How to Fix Error 0x80070306 in Windows 11

Windows Update error 0x80070306 interrupts the update process in Windows 11, preventing important security and feature updates from installing. This error often appears when system files are corrupted, update components malfunction, or previous updates leave the system in an inconsistent state. Addressing this problem quickly restores your device’s ability to receive updates and keeps your system secure and stable.

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Step 1: Open the Start menu and select Settings. Navigate to System and scroll down to Troubleshoot.

Step 2: Click on Other troubleshooterson the next page.

Step 3: Find Windows Update in the list and click Run next to it. The troubleshooter diagnoses and attempts to fix update-related issues automatically. Follow any on-screen prompts and restart your PC after completion. This process resolves common update problems by resetting components and clearing temporary issues.

Repair System Files with DISM and SFC

Step 1: Type cmd in the Windows search box, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

Step 2: First, run the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) by entering:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

This command checks and repairs issues with the Windows image. Wait for the process to finish.

Step 3: Next, run the System File Checker by typing:

sfc /scannow

This scan locates and repairs corrupted or missing system files that may be blocking updates. Let the scan complete, and then restart your PC. These steps address deeper system corruption that the troubleshooter cannot fix.

Reset Windows Update Components

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2: Stop the Windows Update services. Enter the following commands one by one:

net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop msiserver
net stop cryptsvc
    

Step 3: Rename the update storage folders to force Windows to create new ones:

Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren %Systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
    

Step 4: Restart the services you stopped earlier:

net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start msiserver
net start cryptsvc
    

Resetting these components clears out old, corrupted update files and resolves persistent update failures. Restart your computer and attempt the update again.

Install Updates in Safe Mode

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

Step 2: In the System Configuration window, go to the Boot tab and check Safe boot with Network selected. Click OK and restart your PC.

Step 3: Once in Safe Mode, try running Windows Update again. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, which can bypass software conflicts or driver issues that block updates. After updating, revert the boot settings to return to normal mode.

Use “Fix Problems Using Windows Update” (Windows 11 Only)

Step 1: Open the Settings app and go to System > Recovery.

Step 2: Under Fix problems using Windows Update, click Reinstall now. Follow the on-screen instructions. This process performs a repair installation that keeps your files, apps, and settings intact while fixing update-related problems.

Manually Download and Install Updates

Step 1: Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for the update code (for example, KB5053598).

Step 2: Download the appropriate update package for your system version (confirm whether your device is x64-based or ARM-based in Settings > System > About).

Step 3: Save the file to a folder (such as C:\Packages), then open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

DISM /Online /Add-Package /PackagePath:C:\Packages\your-update-file.msu

Restart your PC when prompted. This method bypasses issues with the standard update process by applying the update package directly.

Reset or Repair the .NET Framework

Step 1: Open the search bar and type Windows Features. Select Turn Windows features on or off.

Step 2: Uncheck all .NET Framework entries and click OK. Restart your PC.

Step 3: Return to the same window, check the .NET Framework boxes again, and click OK to reinstall them. Restart your PC again. This process repairs .NET Framework corruption, which can cause update failures.

Use the Media Creation Tool or Installation Assistant

Step 1: Download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool or Installation Assistant from the official Microsoft website.

Step 2: Run the tool and follow the prompts to upgrade or repair your Windows installation. This process keeps your files and applications while resolving stubborn update errors that resist other fixes.

Following these steps addresses the root causes of error 0x80070306 in Windows 11, restoring your device’s ability to receive updates and keeping your system running smoothly.