0x80070003 - Path Not Found Update Error

What is 0x80070003?

0x80070003 - Path Not Found Update Error (0x80070003) is a medium-severity fault affecting the Windows operating system. The system cannot find the path specified. This error is most commonly encountered during failed Windows Update updates, store app installations, or profile migrations due to missing directory links. It sometimes comes down to incomplete background cumulative downloads. Work through the steps below in order.

Common Causes

• Corrupted Windows Update cache folder structure
• Missing SoftwareDistribution system directories
• Directory access permission overrides
• Incomplete background cumulative downloads

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

• 1
  Stop update services and clear SoftwareDistribution directory

  Start with Clear SoftwareDistribution directory — it clears the most frequent root cause behind 0x80070003 in the majority of cases we've seen.

• 2
  Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter utility

  When the first step isn't enough, the later steps handle the edge cases tied to windows update instability.

• 3
  Repair system directories using SFC scan

  "Repair system directories using SFC scan" targets missing SoftwareDistribution system directories, one of the documented causes of 0x80070003.

• 4
  Restart BITS and Windows Update services

  "Restart BITS and Windows Update services" is worth trying when corrupted Windows Update cache folder structure turns out to be the culprit.

Commands & Diagnostics

Frequently Asked Questions