Fixing the Windows Update Error 0x80070643

Getting the latest update for your Windows 10 computer is essential, and updates ensure that your system is securely running with the latest features. But what would you do if an error occurred when you tried to update your computer?

Recently, there have been many reports from Windows 10 users about getting a Windows update failed error. This error appears when the Windows Update tool downloads an update or when a user tries installing a new program.

Although getting an error message may sound intimidating, there is nothing to worry about as it can be fixed easily. Here are some photos of how both error messages look like:

Windows Update Error:

Program Installation Error:

Today, we will discuss the best ways to fix the Windows Update error 0x80070643 for Windows Update and program installations. All of our recommended methods are pretty short and easy to follow, and if one does not fix the issue, you can proceed with the next one and try it out.

Common Reasons For Windows Error 0x80070643

Understanding the reasons behind the Windows Error 0x80070643 can help you diagnose the problem more effectively and apply the right solution. Here are some of the most common reasons for this error:

1. Corrupted or Missing .NET Framework: The .NET Framework is a critical component of Windows that is needed to run many applications and updates. A missing or outdated .NET Framework can cause the 0x80070643 error when updating Windows or installing new software.
2. Windows Defender Conflicts: In some cases, Windows Defender might mistakenly flag a genuine Windows update or program installation as a threat. This can lead to the 0x80070643 error as the update or installation is blocked by Windows Defender.
3. Damaged or Missing System Files: If important Windows system files are damaged or missing, it can cause various errors, including the 0x80070643 error. This can affect the Windows Update process and hinder the installation of new programs.
4. Issues with Windows Installer: The Windows Installer is responsible for managing the installation, modification, and removal of software on your computer. If the Windows Installer service is malfunctioning or corrupted, it can lead to the 0x80070643 error and other installation issues.
5. Outdated Windows Security Definitions: If your Windows Security definitions are outdated, it may cause conflicts during the update process and result in the 0x80070643 error. Manually updating Windows Security can help resolve this issue.

Knowing these common reasons for the Windows Error 0x80070643 will help you identify the potential root cause of the problem and guide you in applying the most appropriate solution. It is important to understand that some issues might require more advanced troubleshooting methods, but the solutions provided in this article should address most instances of the error.

How to Repair Error Code 0x80070643

First Method – Keep Your .NET Framework Updated

One of the common reasons why the update error 0x80070643 appears is that the .NET Framework of your computer is corrupted or missing. In this case, you can easily update it by following these steps:

1. Using your preferred web browser, go to Microsoft’s .NET Framework download website by clicking here.

2. Once you have downloaded the latest net framework update installation file, continue with the installation and follow the prompts.

3. After successfully installing the net framework update, restart your computer, run the Windows Update tool, and verify if the issue has been fixed.

Second Method – Temporarily Disable Windows Defender

There are cases in Windows Security that are blocking incoming updates, which leads to the error code 0x80070643. This may sound ironic but not all software is perfect, and Windows Security may have flagged the new updates as false positives.

In this case, you can temporarily disable Windows Security and run the Windows Update tool.

1. Open Windows Defender by clicking on the Windows button and typing in “Windows Security,” and pressing “enter” on your keyboard or clicking “open” below the Windows Security icon.

2. On the Windows Security homepage, click “Virus & Threat Protection.”

3. In the next window, click on “Manage Settings” under “Virus & Threat Protection Settings” and turn off the following options:

1. Real-time Protection
2. Cloud-delivered Protection
3. Automatic Sample Submission
4. Tamper Protection

Third Method – Run the Windows System File Checker (SFC)

Another common reason error messages appear when updating Windows 10 or installing a new program is that a critical system file might be missing or corrupted. The sfc scan is a built-in tool in Windows 10 that can scan and fix corrupt or missing files in your computer.

1. Press the “Windows” key and then press the letter “R” and type in “cmd” in the run command window. Hold down the “ctrl+shift” keys simultaneously and press “enter.” Click “OK” on the next Window to open an elevated command prompt.

2. In the elevated command prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press “enter.” Wait for the sfc scan to complete and follow the subsequent prompts to complete the repair.

3. Once the SFC is finished scanning and fixing the errors, restart your computer and run the Windows Update tool to confirm if the issue has been resolved.

Recommended: Fortect System Repair Tool – Fix Errors & Speed Up Windows Automatically

Fourth Method – Manually Update Your Windows Security

If the code 0x80070643 error is associated with the definition update for Windows Defender, the Windows Update tool cannot update. By manually updating, you are skipping using the Windows Update tool to download the update.

1. Using your preferred browser, go to Microsoft’s Windows Security updates website by clicking here. Download the appropriate version for your computer’s specifications.

2. Once the download is complete, install the update by just opening the file and following the prompts.

3. Once the update is installed, restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Fifth Method – Manually Install Updates (For Multiple Windows Update Errors)

If there is more than one error, you can also follow this method to fix them.

1. Know what System Type your computer runs on by holding down “Windows Key + Pause Break” to bring up your Operating System type.

2. The next step is to determine what Windows Update you need to download and install on your computer. Open up your Windows Update tool and copy the codes of the updates showing the error message. Please see the example below:

3. Once you have the code for the pending Windows Update, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog by clicking here. Once on the website, type in the code in the search bar, download, and install the update manually.

4. Find the file that is appropriate for your system. Remember that x64-based systems mean 64-bit OS, and x86-based systems are for 32-bit OS.

Sixth Method – Restart the Windows Installer Service

Restarting the Windows Installer service may also fix Windows Update errors as it refreshes the service. You can do it yourself by following these steps:

1. Hold down the “Windows” key and press the letter “R,” and type in “services.msc” in the run command window.

2. In the “Services” window, look for the “Windows Installer” service and click on the “Restart the Service” located in the upper left corner of the window.

3. After restarting the Windows Installer Service, restart the computer and run the Windows Update tool to confirm if the error has been fixed.

Our Final Tip

If you encounter the 0x80070643 error, whether through the Windows Update Tool or while installing a new program, you should relax and not panic. This is just a minor issue and can be resolved by following the methods we provided.

Frequently Asked Questions About 0x80070643