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Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) – Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

Hub: Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub

Quick Answer
Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) occurs when Windows Update attempts to install a driver that is already installed or incompatible. To fix it, check if the driver is already installed, hide the problematic update using the Windows Update Show/Hide tool, manually install the driver from Device Manager, or download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website. If the error persists, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, and run SFC and DISM scans. For more Windows troubleshooting, visit our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Why Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) Happens

Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) is a Windows Update error that occurs when the system attempts to install a driver that is already present or incompatible with the current hardware. The error code 0x80070103 translates to ERROR_NO_MORE_ITEMS, indicating that Windows Update cannot proceed with the installation because the driver is already installed or not applicable to the system. For official Microsoft documentation, refer to the Microsoft Update Error Reference.

When Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) appears, it typically indicates that Windows Update is trying to install a driver that is already the best available version. This error is similar to other update errors like Windows Update Error 0x80070643 and Windows Update Error 0x80240020, but it specifically points to driver installation issues rather than system file corruption. Common triggers include Windows Update attempting to reinstall an already installed driver, outdated or incompatible drivers, and conflicts with existing driver versions.

Before diving into fixes, check which driver is failing by clicking on the update in Windows Update history. If the driver is already working correctly, you may simply need to hide the update. For a broader overview of Windows errors, see our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

⚠️ Warning: Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) is usually harmless and does not indicate a system failure. However, if you are missing a critical driver update, you should install it manually from the manufacturer’s website.

1. Check for Existing Driver Version

The most common cause of Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) is that the driver is already installed. Before attempting other fixes, verify the current driver version.

  1. Open Device Manager (right-click Start and select Device Manager).
  2. Find the device for which the driver update failed.
  3. Right-click the device and select Properties.
  4. Go to the Driver tab and note the Driver Version and Driver Date.
  5. Check Windows Update history (Settings > Windows Update > Update history) to see which driver version was attempted.
  6. If the version is the same or older, the error is simply indicating that the driver is already installed.

✅ Expected Result: If the driver is already installed, you can safely ignore or hide the update. If a newer driver exists, proceed to the next method.

2. Hide the Problematic Driver Update

If Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) keeps appearing for a driver you do not need, you can hide the update to prevent it from attempting installation again.

  1. Download the Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter from the official Microsoft website.
  2. Run the tool and click Next.
  3. Select “Hide updates”.
  4. Check the box next to the problematic driver update.
  5. Click Next and the tool will hide the update.
  6. Alternatively, you can right-click the update in Windows Update and select Hide update (if available).

💡 Quick Tip: If you later need the update, you can run the tool again and select “Show hidden updates” to unhide it.

3. Install Driver Updates Manually from Device Manager

Instead of relying on Windows Update, you can manually install the driver directly from Device Manager to avoid Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error).

  1. Open Device Manager.
  2. Right-click the device and select Update driver.
  3. Select “Browse my computer for drivers”.
  4. If you have the driver file downloaded, browse to its location.
  5. Alternatively, select “Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer” and choose the compatible driver.
  6. Click Next and allow the installation to complete.

❌ Common Mistake: Forgetting to restart your PC after manually installing a driver. Always restart to ensure the driver loads correctly.

4. Download and Install Drivers from Manufacturer Website

Manufacturers often release drivers that are newer than those available on Windows Update. Downloading directly from the source can resolve Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) and ensure you have the latest version.

  1. Visit the official website of your device’s manufacturer (e.g., Intel, NVIDIA, AMD, Dell, HP, ASUS).
  2. Navigate to the Support or Drivers section.
  3. Enter your device model or use the auto-detect tool.
  4. Download the latest driver for your operating system.
  5. Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions.
  6. Restart your PC after installation.

🔁 Alternative Solution: For graphics drivers, use tools like GeForce Experience (NVIDIA) or Adrenalin (AMD) to automatically detect and install the latest drivers.

5. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common causes of Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error).

  1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Find Windows Update and click Run.
  3. Allow the tool to scan for issues and apply fixes.
  4. Restart your PC after the troubleshooter completes.

💡 Quick Tip: If the troubleshooter is not available, you can run it from Command Prompt: msdt.exe -id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic.

6. Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

Corrupted update cache in the SoftwareDistribution folder can cause Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error). Clearing it forces Windows to download fresh update files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Stop update services:
    net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
net stop msiserver
  3. Delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder:
    del /f /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\*.*
  4. Also clear the Catroot2 folder:
    del /f /s /q C:\Windows\System32\catroot2\*.*
  5. Restart services:
    net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptSvc
net start msiserver
  6. Restart your PC and check for updates again.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder will erase your update history, but installed updates remain unaffected. This is a safe and effective method to fix Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error).

7. Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted system files can interfere with driver installations and cause Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error). Running SFC and DISM repairs system files and the component store. For a complete guide, see our How to Use DISM Windows 11 article.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run DISM to repair the component store:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for the process to complete (15-20 minutes).
  4. Then run SFC:
    sfc /scannow
  5. After both scans finish, restart your PC and try updating again.

✅ Expected Result: SFC and DISM will repair corrupted files, which often resolves Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error).

8. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Third-party antivirus or security software can block driver installations and trigger Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error). Temporarily disabling it can help identify if it is the cause.

  1. Open your antivirus application.
  2. Turn off real-time protection or pause protection temporarily.
  3. Also disable any firewall or VPN that may interfere.
  4. Attempt to check for updates again or install the driver manually.
  5. If the error is resolved, add Windows Update to the exclusion list.
  6. Remember to re-enable your security software after testing.

🔁 Alternative Solution: If you cannot disable your antivirus, try adding the Windows Update service or the driver installer to the exclusion list.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If none of the above methods resolve Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error), consider these advanced solutions.

Use the Windows Update Show/Hide Troubleshooter

As mentioned earlier, the Microsoft Show or Hide Updates tool can permanently hide problematic updates. Download it from the Microsoft Support website.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, which can eliminate conflicts. Press Win + R, type msconfig, go to the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” click Disable all, then disable startup items in Task Manager. Restart and test.

Perform a System Restore

If the error started after a system change, use System Restore to revert to a previous state. See How to Use System Restore Windows 11.

Use the Device Installation Settings

Change the device installation settings to allow Windows to download drivers from Windows Update. Open Control Panel > System > Advanced System Settings > Hardware > Device Installation Settings and select “Yes, do this automatically”.

Check for Malware

Malware can corrupt driver files and cause Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error). Run a full scan with Windows Defender Offline. For detailed steps, see How to Scan Malware Windows 11.

Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Repair Install)

An in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows while preserving your files and apps. Download the Windows 11 ISO, mount it, and run setup.exe. Choose “Keep personal files and apps.” This often resolves persistent Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error). This method is also effective for Windows Installation Failed in Safe_OS Phase and Windows 11 Update Stuck.

If you continue to experience issues, contact Microsoft Support or your device manufacturer. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Conclusion

Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) is a common but fixable driver installation error. The most reliable solutions are checking if the driver is already installed, hiding the update, manually installing from Device Manager, and downloading drivers directly from the manufacturer’s website. If the error persists, running the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder, and running SFC and DISM scans will usually resolve the issue. In most cases, this error is harmless and indicates that the driver is already up to date.

Regular system maintenance, such as keeping drivers updated and periodically checking system files, can prevent Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) from recurring. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub and check out related articles on How to Update Drivers Windows 11, Windows Update Error 0x80070643, and Windows Update Error 0x80240020.

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FAQ

What causes Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error)?

Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) is caused by Windows Update attempting to install a driver that is already installed or incompatible with the current hardware. It can also be triggered by corrupted update cache or third-party antivirus interference.

How do I fix Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error)?

Check if the driver is already installed, hide the update using the Show/Hide tool, install the driver manually from Device Manager, or download the latest driver from the manufacturer’s website.

Is Error 0x80070103 a serious problem?

No, Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error) is usually harmless and indicates that the driver is already installed or not applicable. However, if you are missing a critical driver, you should install it manually.

How do I hide a driver update in Windows 11?

Download the Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter, run it, select “Hide updates,” and check the box next to the problematic driver update.

Can I install drivers manually to avoid Error 0x80070103?

Yes, you can install drivers manually from Device Manager or download them directly from the manufacturer’s website to avoid Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error).

Can antivirus cause Windows Error 0x80070103?

Yes, third-party antivirus or security software can block driver installations and trigger this error. Temporarily disabling it can help identify the cause.

How do I clear the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Open Command Prompt as Administrator, stop the update services, delete the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, and restart the services.

Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Yes, it is safe. Windows will recreate it automatically. Deleting it forces Windows to download fresh update files and can resolve Windows Error 0x80070103 (Driver Update Error).

Can outdated drivers cause Error 0x80070103?

Yes, outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues that lead to this error. Always ensure you have the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.

What should I do if the error persists after all fixes?

If the error continues, try a System Restore to a point before the error appeared, perform an in-place upgrade to repair Windows without losing your files, or as a last resort, perform a clean installation of Windows.

HowToFixPro Editorial Team

We’re a team of system administrators, technical writers, and platform specialists who genuinely enjoy solving the problems most users find frustrating. From persistent Windows errors and Android sync failures to browser crashes and network drops — we’ve seen it all, and we document every fix properly. Our guides are built on official documentation, direct testing, and real troubleshooting experience. No filler, no guesswork — just reliable, step-by-step solutions you can trust.

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