How to Fix the “Update Files are Missing” Error 0x80070003 on Windows
It’s not unusual for Windows users to run into issues when installing updates or upgrading to the latest version of Windows. The problem with these error codes is that most of the time, they do not specify the cause of the error or what users can do to avoid it.
A common error that users run into when trying to update their system is 0x80070003. This error is accompanied by a message stating “Some update files are missing.” Let’s explore the reasons behind this issue and the solutions you can endeavor to resolve it.
Why Are Update Files Missing From Your PC?
One or more of the following reasons might explain why you are experiencing the problem on your computer:
Now that you know what might be causing the problem let’s see how to resolve this case of missing update files in Windows.
1. Delete the Contents of the DataStore Folder
The DataStore folder in Windows is a log file that stores information about all the updates installed in the system. This folder is located in the SoftwareDistribution folder, which is a directory of update-related information in Windows.
In several cases, the underlying issue was caused due to the corrupt components of the DataStore folder, which were interfering with the system’s update process. An easy way to resolve this issue is by deleting the contents of this folder or removing the Data Store folder as a whole. Both methods are safe to execute.
We have described the steps for doing this below. However, if you do not want to delete the DataStore folder or its contents, you can also repair them. For that, follow the next method below.
Once the folder is deleted, open the Settings app and try installing the updates again.
2. Run System Scans
The next thing you can do is scan the system for potential issues. The best way to do this is by using built-in system utilities like the System File Checker and DISM.
The System File Checker (SFC) will scan the protected system files for inconsistencies. If it finds a file that is corrupt, SFC will replace it with its healthier cached counterpart. DISM, on the other hand, will repair the system image.
We will be using the Command Prompt to run these tools. check that you are logged into Windows as an administrator before proceeding:
Here is all that you need to do:
While you are at it, you’re able to alsorun the Windows Update troubleshooter. This tool also works like the utilities we just described above. It will scan the system for errors and suggest you relevant fixes that can be applied using the troubleshooter as well.
3. Repair the Update Components
As we mentioned earlier, the update components can also deal with some kind of corruption, leading to the problem under discussion.
The good news is that repairing these components is quite simple, and we will also use the Command Prompt in this method. We recommendcreating a restore pointbefore you proceed. This will help you revert to the current system state in case something goes wrong during the execution of the method.
Once the restore point is created, follow these steps:
Get the Missing Update Files Back on Windows
Hopefully, by now, you should have successfully resolved the annoying update error. In case you are still facing the issue, you can use the Microsoft update catalog to install the updates manually. It may also be a good idea to report this issue to the Microsoft support team so they can launch an official fix for the problem.
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