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What Should I Do When Windows 11 Update Fails with Error 0x80070103?
Microsoft finally said yes – they know about two big problems that have bugged Windows 11 users for years. These errors happen when you try to update your computer. The company just released fixes, but they warn us the solutions aren’t perfect.
The Main Problem Everyone Faces
Error 0x80070103 shows up when Windows tries to install drivers. Think of drivers as tiny programs that help your computer talk to things like printers or keyboards. This error has annoyed users since Windows 11 came out.
Over 1,000 people complained about this on Microsoft’s Feedback Hub. That might not sound like many people, but most users never bother to report problems. When 1,000+ people take time to complain, you know the problem is huge.
One user said the error happens every day. Their computer gets slower, takes longer to start, and programs run poorly.
Why This Happens
Windows shows error 0x80070103 when it tries to install a driver that’s already on your computer. It’s like trying to put the same app on your phone twice.
Before this fix, Microsoft told people to just ignore the error. They said it wouldn’t hurt anything. But users got tired of seeing scary error messages all the time.
Microsoft’s New Fix
The company released a patch in October 2025 that helps reduce these errors. The fix comes with update KB5067036. If you have Windows 11 version 25H2 or 24H2, you can get it now as an optional update.
Everyone else will get it automatically on November 11, 2025, when Microsoft releases their monthly security updates.
But here’s the catch – Microsoft admits they can’t completely fix the problem. The update should help, but some people might still see the error.
Another Error Gets Fixed Too
Microsoft also fixed error 0x800f0983. This one happens when regular Windows updates fail to install. Unlike the driver error, this one is completely gone now.
The same October update that helps with driver problems totally fixes the 0x800f0983 error.
What This Means for You
- You’ll see fewer driver update errors starting in November 2025
- Regular Windows updates should work better now
- Your computer might run smoother without constant failed update attempts
- You won’t need to reset Windows as often to fix update problems
The Downside
The October update also created a new problem. Task Manager (the program that shows what’s running on your computer) keeps running even after you close it. Microsoft says they’ll fix this in the next update.
Microsoft fixing these old problems shows they’re listening to user complaints. But it took years to get partial solutions. Users had to deal with broken updates and slow computers while waiting for fixes.
The good news? Fewer error messages mean less stress when updating your computer. The bad news? Some people will still see these errors, just not as often.