How To Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x800700c1

Recently, some users have reported a strange problem on their computer when running Windows 10 Anniversary Update. According to them, some Windows functions stopped working and updates failed with Error 0x800700c1. There can be different reasons for this problem but the most common factor is corrupt system file entries on your device.

It can be really difficult for users who don't know how to solve this error. If you are also one of them, this article can help you to fix it. When this error occurs, you may see an error message similar to - There was some problem installing the update, but we'll try again later. If you still see this message and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x800700c1)

1. Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windown 10

Windows includes an Update Troubleshooter that checks and fixes most update errors. It is better to launch this feature before trying any advanced solutions. Here’s how you can use this Troubleshooter to fix update errors:

1. Press Windows + I launch Settings  and click on Update & Security.

2. Select Troubleshooter from the left sidebar.

3. If you see the troubleshooting options, scroll down and click on Windows Update Troubleshooter.

4. If not, select Additional troubleshooters. Then, search for and click on Windows Update.

5. Hit Run the troubleshooter.

If the Troubleshooter from your system fails to solve this issue, you can try out this Windows Update Troubleshooter for Windows 10.

Windown 11:

1. Click Start > Settings > System.

2. Scroll down in the right window and click Troubleshoot. Then click Other troubleshooters and you will see a list of troubleshooter tools related to different hardware and devices.

3. You can click the Run button next to Windows Update. The Windows Update Troubleshooter will run automatically to detect and fix problems that prevent you from updating Windows 11.

4. When the troubleshooter finishes running, you can restart your computer to see if you can install the latest Windows 11 updates.

Video:

2. Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder

First of all, delete all the updates that are currently downloaded on your system and see if the problem gets solved. To do this, you need to delete the content inside the SoftwareDistribution folder.

1. Run Command Prompt as administrator. Type the below command and hit enter to run to stop the Windows Update Service 

net stop wuauserv

2. It may take a few seconds to run the commands successfully. Therefore, wait for a while until you see the messages – The Windows Update service was stopped successfully. 

Next, you need to stop the BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service) service. To do this, run the below command

net stop bits

3. Now press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog box.

Copy and paste the below text and press Enter to open the SoftwareDistribution folder directly.

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

4. On the following page, press Ctrl+A to select all the content of the folder, then delete everything from there. This will remove the corrupted updates that seem the primary cause to occur this error.

If you’re asked to provide administrator permission, tick the box next to Do this for all current items and click Continue.

Note: If you’re unable to delete the entire files in the SoftwareDistribution folder, just restart your PC, and try it again.

5. Now you need to start the services that you have stopped earlier. For this, run the below commands line in the elevated command prompt. Don’t forget to press Enter after each command.

net start wuauserv

net start bits

After running the above commands, go to the Windows Update settings and see if the Windows functions are working now.

3. Try SFC and DISM

Third-party applications that interact with your system applications can corrupt system files or folders. Therefore, when you try to update your operating system, error 0x800700c1 occurs. To minimize or repair missing/corrupt core files, you can run the System File Checker or DISM tools. 

1. Launch CMD as administrator first.

When Command Prompt launches, run SFC code first 

sfc /scannow

2. This will take approximately 15-20 minutes to find and repair obsolete system files. So, wait patiently.

3. When this completes, copy/paste the below DISM Health Repair command and wait again for this command to complete successfully.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After this code executes 100%, restart your PC and check if you can now update your Windows normally. 

4. Disable security applications (Antivirus, Windows Defender, and Firewall)

Many times, active and installed security apps like Firewall or Anti-Virus can be the culprit for displaying Windows Update Error Code 0x800700c1 on the screen when they block incoming update's connection. They do indeed consider the connection suspicious, however if you feel the connection is legit when you are trying to update your machine, then just disable the culprit security app and try installing the update again.

I hope this article helps in solving error code 0x800700c1 on your PC. Let us know in the comment box if you have any trouble following this article.

That's it.