How to Fix Windows Update STATUS_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT Error

Regular system updates from Microsoft are essential for improving the Windows operating system. These updates address bugs, enhance security, fix errors, and introduce new features, making it crucial to install them for optimal system performance.

However, Windows Update has always been prone to a wide range of errors. All you need to do is read through various online discussion threads to find out how popular Windows Update errors are. There are times when Windows Update does not show any available updates even though one has been released recently. Installing an update could even lead to the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD), get you stuck in a restart loop, or crash your system altogether.

Every error that occurs is accompanied by a code, which gives users some clues as to what the error is all about and what caused it. Other common Windows Update error codes include 0x8024402c and 0x803F8001.

Another popular Windows Update issue is STATUS_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT, which is associated with error code 0x80073712. This error prevents Windows users from installing an update or causes Windows Update to freeze during installation.

The typical advice when the STATUS_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT error occurs is to do a clean install of the operating system. But what if your computer contains important files that you have not backed up? Doing a clean install will completely wipe your drive clean, so retrieving your data will be almost impossible. Plus, reinstalling your programs and reconfiguring your system means additional work and more hassle.

Fortunately, there are other not-so-known ways of dealing with a STATUS_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT error. We’ll go through each of these solutions and show you how to implement them step by step.

What Is STATUS_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT Error?

Before we jump to the fixes, it is important to understand first what this error is all about, what causes it, and how it affects your system.

Error 0x80073712 is not a new Windows issue. This error happens whenever you try to install a software or an update, and it has been around since Windows 7. Recently, Windows 10/11 users encountered this error when attempting to install Cumulative Update KB3194798 (released on October 2016) and KB4467691 (released on November 2018).

According to the error code, this problem is associated with a corrupt or broken Windows component store, which is located in the subfolder WinSxS. The Windows Component Store supports the functions necessary to customize and update the system. When you see this error, it means that one of the files in the WinSxS folder could be missing, damaged, or corrupted.

However, we also can’t ignore the fact that a different element could be causing the error. With that in mind, we have listed down different ways to fix STATUS_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT error.

How to Fix STATUS_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT Error

Before you try to find the best solution for STATUS_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT error, it is crucial to back up all your important data first in case something goes wrong with the troubleshooting process. Once you have saved everything that you need, restart your computer to recondition your system. A simple restart is usually enough to fix simple issues caused by temporary system glitches. But if a reboot does not work, go ahead and try the solutions below.

Solution #1: Run System File Checker.

The first approach to repairing any damaged Windows system file is to run the System File Checker (SFC). This built-in troubleshooting tool scans your computer for damaged system files, including Windows component store, and tries to repair them if possible.

To run SFC, follow the steps below.

1. Press Windows + X keys or right-click on Start to launch the Power Menu.
2. Choose Command Prompt. The Power Menu launches Command Prompt with administrator privileges so you have full access.
3. Type in the following command in the console window, then hit Enter:

sfc / scannow

Wait until the process is complete. System File Checker will automatically try to repair any damaged files found during the scan.

Solution #2: Run DISM.

Sometimes, running SFC is not enough to fix the broken component store. In this case, you need to run a deeper scan using Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). This tool can check Windows component store’s integrity and repair any damaged files.

Follow these instructions to run DISM:

1. Launch Command Prompt using the instructions above.
2. Type in the following commands line by line, then press Enter after each command:
   • Dism /online /cleanup-image /ScanHealth
   • Dism /online /cleanup-image /CheckHealth
   • Dism online /cleanup-image /RestoreHealth

The first command checks the component folder for damage, the second one checks whether the damaged components can be repaired, and the third command tries to fix the broken packages using internal methods.

Solution #3: Delete Junk Files From Your Computer.

Deleted files don’t actually get deleted completely and stay in your system as junk files. Aside from consuming precious storage space, these unnecessary files can interfere with your system processes, such as software updates and installations. If you’ve been using your computer for quite some time, you’ve probably accumulated lots of junk files already, preventing you from updating your system successfully.

Deleting junk files manually is not possible because these files are often located in folders that are not easily accessible. What you can do is use a reliable PC management app that scans your computer for junk files and gets rid of them completely. Once you have cleaned up your computer, try running Windows Update again to check if the error still exists.

Solution #4: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter.

Microsoft’s tech team has probably anticipated that Windows Update will be riddled with errors. So they came up with a tool dedicated to fixing Windows Update problem: the Windows Update Troubleshooter. You can download the standalone app from Microsoft’s Download Center, install the app, and let it do its work.

You can also access it via Control Panel. To do this:

1. Click Windows + X to launch the Power Menu.
2. Click Control Panel > System and Security.
3. Click the Fix problems with Windows Update link.
4. Click Advanced.
5. Tick off Apply repairs automatically, then click the Run as administrator link.
6. Click Next to start the troubleshooting process.

Running the troubleshooter fixes most issues related to Windows Update, including STATUS_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT error.

Solution #5: Restart Windows Update Services.

If the above fixes fail, then this is the next solution. To do this:

1. Click Start, then type in services.msc in the search box.
2. Hit Enter to launch the top most result.
3. In the Services window, look for Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), right-click on it, then select Stop.
4. Next, look for Windows Update, right-click on it, and then click Stop.
5. Go back to your desktop and press Windows + R to launch the Run dialog.
6. Type in %windir%\SoftwareDistribution in the dialog box, then hit OK.
7. Delete everything inside the folder that opens.
8. Go back to the Services window and restart BITS and Windows Update. Right-click each of these entries, then click Start.

This should restart Windows Update Services and fix any error you are having.

Summary

Microsoft is continuously working to improve the Windows operating system. But errors such as STATUS_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT can make users think that sometimes these updates aren’t helping at all. These errors may not be critical, but they prevent you from updating your system. This is dangerous just the same.

If you encounter the STATUS_SXS_COMPONENT_STORE_CORRUPT error, you can apply any of the solutions above to resolve this problem. Eventually it will help get Windows Update running smoothly once again.