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Fix: Installer encountered an error 0xc80003f3 on Windows 10 & 11
5 min. read
Updated onMarch 29, 2024
updated onMarch 29, 2024
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Key notes
It’s very important to keep your OS and apps updated because the updates keep them secure and free of breaches.
However, several readers have reported that theInstaller encountered the error 0xc80003f3while performing a Windows Update.
Alternatively, you can encounter it as theWindows Update Standalone Installer error 0Xc80003f3and it occurs on both Windows 10 and 11 as well.
What is the cause of Windows Update error 0xc80003f3?
The error code 0xc80003f3 is a RAM problem, signaling that this resource is full, thus the system cannot use it to perform the update.
It can have several causes, from the failure of one or more RAM modules to a simple issue with running too many tasks while the update is in progress.
Usually, it can also be triggered by a repetitive sequence of sleep or hibernation cycles instead of shutting down the computer properly.
Of course, as with any other stop code, the error 0xc80003f3 may also be caused by a system corruption problem, especially within the SoftwareDistribution folder on your machine.
Now that you know what is all this about and why does it happen, let’s fix it using our step-by-step guide.
How do I fix installer error 0xc80003f3 on Windows 10 & 11?
1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
2. Use a dedicated tool
If you’re tired of manual tweaking and want to fix your system faster than you can say error 0xc80003f3, we recommend using adedicated repair tool.
These powerful tools allow you to quickly scan your computer, identify the faulty file and help you deploy the right fix for it.
3. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder
3.1 Stop the associated services
3.2 Delete the contents from the SoftwareDistribution folder
This procedure basically forces your system to download again all the updates that are pending to be installed.
4. Enable all the Windows Update services
5. Run a SFC scan
As this error can be triggered by a system file corruption, running the SFC scan can repair the problematic files and restore the OS to normal.
6. Turn off your antivirus
Your antivirus may be blocking your updates and causing the error 0xc80003f3 to occur so try to disable your antivirus, at least temporarily.
If you don’t receive the error after turning it off, then you shouldconsider a better antivirusthat doesn’t interfere with your system.
How to fix the Windows Update error 0xc80003f3 in Windows 11?
If you’ve switched to Windows 11, you have probably noticed that it’s not so much different from the old OS.
Apart from some new features and a more appealing design, the new OS has the same core components and menus but is organized a little bit differently.
For instance, theWindows Updatetroubleshooter is listed underOther troubleshooters, but still in theTroubleshootsection ofSettings.
We are trying to say that all the solutions we presented for Windows 10 will work seamlessly on the new OS.
By using the solutions we listed above, Windows Update should start working properly again and you should get rid of the error 0xc80003f3 from Windows 10 & 11.
If you upgraded your PC to the new OS, we also have a comprehensive guide onwhat to do if you get an error after a Windows 11 update.
For additional questions or suggestions, feel free to use the comments section below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
More about the topics:windows 10,Windows 11,Windows Update
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
