Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x80073701

Question

Installation Failure: Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x80073701: Security Update for Windows (KB5049993)

No updates are able to install, getting the same error for any update: 0x80073701.

Host is a Windows Server 2016 x64

Here is a list of things we have tried so far with no success:

1) sfc /scannow : completed successfully, didn't find any errors.

2) Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /restoreHealth : failed, error: 0x800f0906

3) Dism /online /add-package /packagepath:c:\temp\cab{.cab file with extension}: failed,

An error occurred - Package for RollupFix Error: 0x80073701

Error: 14081

The referenced assembly could not be found.

4. Tried to reset the Windows Update Components, didn't work.

5) Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth : completed successfully, didn't find any errors.

6. Event ID: 20 ; Installation Failure: Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x80073701: Security Update for Windows (KB5049993)
7. DISM Logs:

2025-02-12 14:37:23, Error DISM DISM Package Manager: PID=6760 TID=10068 Failed finalizing changes. - CDISMPackageManager::Internal_Finalize(hr:0x80073701)

2025-02-12 14:37:23, Error DISM DISM Package Manager: PID=6760 TID=10068 Failed processing package changes - CDISMPackageManager::ProcessChanges(hr:0x80073701)

2025-02-12 14:37:23, Info DISM DISM Package Manager: PID=6760 TID=10068 Loaded servicing stack for online use only. - CDISMPackageManager::RefreshInstanceAndLock

2025-02-12 14:37:40, Error DISM DISM Package Manager: PID=6760 TID=10068 Failed while processing command add-package. - CPackageManagerCLIHandler::ExecuteCmdLine(hr:0x80073701)

2025-02-12 14:37:40, Error DISM DISM.EXE: DISM Package Manager processed the command line but failed. HRESULT=80073701

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

Below is the cmd with error code details:

C:\Windows\system32>Dism /online /add-package /packagepath:c:\temp\cab\Windows10.0-KB5049993-x64.cab

Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool

Version: 10.0.14393.4169

Image Version: 10.0.14393.4169

Processing 1 of 1 - Adding package Package_for_RollupFix~31bf3856ad364e35~amd64~~14393.7699.1.9

[==========================100.0%==========================]

An error occurred - Package_for_RollupFix Error: 0x80073701

Error: 14081

The referenced assembly could not be found.

The DISM log file can be found at C:\Windows\Logs\DISM\dism.log

Answer 1

Hello,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community forum.

Based on the description, I understand your question is related to update.

Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters. Next, under Get up and running, select Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.

When the troubleshooter is finished running, it's a good idea to restart your device.

Next, check for new updates. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Check for updates and then install any available updates

Windows Client for IT Pros and Windows Server forums are moving to Microsoft Q&A

We’re transitioning to Microsoft Q&A for a more streamlined experience. Starting February 26th, new questions can only be posted on Microsoft Q&A. Existing discussions will remain accessible here. 

Beginning March 3rd customers looking for support on Answers will be automatically redirected to Microsoft Q&A.

Have a nice day. 

Best Regards,

Molly

Answer 2

The update troubleshooter found a Database error, so I ran a System File check and ran dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth this returns an error stating the array bounds are invalid with error 1734. Please advise on the next steps, thank you!

Answer 3

Hello,

Try consider doing an in place upgrade:

How to do an in-place upgrade - Windows Server | Microsoft Learn

Note: For the sake of double security, it is recommended that you back up your important data first to prevent unknown issue during the upgrade.

Windows Client for IT Pros and Windows Server forums are moving to Microsoft Q&A

We’re transitioning to Microsoft Q&A for a more streamlined experience. Starting February 26th, new questions can only be posted on Microsoft Q&A. Existing discussions will remain accessible here. 

Beginning March 3rd customers looking for support on Answers will be automatically redirected to Microsoft Q&A.

Best regards,

Molly