How to fix
Windows update error 0x80071a2d
on Windows

Hello. Could you help me to fix the Windows update error 0x80071a2d? The download process completes successfully but when I restart my PC, the installation stops at 14% and this repeats several times. When I try to install updates again, I get the mentioned error 0x80071a2d.

Windows update errors can be really frustrating because they can interrupt critical tasks, lead to data loss, and require time-consuming troubleshooting steps to resolve, often without clear guidance on the underlying issues. 0x80071a2d is one of the errors you may encounter when trying to install the latest patch for your Windows 10 or 11.

It goes without saying that installing the most recent Windows updates is important - they ensure that the system is secured from cybercriminals exploiting vulnerabilities, implement bug fixes, and also provide new features and improvements. Windows update errors such as 0x80071a2d might hinder these changes from being implemented, which can be a problem.

You might encounter the 0x80071a2d error when you attempt to install updates either manually or automatically, and it affects the installation process only, as the download completes successfully. This means that it is likely culprit is within the configuration settings in certain components that are responsible for the process.

For example, if update-related services such as BITS are not running, the error might show up because of it. Alternatively, corrupted system files or update cache components might also prevent the successful installation of Windows updates.

Luckily, there are several things you can do in an attempt to fix the 0x80071a2d error, and, with the help of our guide below, this shouldn't be a difficult process. Starting from easy fixes, such as running the troubleshooter, to resettings Windows update components and fixing corrupted files - you will find step-by-step instructions below.

Besides, if you would rather leave the troubleshooting to somebody else, we recommend trusting [d1], as it can easily perform various troubleshooting tasks and then repair your system automatically.

Fix 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update from the list and select Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• Wait till the scan is finished - you will be provided with potential causes so you can proceed with fixes.
• If no suggestions were given, proceed with the solutions below.

Fix 2. Check relevant services

• Type in Services in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
• If this service is already running, right-click and select Restart.
• If it is not running, double-click it, select Automatic under the Startup type from the drop-down menu.
• Click Start, Apply, and OK.
• Repeat the process with the Windows Update, Cryptographic, and Windows Installer services.

Fix 3. Perform Disk Cleanup

• Type Disk Cleanup in Windows search and hit Enter.
• If your Windows is installed on drive C, pick it from the list (it should be by default) and press OK.
• Click Clean up system files.
• Select your main disk again and click OK.
• Here, select the largest portions of the data used - these typically include Temporary Internet Files, Windows Update, Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, Delivery Optimization Files, among others.
• Click OK - the process should be finished shortly.

Fix 4. Install the update manually

• Type Updates in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Click View update history.
• Here, note down the KB number which failed to be installed.
• Go to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website.
• Type the KB number into the search bar, and press Enter or click Search.
• You will find many different versions on the update – you need to find the one that matches your PC specs and Windows version (as a home user, ignore Windows server versions).
• Right-click on Start and pick System.
• Under Device specifications, check the System type section: it should either be 64-bit or 32-bit.
• Scroll down to Windows specifications and check the Version section.
• With all this information, pick the correct version for your device.
• Go back to the Microsoft Update catalog, download the appropriate version, and install it.

Fix 5. Repair corrupted files

• Type in cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• User Account Control will ask you whether you want to allow to make changes to the system - click Yes.
• In the Command Prompt window, paste the following command and hit Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Next, use these commands (don't forget to press Enter every time):
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  (Note: if you get an error executing this last command, add /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess to it and try again).
• Restart your computer.

Fix 6. Reset Windows update components

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Paste in each of these commands, pressing Enter every time:
  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 system.

Fix 7. Use Media Creation Tool

• Visit the official Microsoft website and download Windows 10 installation media (Windows 11 version).
• Double-click the installer, select Yes when UAC shows up, and agree to the terms.
• Select the ISO file and click Next, then follow the instructions to finish the process.
• Right-click on ISO and click Mount.
• Open the location of the ISO, right-click on it, and select Mount.
• Launch the installer.
• Select Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
• Windows will start downloading the needed files.
• Agree to the terms once again and click Next.
• Before installing, ensure you are happy with your choices (otherwise, you can click the Change what to keep option).
• Finally, click Install to begin the upgrade process.