Fix Windows 10/11 Update Error 0x80071160

Windows Updates are rolled out to protect Windows users from malicious attacks. However, there are times when they cause errors. One such error is the Windows Update error 0x80071160.

If you cannot install a pending Windows 10/11 update because of the Windows update error 0x80071160, then this article is for you. Here, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about the error code, including its causes and possible solutions.

About the Windows Update Error 0x80071160

According to affected users, the error mostly occurs because of corrupted Windows Update components or system glitches. But then again, Windows experts also point out that the following can also trigger the error code to show.

What causes update error 0x80071160 on Windows 10/11?

• Incorrect date and time settings
• Missing Automatic Updates or Background Intelligent Transfer service
• Trojan, viruses, and other malware entities
• Faulty Windows Update

Update Error 0x80071160 Resolutions

If you encounter the Windows Update error 0x80071160, try our recommended fixes below. For better results, we suggest that you follow them in the order presented.

Fix #1: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Many users have reported that the error has been fixed by simply running the Windows Update Troubleshooter. This tool is designed by Microsoft to automatically identify and fix errors.

To run the troubleshooter, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Start menu.
2. Choose Settings.
3. Go to Update and Security and select Troubleshoot.
4. Navigate to the right pane and choose Additional troubleshooters.
5. Click Windows Update, and then hit the Run the troubleshooter button.
6. At this point, the repair process should begin. It may take a while to complete the repair process. Once done, restart your PC and attempt to install the update again.

Fix #2: Erase the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder

Another possible fix involves clearing the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder. Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch the Run dialog box by pressing the Windows + R keys.
2. Into the text field, input cmd. Do not hit Enter. Instead, press CTRL + SHIFT + ENTER altogether.
3. If prompted for permissions, hit Yes.
4. Into the elevated command prompt, run the following commands one after the other:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop bits

These commands will stop the Background Intelligent Transfer service, as well as the Windows Update service.

5. Next, open File Explorer by pressing the Windows + E keys.
6. Go to this location: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
7. Select all the contents in this folder and delete them.
8. Once the files have been deleted, run these commands and hit Enter after each one of them:
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start bits

These commands will restart the Background Intelligent Transfer service and the Windows Update service.

9. Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.

Fix #3: Download and install the Windows Update manually

If the error persists after deleting the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder, then try to download and install the Windows Update manually.

Here’s what you should do:

1. Launch the Windows 10/11 Update History page.
2. Navigate to the left pane and choose your Windows edition.
3. Scroll down to the In This Release section and click the above link.
4. Next, check the right pane and take note of the KB number.
5. Now, open your favorite browser and visit the official Microsoft Update Catalog website. On the site, search for the KB number you have just noted.
6. Hit Enter to display a list of related updates. Choose one that matches your system architecture.
7. Click Download, and then press the top-most link on the page.
8. Once the download completes, double-click on the setup file and wait as Windows 10/11 updates.

Fix #4: Perform a clean boot

If none of the first few methods works, you may perform a clean boot to get rid of software issues that arise when you install a Windows Update.

Here’s how to proceed with a clean boot:

1. Right-click on the Windows menu and select Run.
2. Into the text field, input msconfig and hit Enter.
3. The System Configuration window will now open. Go to the Services tab.
4. Tick the box next to the Hide all Microsoft services option.
5. Hit the Disable All button.
6. Now, navigate to the Boot tab and tick the box beside the Safe boot option. Be sure the Minimal option is ticked as well.
7. Hit Apply then click OK to save your changes.
8. At this point, your PC will restart and boot into Safe Mode.
9. Finally, run the Windows Update utility by going to Settings > Update and Security > Windows Update > Check for Updates. Hopefully, the error code is gone.

Fix #5: Run an SFC scan

If the error persists, maybe it’s time to run an SFC scan using the Windows System File Checker utility. However, to use it, you will need to run the DISM tool first.

To do that, follow these instructions:

1. Go to the Windows menu and type Command Prompt.
2. Select Run as Administrator.
3. Into the command line, input this command: DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth. Hit Enter. This should clean and restore any corrupt system component. This may take a few minutes to run. You’ll know the process is done once you see the message “The operation completed successfully.”
4. After running a DISM scan, it’s time to proceed with an SFC scan. In the same command-line interface, input this command: sfc /scannow.
5. Hit Enter to start the scan.
6. Once errors are detected, they will be repaired right away.
7. Reboot your PC after both scans.
8. Finally, retry to install the Windows Update.

Final Thoughts

If all else fails, perhaps it’s just a problematic Windows Update. There are times when Microsoft releases faulty updates, so you might just want to skip them. We know that it’s not worth all the effort, but it happens anyway.

Then again, we still hope that one of the above methods has got you back on track and helped you update Windows. Let us know your thoughts below!