Windows Update can occasionally display error code 0x80070643 while updating system components such as Windows Defender and the Microsoft .NET Framework to their latest versions. Rarely, it could also show up while installing quality and cumulative Windows system updates. Error 0x80070643 can show up for several reasons. For example, it could be due to a buggy instance of the Windows Update service or a corrupt .NET Framework installation. Work through the following instructions to troubleshoot and fix Windows Update error code 0x80070643 in Windows 10 and 11.
1. Restart Windows Update Services
1. Restart Windows Update Services
BITS (short for Background Intelligent Transfer Service), Windows Update Service, and Cryptographic Services are system-related services that Windows Update requires to function correctly. They can sometimes glitch out or crash and trigger the 0x80070643 installation error.Rule that out by restarting all three services using the Services app. To do that:
2. Reboot PC and Retry Update
2. Reboot PC and Retry Update
Restarting your PC is another quick way to fix Windows Update’s 0x80070643 error. If you haven’t already, open the Start menu and select Power > Restart. Then, head back to Windows Update and reinstall the update.
3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Try running the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter if the 0x80070643 error continues to show up. It can identify various issues stopping Windows Update from working and offers recommendations and automatic fixes to address update-related problems. To run the Windows Update troubleshooter:
4. Run .NET Framework Repair Tool
4. Run .NET Framework Repair Tool
Does the 0x80070643 error only show up while installing Microsoft .NET Framework updates? If so, run the Microsoft .NET Framework Repair Tool to check for corrupt files and other issues with the current .NET Framework installation.
5. Reset Windows Update
5. Reset Windows Update
Windows Update caches various files and signatures in a couple of system folders called “SoftwareDistribution” and “catroot2.” The data inside can corrupt and trigger the 0x80070643 error.Force Windows Update to recreate the SoftwareDistribution folder and the Catroot2 folder to eliminate potential issues with data corruption. To do that:
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits
rename c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old rename %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits
6. Perform a Clean Boot
6. Perform a Clean Boot
If the 0x80070643 error persists, try installing the latest updates after clean booting Windows. It’s a process that prevents third-party services and startup programs from interfering with Windows Update. To do that:
7. Install Updates via Microsoft Update Catalog
7. Install Updates via Microsoft Update Catalog
If a clean boot doesn’t help, try installing the problematic update via the Microsoft Update Catalog. To do that:
8. Manually Update Windows Defender
8. Manually Update Windows Defender
If the 0x80070643 error shows up for Windows Defender definitions updates only, you can download and install without using Windows Update.To do that, visit the Microsoft Defender Antivirus updates page and scroll down to the Latest security intelligence update section. Then, download the latest definition pack for Microsoft Defender Antivirus that matches your operating system’s architecture and run the downloaded file.
9. Run an Anti-Malware Scan
9. Run an Anti-Malware Scan
Computer viruses often infect Windows Update to stop it from installing security fixes and anti-virus definitions. If Windows Update’s error 0x80070643 error continues to show up, it’s a good idea to rule out all possibilities of a potential malware infection.Instead of Windows Defender, using a potent third-party antivirus software solution to perform a thorough scan for viruses is the safest option. For example, the free version of Malwarebytes is an excellent choice at detecting and removing stubborn malware.
10. Run SFC Scan or DISM Tool
10. Run SFC Scan or DISM Tool
A corrupt Windows installation can also play a factor and result in Windows Update error 0x80070643. Running the System File Checker and the DISM tool can help fix issues with system files and improve stability. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin). Then, type sfc /scannow and press Enter to launch the System File Checker. Next, enter the following command and press Enter to invoke the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool. DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth After performing both scans, use Windows Update and check if error 0x80070643 recurs.
Error Code 0x80070643 Fixed
Error Code 0x80070643 Fixed
Error 0x80070643 is a relatively straightforward problem to fix compared to other Windows Update issues. For example, restarting Windows Update-related services, running the Windows Update troubleshooter, or clearing the Windows Update cache should always help. If not, running through the rest of the fixes definitely will. In the off-chance that none of them works, consider resetting your Windows installation to factory defaults.
