Windows Updates failed to install – Error 0x80073701

Windows Updates failed 0x80073701

Some users reported an update failure with an error message – The updates failed. Installation problems were encountered, but we will try again later. The error code, with this message is 0x80073701. In this article, we will consider possible solutions for the failure of the installation of Windows updates – Error 0x80073701.

The error 0x80073701 is ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING; it means that there are some the system files are missing, which caused the failure of the installation of the update.

Failed to install Windows Updates – 0x80073701

Although error 0x80073701 is not a serious problem, it is reported in the Windows Update section and marked as Update failed. If you experience this problem, try these suggestions.

  • Run the DISM tool
  • Run SFC or the System File Checker
  • Check the logs and remove the patches.

1) Run the DISM tool

Run DISM or Manage and Maintain Deployment Images (DISM.exe) is a command-line tool that you can use to manage a Windows image. By using this tool you can repair corrupt system files. Open the command prompt and run the command:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image

Restart your computer when prompted.

2) Run the system file checker

Run SFC to check for any corruption in the existing system files. These files are essential for the proper functioning of Windows. SFC is doing a very good job of replacing missing or corrupted files. You can run them from advanced recovery when you can not start Windows to run this command.

Open the command prompt and run the following command.

sfc /scannow

Restart your computer when prompted.

3) Check the logs and remove the patches

CBS stands for service-based service. CBS.log is a file that includes component logs when they are installed or uninstalled during updates. If you see failed updates in the CBS logs, it is best to uninstall the patches that were missing assemblies.

When you open the CBS logs, look for the words "ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING,"And check if there is a related knowledge base update. Uninstall it, and then reinstall it with the help of Windows Update.

If there is no error, then we suggest you to run the command:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

the / ScanHealth option verifies the corruption of the component store. It records this corruption in the C: Windows Logs CBS CBS.log file, but no corruption is repaired using this switch. This is useful for recording what exists, if any, corruption.

Finally, if none of these solutions corrects error 0x80073701, it is better to wait for Microsoft to post a patch, what is planned for soon. According to Microsoft, an update KB4497935 also caused this problem.

The error 0x80073701 is not new. This has always been linked to failure to update and file corruption. The error was also reported in 2011 and was related to CBS logs indicating missing assemblies during the installation of the service pack.

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