How to fix
Windows update error 0x80073D06
on Windows

Hello. I tried to install Windows updates but I get the 0x80073D06 error code. What should I do?

Windows users frequently run into the error number 0x80073D06 when trying to install system updates. This specific problem may appear when users try to install operating system updates and is frequently connected to the Windows Store or Windows Update components. This issue can have far-reaching effects on the system's general functionality and security, making it more than just a minor inconvenience.

One significant effect of the 0x80073D06 problem on Windows update users is the inability or delay of critical security patches and bug fixes. Users are left vulnerable to potential security threats when the installation process is hampered by this error, as Windows updates are intended to resolve vulnerabilities and improve system reliability. This scenario emphasizes how crucial frequent updates are to preserving a secure computing environment.

Furthermore, the problem may prevent the release of the most recent Windows updates' enhanced functionality. Users can lose out on updated features, compatibility updates, and optimizations that enhance the user experience. This affects the system's performance as well as users' ability to take advantage of the most recent improvements made to Windows operating systems.

To fix the 0x80073D06 error, users must examine the minute details of their update processes and system setups. Possible fixes include resolving issues with the Windows Update service, confirming the accuracy of system files, and making sure that all necessary parts of the update procedure are operating as intended. Although there are several generic troubleshooting procedures available, users may need to modify their strategy in light of the specifics of their particular systems.

In this guide, you will find 8 steps that should help you fix Windows update error 0x80073D06. You can also run a maintenance tool like [d1] that can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-1] corrupted files, registry[ref en-2] issues, or clear cookies and cache.[ref en-3] Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Method 1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

• Press the Windows key + I to open Windows Settings.
• Within the Windows Settings, navigate to the System tab.
• Scroll down the options in the System tab and locate Troubleshoot; click on it.
• Inside the Troubleshoot screen, find and select the Other troubleshooters option.
• A list of various troubleshooters will be displayed.
• Look for the Windows Update troubleshooter in the list.

• Click on the Run button associated with the Windows Update troubleshooter.
• Allow the troubleshooter to complete its process.
• Once the troubleshooter finishes, check your computer to determine if the issue has been resolved.

Method 2. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 3. Start the Windows Installer Service

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type services.msc in the Run dialog's message box.
• Click OK or press Enter.
• The Services window will open.
• Scroll down to locate the Windows Installer service in the list.

• Right-click on the Windows Installer service.
• Select Start from the context menu that appears.
• Close the Services window.
• Try running Windows Update again to check if the issue is resolved.

Method 4. Restart the Windows Update Service

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
• Type services.msc into the Run dialog's input box.
• Click OK or press Enter.
• The Services window will appear.

• Scroll through the list of services to locate the Windows Update Service.
• Right-click on the Windows Update Service from the list.
• Choose Restart from the context menu.

Method 5. Delete the Software Distribution Folder

• Open File Explorer and navigate to the C: drive.
• Open the Windows folder.
• Find the folder named Software Distribution and open it.
• Inside the Software Distribution folder, locate the Data Store and Download folders.
• Access the Data Store folder and the Download folder.

• Delete all the files and folders contained within the Data Store and Download folders.
• Restart your computer to apply the changes.
• After restarting, run Windows Update again to check for updates.

Method 6. Reset Windows Update Components

• Click on Search and type cmd.
• Select Run as administrator.
• When User account control appears, click on Yes.
• Copy and paste the following commands, one at a time, then press Enter after each:

net stop bits

net stop wuauserv

net stop appidsvc

net stop cryptsvc

Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*”

rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q

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

regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll

regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll

regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll

netsh winsock reset

netsh winsock reset proxy

net start bits

net start wuauserv

net start appidsvc

net start cryptsvc

• Restart your PC.

Method 7. Try Clean Boot

• Open the Search menu, type in system configuration, and press Enter.
• Under the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services box.
• Click on Disable all button.

• Head over to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
• Select a third-party program and click on Disable at the top.
• Repeat this step to disable all third-party apps and programs.
• Restart your PC to enter the clean boot state and see if the issue persists.
• If the issue disappeared in the clean boot state, then you can be certain that a third-party app is causing it.
• Go through all recently installed apps or programs and remove them one by one.

Method 8. Use Microsoft Update Catalog

Whenever Windows updates fail to install automatically, you can always try doing it manually. First, you need to find out which KB number is relevant to you.

• Right-click Start button and pick Settings.
• Go to Update & Security.
• On the right, locate and click View update history.
• From the list, note the KB number that fails to install with the error code.

• Go to Microsoft Update Catalog page, type in the KB number, and press Search.
• Download the update and install it manually.