Troubleshooting Windows 10 Update Error 0x800703ed

With ongoing enhancements to stability and responsive troubleshooting, Windows Update has emerged as a vital aspect of all significant updates in Windows 10. It facilitates the operating system in downloading and installing essential updates that address bug fixes, security vulnerabilities, and driver updates. However, high expectations remain regarding Windows 10, as various issues continue to linger. In this article, we will explore the Update Error 0x800703ed and the challenges associated with obtaining scheduled updates.

What leads to this error code in Windows?

The Update Error 0x800703ed is primarily triggered by incompatible drivers or corrupted system files. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of resolving this error by focusing on GPU and Network drivers, BIOS settings, Windows boot configurations, and more. You may also encounter this problem with the following alert –

We encountered difficulties in installing some updates, but we’ll retry later. If this issue persists and you wish to search online or contact support for assistance, this might help:

• TH1 Professional 10240 – Error 0x800703ed

Resolve Update Error 0x800703ed in Windows 10

To address Update Error 0x800703ed in Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Execute System File Checker

The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool that helps identify and rectify issues related to Windows system files. Utilizing this utility allows you to scan for and repair problematic files, which can contribute to Error 0x800703ed. Performing this is quite straightforward; simply adhere to the following instructions:

• Open the Run dialog by pressing Win + R.
• Input cmd in the box and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter simultaneously.
• Select Yes on the User Account Control prompt to continue.
• Once the command prompt is active, type the command – sfc /scannow.
• Hit Enter and the SFC scan will commence shortly.

• Note that this process may take around 15 minutes to complete, so avoid interrupting it.
• After completion, restart your system to apply the changes.

2. Utilize the DISM scan

After completing the SFC scan, verify if the problem persists. If you cannot run the SFC or the issue remains unresolved, the next course of action is to utilize a DISM scan. To do this, follow these steps:

• Open the elevated command prompt as explained earlier.
• On the prompt, enter the following command –

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

• Press Enter, and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) scan will initiate.

• Allow some time for the process to complete.
• This may take up to 20 minutes, so be patient.
• Once the DISM scan concludes, reboot your system.
• Upon restarting, verify if the problem persists.

3. Reconfigure Windows Update components

Troubleshooting can be quite challenging, especially with complex errors like this. If you’re not very confident, you may unintentionally create additional problems that could complicate the resolution. Fortunately, a scripted solution is available that automatically resets the necessary components.

To download and execute this fix, follow these steps:

• Download the script.
• Save the Batch file.
• Right-click on the file and choose Run as administrator.
• Follow the prompts that appear on-screen.
• After the process concludes, check for updates.

4. Upgrade GPU and Network drivers

Many users have reported that outdated GPU and network drivers can trigger this error on their systems. If you find yourself facing Error 0x800703ed, it is advisable to check and update these drivers.

To resolve this issue, simply visit the official website of the hardware manufacturer and download the latest drivers. This is fairly simple if you know the model of your hardware and how to access driver downloads.

5. Uninstall your antivirus software

While antivirus programs are designed to protect against malware such as worms and trojans, sometimes disabling or removing them can help resolve issues like Error 0x800703ed. If you’re experiencing this problem, you might consider temporarily disabling your antivirus, and if that doesn’t work, completely uninstalling it. Here’s how:

• Press Win+X and select Apps and Features.
• Locate the antivirus program in the list.
• Click on the application and select Uninstall.
• Confirm by clicking Uninstall again.
• If prompted by UAC, click Yes.
• Follow the instructions to ensure all components of the antivirus software are removed.

If this resolves the issue, you might consider switching to a different antivirus solution.

6. Update BIOS to Fix Update Error 0x800703ed

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) program is stored on a chip on your computer’s motherboard. It identifies and manages different devices to enable your system to function, maintaining the flow of data between the operating system and the connected hardware.

Be cautious when updating the BIOS, as even minor errors can make your computer unbootable. Regular updates are crucial; outdated BIOS can lead to Error 0x800703ed. To perform an update, follow these steps:

• Press Win+R to open the Run dialog.
• Type msinfo32 and click OK.
• In the System Information window, note the BIOS Version/Date value.

• Visit the manufacturer’s website and locate your BIOS model.
• Download the latest version available.
• Your system might require time to ensure it’s plugged in during the process.
• Run the downloaded file to install the update.
• Reboot to apply changes.

7. Access Windows boot settings

Users have noted that one common cause of Error 0x800703ed is damaged Boot Configuration Data (BCD) on Windows 10. To address this, you will need to reset your BCD codes by following these steps:

• Boot your computer into Safe Mode.
• On the blue screen, select Advanced Startup Options.
• Select Troubleshoot.
• Choose Advanced Options, then open the Command Prompt.
• In the Command Prompt, run the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each:

bootrec /scanos
bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

• Restart your system and check if the issue has been resolved.

8. Mark your Partition as Active

On occasion, encountering Update Error 0x800703ed may result from not having your disk partition set to Active. This setting is crucial for the hard drive that contains the operating system and necessary boot files.

To rectify this, you need to modify your partition settings as follows:

1. Right-click the Start button.
2. Select Disk Management from the Power-user menu.
3. Right-click your system partition and choose Mark Partition as Active.
4. Now, attempt to install the update again.

9. Disconnect extra devices

If you are unable to update, the cause may be connected to USB devices. While additional hard drives can be useful, they sometimes interfere with your system, causing Error 0x800703ed. To troubleshoot, disconnect all unnecessary devices (excluding your mouse and keyboard) and follow these steps:

• Ensure to remove the additional hard drive.
• Store important files on a different safe drive and restart your computer.
• When you start up, open Windows Settings by pressing Win+I.
• Navigate to System > Display.
• In the right panel, find Scale and layout.
• Under Display resolution, select from the drop-down menu.
• Set your resolution to 1024×768.

• Check if the error persists. If it’s resolved, reconnect the additional hard drive.

10. Modify update preferences

If the previous solutions did not resolve your issue, it might stem from your update settings. Occasionally, specific Windows settings can disrupt the update process, resulting in various errors. To fix this, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app as described earlier.
2. Click on Update & Security.
3. From the left pane, select Delivery Optimization.
4. Disable the option for Allow downloads from other PCs.
5. Attempt to install the update again.

11. Create system repair using USB/DVD

If all previous attempts have proven unsuccessful, you can utilize a USB/DVD drive pre-loaded with the system installation to rectify the Update Error 0x800703ed. Although this process is more involved, it is worth attempting. Here’s how:

1. Insert a USB or DVD that contains Windows 10 installation files.
2. Ensure the architecture and version match the one currently operating on your PC.
3. Open the drive and double-click on Setup.
4. Allow the Setup to prepare.
5. Select Download and Install Updates.
6. Agree to the License Terms.
7. Select what data you wish to retain.
8. Allow the process to complete; it may take some time.

Should all else fail, considering a clean reinstallation of Windows may be your final recourse.

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