Error code 0x800700c1 is usually the result of a connection issue, corrupted data, or a problem with your network.
Press the Win + R keys together and enter “services. msc” to open the Services window. Otherwise, you can open them from Task Manager also. Another option is to search “Services” in the Windows Search box. What does this article describe windows update error 0x800700c1?
This post is mainly about how to fix the Windows update error 0x800700c1 and related error, windows update errors in windows 10/8 operating system. These steps should help with all errors and not just the ones listed. If you have reached this step and if it is not solved then it will advise you to reset the computer.
Disclaimers: Before you attempt to fix an issue with the windows update, we highly recommend you to take a registry backup and create a system restore point as a precaution method. In case if something goes wrong, we can restore your computer to the same stage and fix the issues. (In case if you not sure how to back it up, talk to an expert for assistance.)
Windows Update Error Code 0x800700c1 Support:
Downloading updates should be set on to update automatically but this does come with its own problems. One of them being if you are a person that uses a pre-paid data service it could use up all your data and you will probably be unaware that it is happening.
Generally, Windows updates use a lot of data and if there is a problem with the particular network that you are using it could have problems due to the length of time it takes and if it is a poor network the interruptions could cause errors with the update.
The Solution Applies the Following Versions of Microsoft Windows
- Windows 7, 8, 8.1
- Windows 10
Causes of Windows Update Error 0x800700c1 :
- Internet connectivity issue
- Temp store file location contains active malware
Steps to Fix 0x800700c1 on Windows 10:
- Check for Internet Connectivity
Since this update error is related to Network and malware issue, you can try checking the Internet connection. If it’s reliably fast and quick, you should resolve the errors when the network issue is gone.
In another case, you can check your computer with your standard anti-virus (Microsoft Defender or Windows Security) or use a third-party tool to check your file system. It means that your Windows 10 system is clean. - Clear the temporary files and other cache on your computer using any tool or manual commands. You can do it very quickly with a tool like CCleaner.
If any malware is there, you can also use Malwarebytes, which is a free tool for personal use. It can be run efficiently and check for other hidden malware not found by the traditional anti-virus tools.
After the restoration of the Internet Connection, check for this Windows Update error.
How to use Windows Update Troubleshooter
An easy, simple click can solve the Windows 10 Update Error 0x800700c1. For this purpose, you can make use of the default troubleshooter. The below steps are shown for 20H2 update. It works even for 2004 or 1909 updates. Only the interface may change.
- Press Win + I keys together to open Settings.
- Click on Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
- There are few options where you can tell how Troubleshooter should behave here.
- For example, you can choose the option that says, “Ask me before running troubleshooters.”
- Click on “Additional troubleshooters” below.
- Click on “Windows Update” troubleshooter.
- Then, click on “Run the troubleshooter.”
- It will automatically run checking the relevant processes. Let it finish.
Finally, you should see no error message. Restart the computer.
Then recheck the Windows 10 Update.
Rename Software Distribution Folder
This folder exists on Windows OS. To temporarily store files related to the installation of Windows Update, this folder has its use. Even the Windows Update History files exist here.
So if this gets corrupt, the above error code can be displayed.
To do the above task, you need to stop some services and rename the above folder.
1. run command prompt in elevated mode (start — type “cmd” — right click on command prompt app and select “run as administrator”)
2. type “net stop wuauserv”
3. type “net stop bits”
4. open the folder “c:\windows” and locate SoftwareDistribution folder, rename or delete as you please.
or if you want to keep using command prompt simply type “ren c:\windows\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.old”
Windows 10 Update from Media Creation Tool
Sometimes the in-built Update check tool may not work. In that case, go to the following link –
You could see the latest update for Windows 10. For example, on my computer, it shows it as “Windows 10 October 2020 Update”. Click on “Update Now” below that message.
It will ask for some permissions. Leave the default ones if you don’t want to change any settings or files. Then this Microsoft software tool will automatically download the relevant updates and install them.
Check these Windows Services:
Another common culprit for Windows 10 update error is 0x800700c1 is some services becoming corrupt. You either need to restart them or stop them and start again.
Some of these update services are –
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service
- Cryptographic Services
- Windows Update
- Windows Update Medic Service
- Remote Procedure Call (RPC) Services
Press the Win + R keys together and enter “services. msc” to open the Services window. Otherwise, you can open them from TaskManager also. Another option is to search “Services” in the Windows Search box.
Right-click the appropriate service and click on “Restart” for the above services. Could you do it for each service? Otherwise, you can click on “Stop”. It will stop the service temporarily. Then you can start again. If any of them are under the “Manual” startup type, you can double-click that service.
Either make it “Automatic” or “Automatic (Delayed)” . Then restart the computer and check if these services are running.
Steps to fix the Troubleshooting Windows Update Error 0x800700c1:
Updated outdated drivers in Windows:
Windows allows manually updated the divers. In case Windows 10 automatically download the new drivers or you install the new drivers from the downloaded manufacture’s website.to identify your hardware drivers and find suitable drivers from the manufactures and updated manually.
- Open the system and go to the start menu.
- Then enter the control panel from the search box and open it.
- Here we go to click on system and security after that go to click on system.
- Then open the new window and go to click on advanced system settings.
- Then open the system properties window and open the hardware and go to click on device installation setting.
- Finally, open the new window and click on related option and press save changes.
If you choose the former, Windows will automatically install the driver and ask you to reboot the computer afterward. The latter allows you to update the driver with the driver file that you have downloaded. This step should fix windows update error 0x800700c1 and related errors.
Reinstall Windows Update:
Open the Run Window through the Windows key+R
Then enter the services.msc in the command box and press ok.
Right-click Windows Update in the Services management console, and then select Stop. If you are running Windows, right-click Automatic Updates, and then select Stop.
After Windows Update stops, right-click Windows Update, and then select Start. If you are running Windows, right-click Automatic Updates, and then select Start.
Check Corrupted System Files:
Goto the Windows key+R and click it.
Then open the Run Window and enter the cmd in a search box after that press ok.
Then open the command prompt and type the command SFC/Scannow in the command prompt and press enter.
The system will take some time to check. Let it run for a while. If it finds any issues in “os” integrity it will automatically fix it.
Disable Windows Firewall Temporarily:
- Open the system and goto the start menu
- After that enter, the firewall in the search box then left click on the Windows firewall in control panel.
- Then click Turn on Windows Firewall on or off.
- Open both firewalls like private and public.
- Then set both firewalls to turn off and press ok.
- After that goto the start menu and enter the cmd in the search box.
- Then right-click on the cmd and select the Run as administrator and press yes.
- Finally, some commands are entered in the command prompt and press enter.
regsvr32 wuapi.dll
Next: regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 wucltui.dll
Then finally Re-enable your firewall is on.
If the issue still persists, please initiate the chat, One of our Certified Microsoft technicians will help you. If you are having issues with upgrading/updating the operating system/office products on your computer please reach us on chat.
We provide support for Microsoft products like Windows, Office and Outlook. We can also set up free tools meant for Microsoft Windows versions and train you on how to use them to maintain the health of your computers.You will also get support for Microsoft Windows restore points. That is helpful to use when the system having any issues to restore back to the earlier point.
