What to do if my PC doesn't INSTALL UPDATE?

Leo Delvillar 0 Reputation points
2026-09-01T15:09:16.92+00:00

My PC is not installing UPDATE. It's only installing 20%, then comes ERROR: There were some problems

installing UPDATE. 0x80073701, and I don't know WHAT'S THAT. IT'S A WINDOWS 10 PC.

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Windows update
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  1. David-M 125K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2026-09-01T15:40:19.66+00:00

    Hi. I'm David, and I'm happy to help you.

    To be able to assist you better, please clarify the following:

    Which update is giving this error?

    If you prefer, share a screenshot. Use the shortcut "Windows + Shift + S" to use the screenshot tool.

    If the update causing this error is not displayed, see the update history.

    • Press "Windows + I" and select "Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history".

    If you prefer, share a screenshot.

    Also. What is the version and "OS Build" of your Windows 10?

    • Press "Windows + R", type winver, and click OK.

    If you prefer, share a screenshot.

    Be sure to censor your email address if it appears. The Microsoft Q&A is public.

    Looking forward to your reply.

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  2. AI answer

    2026-09-01T15:09:37.9933333+00:00

    Error 0x80073701 on Windows 10 usually means the update could not complete because of a servicing/component issue.

    Try these steps in order:

    1. Check for updates again
      • Go to Start > Settings > Windows Update
      • Select Check for updates
    2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
      • Go to Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
      • Find Windows Update and select Run
      • Follow the on-screen steps
    3. Run the DISM cleanup command
      • Select Start, type cmd
      • Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
      • If prompted by UAC, select Yes
      • Run: 
             dism /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
      • Wait for it to finish, then restart the PC
      • Try Windows Update again
    4. Repair system files
      • Open Command Prompt as administrator again
      • Run: 
             DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
      • If the issue is caused by damaged or missing update files, this can help repair them
    5. Make sure Windows Update service is running
      • Press Win + R, type services.msc, press Enter
      • Find Windows Update
      • Open Properties
      • Set Startup type to Automatic
      • If the service is stopped, select Start
      • Select Apply and OK
      • Restart the PC and check for updates again
    6. Check free disk space
      • Windows needs at least 16 GB free for a 32-bit OS or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS to upgrade

    If it still fails, the documented next step is to get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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