Solutions to Resolve Error Code 0x80070157 on Windows PC

2024/04/16

Key Notes

Utilizing the Windows Update Troubleshooter can resolve many common update issues.
Resetting update components often clears persistent errors from Windows Update.
Manual installation of updates is a workaround but may not address underlying issues.

Fixing the Frustrating Error Code 0x80070157 on Windows 10/11: Your Complete Guide

Encountering error code 0x80070157 during Windows Update can be frustrating. This guide will provide you with effective solutions to address this issue and ensure your system updates smoothly.

Effective Solutions for Error Code 0x80070157

Windows generally manages updates automatically. However, when error code 0x80070157 arises, you’ll need to tackle the underlying cause. Below are three effective methods to resolve this error on your Windows 10/11 machine.

Step 1: Troubleshoot Windows Update

Use the built-in troubleshooter to identify and resolve issues affecting Windows Update. Follow these steps to activate the troubleshooter:

For Windows 11:

Press Win + I to open Settings, then navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Under ‘Most frequent’, find Windows Update and click Run.

After launching, follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter.

For Windows 10:

Again, open Settings with Win + I and go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
Select Windows Update and click on Run the troubleshooter.

The troubleshooter will attempt to fix the update issue. If it identifies a solution but cannot apply it, proceed to the next method.

Step 2: Reset Update Components

Occasionally, cache folders can cause errors if they become cluttered. Resetting these components may help:

Press Win + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) to open an elevated PowerShell window.
Run the following commands to stop essential update services:

net stop bits net stop wuauserv net stop appidsvc net stop cryptsvc

Clear any existing network profiles:

Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*"

Delete the cache folders with these commands:

rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q

Reset network configurations:

netsh winsock reset netsh winsock reset proxy

Check for system file corruption:

sfc /scannow

Lastly, restart the update services:

net start bits net start wuauserv net start appidsvc net start cryptsvc

After completing these steps, restart your PC to check if the error persists.

Step 3: Manually Install Windows Updates

If error code 0x80070157 continues after resetting update components, consider manually installing updates:

Visit the Windows 11 Update History page. If you use Windows 10, check the Windows 10 Update History.
Identify the appropriate Windows version and note the KB number of the intended update.
Search for the KB number on the Microsoft Update Catalog, selecting the matching architecture for your system.
Download the update, then double-click the downloaded file to install it.

After this process, you should be able to install critical updates on your PC. If issues persist, don’t hesitate to reach out for further assistance.

Additional Tips

Always ensure your backups are up-to-date before making major changes to your system.
Consider running Windows Disk Cleanup to optimize your system after troubleshooting.
Regularly check the Microsoft Update Catalog for potential updates that you may have missed.

Summary

Navigating the maze of Windows Updates can be daunting, particularly with error codes like 0x80070157. Utilizing the Windows Update Troubleshooter is a straightforward first step. If that fails, resetting update components and manually installing updates are reliable alternatives.

Conclusion

Error code 0x80070157 doesn’t have to hinder your Windows experience. By following these meticulously crafted steps, you can resolve this error and keep your system updated. For persistent issues, consider consulting technical support for tailored guidance.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What causes error code 0x80070157?

This error often indicates issues with the Windows Update components, network settings, or corrupted system files interfering with update processes.

How do I know if my updates were successful?

After attempting to download or install updates, check the Windows Update settings; successful updates will be reflected in the update history.