Once the SFC scan is completed, check if the problem still persists. If you were unable to run SFC scan or if the scan didn’t find any problems, you might want to try using theDISMscan instead.
To do that, just do the following:
Once the DISM scan is finished, check if the problem still persists. If it does, or if you were unable to run the SFC scan before, be sure to repeat the SFC scan once again and check if that solves the issue.
7. Change Windows Update settings
According to users, sometimes a 0x800703f9Windows Updateerror can appear due to yourWindows Updatesettings.
However, you might be able to fix this issue simply by turning one set off. To do that, just follow these steps:
After doing that, the problem withWindows Updateshould be resolved and your PC should be resolved.
8. Perform an in-place upgrade
If you’re having problems with the 0x800703f9Windows Updateerror, you might be able to solve them simply by performing an in-place upgrade.
In case you’re not familiar, an in-place upgrade will force your Windows to upgrade while keeping all your files intact. To do that, just follow these steps:
Once you’re done, check if the problem is resolved.
As always, if you’ve found other workarounds, you can help the community by listing them in the comment section below.
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
Fact checked byAlex Serban
