How to Fix Install Error 0x80070103 in Windows 10/11?

Summary: When updating your hardware drivers, you might encounter Windows Install Error 0x80070103. This error usually occurs due to corrupted Windows Update files or interruptions in the update process. To resolve it, start by restarting the Windows Update service. Then, install the relevant update and manually check for the correct driver updates. In this guide, we’ll also cover how to recover lost data if this error leads to a more significant issue.

The error code 0x80070103 happens often during Windows updates. It can be very frustrating when the update freezes, even if you want to keep your system secure and running smoothly.

Table of Content:

• What is Windows Install Error – 0x80070103?
• What Causes Windows Install Error – 0x80070103?
• How to Fix Windows Install Error – 0x80070103

What is Windows Install Error – 0x80070103?

Error Code 0x80070103 often appears during the installation phase of a Windows update. Windows updates include security patches for the operating system and new drivers for your hardware. However, this error occurs when a driver conflict prevents the new driver from replacing the old one effectively. As a result, Windows halts the update process and displays Error Code 0x80070103.

What Causes Windows Install Error – 0x80070103?

It is easy to resolve the issue if you understand what causes the install error – 0x80070103. These are the principal reasons:

• Driver Incompatibility

If the new driver is not compatible with your hardware, it might fail to install smoothly, triggering error code 0x80070103.

• Driver Conflict 

This arises when the older driver cannot be fully uninstalled and the new driver is force-installed by the system. There is a conflict leading to error code 0x80070103.

• Corrupted System Files

Windows update components might be corrupted. This leads to various install errors.

• Faulty Hardware 

If the hardware that the device driver would operate is not working optimally, error code 0x80070103 can happen.

• Incomplete Updates

If the update was interrupted due to any reason, such as internet problems, update files might be missing. This leads to error code 0x80070103.

Also Read: What is Error 0x80070570 and How to Fix It?

How to Fix Windows Install Error – 0x80070103

Windows error code 0x80070103 can be problematic. But with the right approach, you can overcome the problem. This section will provide a clear, step-by-step process to resolve error code 0x80070103.

Method 1. Pause/Resume Updates

This is the easiest way to fix the issue. For many users, it works well, and the computer functions smoothly.

All you have to do is pause updates when install error – 0x80070103 happens and resume it after a few days. Here are the steps:

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Click on “Update & Security”.
3. Select “Windows Update”.
4. In the “Pause updates” section, choose “Pause updates for 7 days”
   
   
5. You can also click Advanced options and specify when updates will resume.

When the period is over, Windows will again check for updates. Find if it installs easily without the install error – 0x80070103.

Also Read: How to Free Up Space on C Drive in Windows 10/11?

Method 2. Uninstall Update 

If a specific update is causing error code 0x80070103, you can simply uninstall it. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Settings using Windows + I.
2. Click on “Update & Security”.
3. Select “Windows Update”.
4. Click on “View update history”.
   
5. Click on “Uninstall”.

Note the update name e.g. “Intel software component 1.71.98.2”. After a while Windows will automatically download and install it again.

Also Read: How to Reset HP Laptop Without Losing Data?

Method 3. Reset Windows Update Components

If the above two methods do not solve the install error – 0x80070103 it is best to reset Windows Update components. Here are the steps:

1. Type cmd in the Start menu search bar

2. Right-click and select Run as administrator

3. Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptsvc

• net stop bits
• net stop msiserver

4. Now to delete the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders type, press Enter after each command.

• del %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /q /s
• del %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /q /s

5. Finally, restart the services by typing and pressing Enter after each

• net start wuauserv
• net start cryptsvc

• net start bits
• net start msiserver

Now restart your PC and find if the install error – 0x80070103 problem is solved.

Also Read: ASUS Laptop Won’t Turn On: Solved

Method 4. Manually Download the Update 

You can download the driver manually and install the same. Here are the steps:

1. Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog.

2. Type in the name of the update, such as “Intel – System – 2102.100.0.1044”

3. Download the update to your desktop.
4. Click and install the update.

Note – You have to know if your PC is 32-bit or 64-bit to download the correct driver. Most PCs sold in the last decade are 64-bit devices. To know this,

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Go to System > About.
3. Check the System type in the main window

It will display if it is a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system. Download the driver accordingly.

The methods mentioned above can usually solve all the problems related to install error – 0x80070103.

If given methods don’t work or your system is unstable, you might lose crucial files. If you haven’t implemented a robust backup plan, this might be a problem.

If that happens, you need reliable data recovery software. Stellar Data Recovery for Windows can be an easy and inexpensive solution in such a situation.

Stellar Data Recovery for Windows is a data recovery software that can recover your lost data. As long as the data loss is linked to a logical error (not a physical problem with the storage media), this software can help you recover it. It can retrieve deleted photos, videos, and documents from various storage devices. It supports recovery from HDD, SSD, USB drives, and SD memory cards.

Test it out and see for yourself how well it works. The free version allows you to scan and preview the lost files. To recover and save them you have to buy a license. Get Stellar Data Recovery Activation Key.

Next, we will share a few FAQs from our readers. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to write to us or comment below.

Also Read: Best Methods to Find Lost or Missing Files on Windows 10/11

FAQs

1. Does it make a difference if you don’t install a hardware update promptly? 

Not at all, because most changes to hardware drivers are minor bug fixes. These include updates to your camera, microphone, modem, etc.

On consumer-grade machines, you can wait a month or two to install most drivers.. The improvement in a new driver is incremental. System updates are important and should never be postponed.

2. Does error code 0x80070103 affect system performance?

It doesn’t directly affect how your computer runs. While it is advisable to have the latest drivers, the improvement can barely be seen at the user level. Hardware usually has fully capable drivers already installed.

However, you should never ignore an update error. If it is not resolved within a month, attempt a manual update installation.

3. Can third-party antivirus software interfere and cause error code 0x80070103?

An antivirus may be causing update problems and error codes. If your antivirus is getting triggered during an update, close all browsers, close all apps that connect to the internet, such as WhatsApp and Skype, and then pause the antivirus.

After the update, restart the antivirus and there will be no further problems or errors.