Fix Windows Update Error 0x80073701 on Windows 11/10 – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Are you seeing this error during Windows Update?

0x80073701 – ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING

This issue has affected Windows users for years—and it still appears today, especially after major updates like Windows 11 feature upgrades.

The good news is:

👉 You can fix it in most cases without reinstalling Windows.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• What error 0x80073701 actually means
• Why it happens
• Step-by-step fixes (from easiest to advanced)
• What to do if nothing works

🔍 What Is Error 0x80073701?

Error 0x80073701 is related to the Windows Component Store (WinSxS).

This system manages:

• Core Windows files
• DLLs and dependencies
• Update packages

If something is:

• Missing
• Corrupted
• Inconsistent

👉 Windows Update cannot complete, and this error appears.

⚠️ Common Causes

This error is usually triggered by one or more of the following:

• Interrupted or failed previous updates
• Corrupted system files
• Disk or file system errors
• Driver conflicts (especially GPU or chipset)
• Antivirus interference
• Broken update components

👉 In short:
Something in Windows’ “internal structure” is damaged.

🛠️ Fix Error 0x80073701 (Try in Order)

Follow these steps one by one. Most users fix the issue within the first few steps.

✔ Fix 1: Restart Your PC

Simple—but surprisingly effective.

• Clears temporary update locks
• Restarts stuck services

👉 Always try this first.

✔ Fix 2: Run DISM and SFC (Most Important)

This is the core fix.

Open Windows Terminal (Admin) and run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow

What they do:

• DISM → Repairs the Windows image
• SFC → Fixes corrupted system files

👉 Restart your PC after running both.

✔ Fix 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Settings → System → Troubleshoot
2. Open Other troubleshooters
3. Run Windows Update

This tool automatically fixes common update issues.

✔ Fix 4: Check Disk for Errors

Corrupted disk sectors can break updates.

Run:

chkdsk C: /f /r

👉 You’ll need to restart your PC to complete this.

✔ Fix 5: Install the Update Manually

If automatic update fails:

1. Go to Settings → Update history
2. Note the failed KB number
3. Search: Microsoft Update Catalog + KB number
4. Download and install manually

👉 This often bypasses internal update issues.

✔ Fix 6: Reset Windows Update Components

If updates keep failing:

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
net stop trustedinstallerren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.oldnet start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
net start trustedinstaller

👉 This resets the update system completely.

✔ Fix 7: Temporarily Disable Antivirus

Some security software blocks updates.

Try:

• Disable antivirus temporarily
• Retry Windows Update

👉 Especially important for third-party tools like Avast or McAfee.

✔ Fix 8: In-Place Repair (Last Resort)

If nothing works:

1. Download Windows installation media
2. Run setup
3. Choose Keep files and apps

👉 This reinstalls Windows without deleting your data.

🧠 Advanced Fixes (Optional)

For deeper troubleshooting:

• Check log file: C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log
• Look for: ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING

You can also clean the component store:

Dism.exe /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup

📊 Quick Cause & Fix Table

❓ FAQ

Q1. Can I ignore this error?

👉 Not recommended.
You may miss important security updates.

Q2. Is this error dangerous?

👉 Not directly.
But it prevents updates, which can make your system vulnerable.

Q3. Will I lose data fixing this?

👉 No, not with standard fixes.
Only advanced repair installs require caution (but still keep files).

🧾 Final Thoughts

Error 0x80073701 looks serious—but in most cases:

👉 It’s fixable with standard repair tools.

Start with:

1. Restart
2. DISM + SFC
3. Troubleshooter

Then move to advanced steps if needed.

✅ For more troubleshooting guides, check out:

• Windows Screen Issues Fix
• File Explorer Slow After 24H2 Update
• RDP Microsoft Account Login Fix

タグ: Repair Install, Windows 11, Windows 10, DISM, SFC, 0x80073701, Windows Update Error, Update failed, Windows troubleshooting, CBS.log