Cannot Install Windows Update (Error 0x80073701)

Question

I have a laptop with Windows 10, and since November I have not been able to install any cumulative updates. The most recent version is '2021-12 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 20H2 for x64-based Systems (KB5008212)'. Meanwhile, security intelligence updates have installed successfully.

Every time I attempt to perform the update, it downloads the update, but the install halts at 20%. After half an hour, I get the error message 0x80073701.

I have attempted every solution I could find to resolve the situation, including running the troubleshooter, running the system file checker or DISM tool, emptying the system distribution folder, and resetting windows update. Nothing has been able to fix the issue.

I would very much appreciate your suggestions.

Answer 1

Good Day ClevelandRocker_21,

My name is Carlo, I am also using Windows 10 pc and community member like you. Let us work together to sort this out.

Here are the steps you can try.

Go to this link and download the tool to reset the Windows Update Components.

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/24742-reset...

After following those steps, restart your computer and try to check and install updates.

-Press Windows key + X

-Go to Settings

-Click Update and Security

-Check for Updates and install all updates available.

If the issue persists, you can perform Repair Upgrade , , it will repair and replace damaged system files. This will also update your computer to the latest version of Windows.

Step 1: Download the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-downlo...

Click "Download Tool Now"

Step 2: Run MediaCreationTool.exe.

Step 3: Select "Upgrade this computer now".

Step 4: Select "Keep personal files and applications".

Step 5: Let it install

Hope the above information helps. Please let me know how it goes.

Have a wonderful day ahead and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Carlo T.

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Answer 2

This is a super useful reply that fixes a problem I've had for 6 months and tried multiple other posts to solve. Pointing me to the windows updater was a brilliant solution and solved the problem of continuously failing update KB5008212 on Windows 10 vrsion 20H2. I was just about to go through the time and soul sucking routine of re-installing windows and all of my software. THANK YOU.

Answer 3

Thank you so much. As per your suggestion, I was able to solve the issue by downloading the newest version of Windows 10 (21H2, as I previously had 20H2).

Thanks,
David