Windows updates are crucial to maintain efficiency in your Windows system. However, trying to install and update your Windows software may be at risk of possible issues. One common example is the error code 0x800703ee.
Such error code will show the message “An unexpected error is keeping you from copying the file. If you continue to receive this error, you can use the error code to search for help with this problem. Error 0x800703ee: The volume for a file has been externally altered so that the opened file is no longer valid.”
There can be several factors that may influence the Windows update errors. It can be a glitch in the software upgrade installer itself or within the security. There can be corrupted files or network issues. Fortunately, these kinds of problems are easily resolved.
Possible Fixes to Try for Windows 11 Update Error Code 0x800703ee on PC
You can find below several methods that will help you troubleshoot the error code 0x800703ee when downloading Windows 11 update.
Perform a SFC and DISM scan
Launch the Command Prompt and run it as administrator. Enter the following command: sfc /scannow.
You can also do a DISM scan if the SFC function does not resolve the issue.
Open the Command Prompt with admin privilege. Enter the following command: exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth. Next, enter this command: exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
Turn On Volume Shadow Copy and Windows Backup Services
Open the Services window on your computer. Look for the Volume Shadow Copy service and right click on it. Select Start and click Properties. Head over to Dependencies and check that it is running. Do the same procedure with Windows Backup service.
Reinstall your USB Controller Device
On your Windows PC, launch the Device Manager. You can also use the Search option to look for it. Head over to the Universal Serial Bus controllers and expand the menu. Now, right click on the first controller and select Uninstall device. Click Yes to confirm.
Do these steps to all controllers. Restart your computer. After startup, reinstall the missing USB controllers.
Temporarily Turn Off Windows Defender
It may not be a recommended option but your antivirus may also cause the Windows update error. You can try to disable it temporarily and check if you can move forward with the update. Once successful, you can enable it back again.
To turn off your antivirus, open the Settings menu of your Windows PC. Go to System and Security. Head over to Windows Defender Firewall. Select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall.
Troubleshoot Windows Update
Launch the Windows Settings and go to the Troubleshoot option. Click Other troubleshooters. Look for Windows Update and click the Run button.
Do a Reset on Windows Update Components
Open the Command Prompt and run it as administrator. Enter the following commands:
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop cryptSvc
- net stop bits
- net stop msiserver
Next, enter the following command: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old. Then, enter this command: ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old.
Lastly, enter these commands:
- net start wuauserv
- net start cryptSvc
- net start bits
- net start msiserver
Restart your computer.
Perform a Clean Boot Process
Open System Configuration. You can do this by entering misconfig on the Search box. Navigate to the Services tab and check the box next to Hide all Microsoft services. Click Disable all.
Now, head over to the Startup tab. Click Open Task Manager and go to the Startup tab. Look for the task with a higher startup and right click on them. Select Disable. Do this to all tasks with higher startup. Once done. Close the Task Manager and click OK. Restart your computer.
In Summary
There can be different reasons why you encounter an error during Windows Update. The best way to identify these causes is to try to perform each solution one at a time and see if it resolves the problem or not.
