How to fix
Windows update error 0x800736cc
on Windows

Hello. I tried to install Windows updates but I received the 0x800736cc error. How can I get rid of it?

Users may encounter Windows Update error 0x800736cc when attempting to install or update software on their Windows operating system. When the Windows component store, which stores important system files and information, becomes corrupted or has missing files, this error typically occurs. The error message typically indicates that a required component or file for the update was not found or was corrupted.

Windows updates are critical for maintaining a Windows operating system's security, stability, and performance. They frequently include patches, bug fixes, security updates, and new features. These updates address Microsoft-identified vulnerabilities and issues, ensuring that your system remains secure against potential threats. You can reduce the risk of malware infections, improve compatibility with new software and hardware, and improve the overall user experience by keeping your system up to date.

When users encounter the Windows Update error 0x800736cc, they may be unable to install critical updates or software packages. Because critical security patches are not applied, the system may be vulnerable to security risks. Furthermore, users may be unable to take advantage of new features and improvements introduced in updates, potentially leading to compatibility issues with newer software or hardware.

To fix the Windows Update error 0x800736cc, you must first address the underlying cause, which is usually related to the corruption or absence of files in the component store. Repairing corrupted files or using Windows troubleshooting tools to resolve the issue are two possible solutions.

In this guide, you will find 8 steps that should help you fix Windows update error 0x800736cc. You can also try 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.

Solution 1. Run the Update Troubleshooter

• Press the Windows key + X and go to Settings.
• Go to Update and Security.
• Click Troubleshooter.

• Select Additional troubleshooters.
• Run the Update troubleshooter.
• Restart the computer.

Solution 2. Check Disk

Ensure that your disk is not damaged. You can perform checks using Administrative Command Prompt:

• If you are using an HDD as your main driver (where your operating system is installed – C: by default), use the following command and press Enter:
  chkdsk c: /f
• If you are using SSD, use this command:
  chkdsk c: /f /r /x

• If you receive an error, type in Y and hit Enter.
• Restart your device to perform the check.

Solution 3. Repair 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

Solution 4. Restart Windows Services

• Press Windows + R to open the Run box.
• Type in services.msc and press OK.
• Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
• If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK.

• If the status is Running, right-click then select Restart.
• Locate the Windows Update service and double-click it.
• If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and OK. If the status is Running, right-click, then select Restart.

Solution 5. Update Drivers

Outdated drivers could be the cause of this issue. In this case, you can fix it automatically by using [rev id="DriverFix"], which will scan your PC for missing and out-of-date device drivers. Or you can update them manually:

• Open Settings
• Click on Update & Security
• Click on Windows Update
• Click the Check for updates button
• Click the View optional updates option
• Click the Driver updates tab
• Select the driver you want to update
• Click the Download and install button

If the View optional updates link is not available after checking for updates, then Windows Update does not have any new drivers or any updates for other products at that particular time.

Solution 6. Install the Update Manually

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.

Solution 7. Reset Windows Update Components

• Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
• Copy and paste the following commands, pressing 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.

Soluyion 8. Upgrade Install Windows

• Download Windows 10 installation media or Windows 11 installation media from the official website.
• Open the tool once it is installed.
• Agree to license terms.

• Choose Upgrade this PC now.
• Wait for the update to be installed.