How To Fix Windows Update Error 0x8007010B?

The 0x8007010b error is a general Windows error, which usually means an important directory is missing or the operating system couldn’t access that directory. This error most commonly appears during Windows updates but can also occur when installing an application or creating a folder. In some cases, Xbox consoles also display the 0x8007010b error when installing apps, games, or trying to play a movie.

There have also been reports of this error in development environments, such as when installing PHP on a Windows machine. Due to the many possible situations, it’s not possible to cover every scenario here, but as a general rule, make sure you have admin-level access to the directories you’re working with.

Here are the detailed causes of this error:

1. Use the Windows Built-in Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft has several built-in troubleshooters to help diagnose and fix common problems. If you see the 0x8007010b error while updating Windows, running the Windows Update Troubleshooter may resolve the issue.

1. Right-click the Windows button and open Settings.

   

2. Go to Update & Security, then select the Troubleshoot tab on the left.

   

3. On the right, click Additional Troubleshooters.

   

4. Expand the Windows Update option and click Run the troubleshooter.

   

5. Let the troubleshooter finish and follow any recommendations it gives.
6. Check if the 0x8007010b error is resolved.

2. Run DISM and SFC Scans

Corrupted system files can also cause the 0x8007010b error. Running the DISM and SFC scans can help repair these files.

1. Run an SFC scan (this may take some time). After the scan, check if the error is fixed.
2. If the error persists, run the DISM commands below, one after another:

   dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
   
   dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
   
   dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /startcomponentcleanup
   
   sfc /scannow

   

3. Restart your system. After restarting, try updating Windows or installing the application again to see if the error has been resolved.

3. Uninstall Windows Mixed Reality

Windows Mixed Reality provides virtual and augmented reality features, but sometimes it can cause problems during Windows updates. Uninstalling Mixed Reality may resolve the error.

1. Disconnect any headset from your system.
2. Right-click the Windows button and open Settings.
3. Select Mixed Reality, then go to the Uninstall tab on the left side.

   

4. On the right, click Uninstall and then restart your computer.

   

5. After restarting, try installing the update again.

4. Perform a Clean Boot of the System

A startup application may be interfering with Windows and causing the 0x8007010b error. Performing a clean boot will help you determine if this is the case.

1. Perform a clean boot of the system and then try the process that was giving you the error (for example, updating Windows).
2. See if the error is gone.

5. Update Your PC’s Windows Automatically or Manually

If your operating system is out of date, this can also cause the 0x8007010b error. Updating Windows can often clear things up.

5.1. Automatic Update

1. Click the Windows button, search for Check for Updates, and open it.

   

2. In the window that appears, click Check for Updates and install any available updates.

   

3. Once updates are installed, see if the error is fixed.

5.2. Manual Update

1. If automatic updates didn’t help, or if you’re seeing the error specifically during Windows updates, open a web browser and go to the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Note: Some of the latest updates may not be listed here, so you might need to look for them on Microsoft’s official site.
2. Search for the problematic update’s KB number (e.g., KB5010795) and click Download based on your system specs.

   

3. After it downloads, right-click the file and select Run as administrator, then follow the steps on the screen to install it.
4. Check if the error is resolved.

5.3. Use the Latest Update Assistant

If you can’t get the update as a standalone file or if manual updating didn’t work, try the latest Windows Update Assistant.

1. Open a web browser and visit the Windows 10 Download page.
2. Under the latest Update Assistant (such as the November 2021 Update), click Update Now.

   

3. Once it’s downloaded, right-click on it and select Run as Administrator.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
5. Restart your PC. After restarting, check if the 0x8007010b error is gone.

6. Reset Windows Update Components to Defaults

If Windows Update components are corrupt, updating may fail with the 0x8007010b error. Resetting these components can help.

1. Click the Windows button, search for Command Prompt, right-click it, and select Run as Administrator.

   

2. Execute the following commands one by one:

   net stop bits
   
   net stop wuauserv
   
   net stop appidsvc
   
   net stop cryptsvc
   
   ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak
   
   ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
   
   net start bits
   
   net start wuauserv
   
   net start appidsvc
   
   net start cryptsvc

   

3. Try applying the updates again and see if the 0x8007010b error is gone.

6. Disable or Uninstall 3rd Party Antivirus/Firewall

Antivirus or firewall software from other companies can interfere with Windows updates or system operations, triggering the 0x8007010b error. Disabling or uninstalling these programs may help.

Warning: Proceed carefully. Disabling or uninstalling security software can make your system vulnerable to threats. Only do this if you are comfortable, and always ensure you reinstall or re-enable protection afterward.

1. Expand the system tray and right-click the security application icon (for example, ESET).

   

2. If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes, and confirm that you want to disable the app.
3. Right-click the security software icon again and select Pause Firewall.

   

4. Confirm to disable the 3rd party firewall and check if the error is resolved.
5. If the issue persists, right-click the Windows button and open Apps & Features.

   

6. Find the Security App (e.g., ESET), expand it, and click Uninstall.

   

7. Confirm to uninstall the program, then restart your system.
8. After restarting, visit the security application’s official website (such as McAfee) and download the latest uninstaller to remove any remaining files.
9. Right-click the uninstaller, select Run as Administrator, and follow the prompts to finish uninstalling.
10. Restart your computer one more time to ensure all security software is removed, and then check if the 0x8007010b error is resolved.

7. Create a New Local Admin User Account

If your Windows user profile is corrupt, making a new account with administrative privileges can sometimes resolve the error.

1. Create a new Windows local user profile with administrator rights.

   

2. Sign out of your current account and sign in to the new one.
3. Try updating Windows or installing the application to see if the error appears.

8. Perform an In-Place Upgrade of Windows

If none of the above solutions work, performing an in-place upgrade can refresh your Windows installation and fix the issue.

1. Open a web browser and download the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.
2. Right-click the downloaded Media Creation Tool and select Run as Administrator.
3. Accept the license terms, then select Upgrade This PC Now when prompted.

   

4. Follow the instructions on the screen. During the upgrade process, make sure to choose Keep Windows Settings, Personal Files, and Apps.

   

5. Once the upgrade is finished, check if the 0x8007010b error has been resolved.

If this still doesn’t work, you may need to reset Windows to factory settings.

9. Hard Reset Your Xbox Console

If you are seeing the 0x8007010b error on an Xbox console, doing a hard reset may fix the problem.

1. Back up any important Xbox data or information first.
2. Press and hold the Xbox power button, and wait until the console shuts off completely. This usually takes about 10 seconds.

   

3. Unplug the Xbox power cable and wait for 5 minutes.

   

4. Plug the power cable back in and turn on the console.
5. Check whether the error 0x8007010b still appears.