0x80070643 is one of the most common update issues faced by Windows 10 users. It is exclusive to the system and generally easy to solve. However, we must first understand 0x80070643 and identify its causes to fix the issue.
What does the 0x80070643 error code mean?
Frustratingly, the 0x80070643 error will mark a download as complete even where installation of the update has failed. Therefore, those of you who are unable to locate this error are likely to struggle when solving it.
Many factors contribute to the occurrence of this issue. Perhaps the most notable of which is system file corruption. In these circ*mstances, Windows will not proceed with the update to avoid later failures.
Another root cause behind the 0x80070643 error is .NET files. These comprise core system information that must not be directly accessed or operated on. The alteration of these files, especially when done incorrectly, may permanently harm your system, leaving a hard reset as your only option.
Sometimes, the error will still occur when all files are present. Unfortunately, this is a much more difficult situation to handle since you will be unaware of the origin of the 0x80070643, making any fixes hard to locate.
How do system files get corrupted in a way that results in a 0x80070643 error?
You may be wondering how system files become corrupted without ever being touched. There are many reasons behind this process. First, let’s take a look at the mechanisms provided by Windows to prevent such issues.
System files usually block direct access from applications, demanding all changes to be authorized by the administrator, either directly or indirectly. However, when a falsely authorized application irreversibly changes the system files, they can no longer be used for other vital processes.
Changing system files this way is a goal shared by almost all hackers since it allows them to bring an entire system to a halt. There are several malware programs through which cybercriminals can perform such illicit activity.
The 0x80070643 error can occur during the update or installation phase. The fixes differ slightly, so carefully determine which applies to your scenario.
Fixing the 0x80070643 error that occurs during a Windows update
This section addresses scenarios related to updating your Windows system to the latest version. The typical problem in these cases is that something is missing or corrupt in the system files.
1. Run a System File Checker (SFC) scan
Performing an SFC scan is a quick and easy way to locate and fix corrupted system files on your computer. It’s a built-in Microsoft tool that comes preinstalled on all Windows systems.
Follow the below steps to run the System File Checker.
- Type “command prompt” in the Windows search bar.
- Open the Command Prompt with administrator rights.
- Type “sfc /scannnow” and press Enter.
- The system will scan its files and deliver results in just a few minutes.
Depending on how much information is in the system, the duration of this method can vary, especially since the scanner aims to use as few resources as possible. Once complete, the system automatically attempts to fix any corrupted files that it finds.
Note:If you run into an SFC /Scannow error when starting the scan, don’t worry. We have written dedicated articles on what to do if SFC scannow is not working, including:
- Windows Resource Protection Could Not Perform The Requested Operation
- Windows resource protection could not start the repair service
If the results show no issues, we recommend trying the methods listed below.
2. Reset all Update Components
If all files are intact, the issue may be attributable to misconfigured update components. Resetting these will convert the system into a neutral state, potentially resolving the 0x80070643 error.
To reset the Windows Update components, follow the steps below.
- Open a Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type each of the commands below, hitting Enter after each line.
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop cryptSvc
- net stop bits
- net stop msiserver
- Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
- net start wuauserv
- net start cryptSvc
- net start bits
- net start msiserver
Running these commands will revert the components to their default state. If the 0x80070643 error results from misconfigured components, therefore, this method should fix it. To check whether you have been successful, exit the Command Prompt and try to install the Windows update again.
3. Install the update manually
If a problematic auto-installer causes the 0x80070643 error, you may need to install the Windows update manually. Contrary to popular belief, this method will not damage your system. However, you must identify your system architecture before proceeding with the next steps.
Check whether your system runs on the 32-bit or 64-bit architecture, then locate the Microsoft Update Catalog and select the version update you wish to install.
Once downloaded, double-click the file and start the installation. Follow the on-screen instructions.
If this method fails, the root cause lies within the files rather than the auto-installer.
4. Update Windows Defender manually
An outdated program may also cause the 0x80070643 error. You must download and update the affected software application to fix your Windows updates.
The Windows Defender application can access the download files directly, so updating this tool should be a priority.
To update your Windows Defender application, you must first identify your system architecture. Most modern desktops and laptops are 64-bit systems. However, some old models still use the 32-bit architecture.
Once located, go to the Microsoft website, and download the Defender application. Make sure to select the version that matches your architecture. You have to double-click the downloaded file to start the installation. Since Defender is a trusted software provided directly by Microsoft, you can leave it at default settings and try to update Windows again once the installation is complete.
If this method didn’t work for you, worry not; there are additional alternatives that could solve your 0x80070643 error.
5. Manually Install .NET Framework
.NET files are vital for the health of your Windows OS. If there are any missing, the entire core system operations may come to a halt. To ensure this eventuality does not occur, you may need to install the .NET Framework manually.
You can find the latest versions of the .NET Framework on the Microsoft website. Select the version you would like to install, download the file, and double-click once complete.
Now, restart your system and update Windows again. Combined with those mentioned above, this method should resolve the 0x80070643 update error.
Fixing the 0x80070643 error that occurs when installing an application
1. Restart your system
At installation, the main cause of the 0x80070643 error is the presence of improper modules. One way to load these correctly is to reboot the system. However, unlike other devices, the Windows system requires its users to manually select the restart option from the power menu when clearing software issues. Directly pressing the power button is an option, but it will not resolve the issues as effectively as a system restart would.
2. Check for any malware
Microsoft Windows comes with a built-in security feature. Windows Defender will protect the system from any known malware, provided that it is set up while installing Windows for the first time.
To scan your system using Windows Defender, follow the below steps.
- Type “Security” in your Windows search bar.
- You can view the features offered by Windows Defender on the home page.
- You can access all the security measurements and tools from this page. Security analysts recommend you scan your system at least once a month. If you cannot do so, use a paid app that will continuously protect against errors like the 0x80070643.
- Click on the Virus & threat protection menu item.
- It’ll take you to a page similar to the below one. Here, click on Scan options.
- Click on the Full Scan radio button and then hit Scan Now.
- Microsoft Defender will automatically scan and remove any malware from the system.
Despite its many benefits, the Microsoft Defender lacks a vulnerability feature. There are paid malware solutions that cover this aspect as well. You should review popular security solutions to prepare your system for any undiscovered threats.
3. Install the .NET Framework manually
As mentioned in method five above, manually installing the .NET framework can potentially fix the 0x80070643 Windows error. This solution also applies to scenarios when you run into this error during the installation of a software application.
Follow the steps in the above method to manually install the latest version of the .NET framework.
Conclusion
By following the methods above, we hope that you have fixed the 0x80070643 error with little to no technical assistance. Please let us know in the comments what method solved the issue in your case.
