How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070641

If you are unable to install the Windows update due to error code 0x80070641, it typically means there is a problem with the Windows Installer service, which is essential for the installation and removal of software components, including Windows updates.

Although the most common cause of this issue is the Windows Installer service, other factors include corrupted Windows update files and problems with the registry values.

As we have discussed the causes, let’s look at the solutions to this issue.

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows Update Troubleshooter can help you troubleshoot common issues with the Windows update component. This utility restarts stopped Windows update services, checks for corrupted registry values, and restores missing Windows update files.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended that you start troubleshooting by running the Windows Update troubleshooter.

1. Press the Win + I keys simultaneously to open Windows Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters.
   
3. Here, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter and follow the further on-screen instructions to run the troubleshooter.
   
4. Once done, check if the issue is resolved.

2. Restart the Windows Installer Service

The Windows Installer Service is responsible for installing and uninstalling software components. If this service is stopped for any reason, you won’t be able to install software and Windows updates. Therefore, make sure that this service is running in the background.

1. Right-click the Start Menu and select Run.
   
2. Once the Run window is opened, type the command services.msc in the input box and click OK to open the Services window.
   
3. Here, find the Windows Installer service. Then, right-click on it and select Properties.
4. Change the Startup type from Manual to Automatic.
   
5. Once done, click Apply and click OK. If the service is not running, click the Start button to start the service.

3. Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting the Windows update components will restore the Windows update component to its default state. This process involves stopping essential Windows update services like Windows Update or Background Intelligent Transfer Service, renaming the folders that store the Windows update files to clear the corruption, and finally restarting the services that were stopped initially.

This method can effectively resolve the Windows update error by clearing the corrupted data or settings that may be preventing the Windows update from installing. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Download the Windows update component reset script from the link.
2. Once it is downloaded, right-click on it and select Run as administrator.
   
3. Wait for the commands to be executed. Once done, check if this resolved the error.

4. Download the Windows Update Manually

If none of the solutions helped, you can download the Windows update manually by navigating to the Microsoft Catalog. This is the most effective method when the Windows update utility displays error messages when trying to download the updates.

1. Visit the Microsoft Catalog website.
2. Search for the Windows update that is showing the error message.
3. Then, download the Windows update according to your Windows version.
   
4. Once done, double-click the update file to install it.
5. Then, check if the issue is resolved.

In case you are unable to download the Windows update manually, you have two options. You can either use a System Restore Utility to go back to the previous state when you were not encountering any issues or reset Windows without losing data. We recommend using the System Restore Utility. However, if you have not created a restore point, you can reset your Windows without losing data.