Windows Update not Downloading or Getting Installed, Error 0x80070543

When attempting to download and install Windows 10/11 OS updates, some users encounter a message accompanied by the Windows Update Error 0x80070543. There are various causes to this issue but the common culprit is misconfigured system files.

Discrepancies within system files occur because of various reasons. When an inexperienced user tampers with system files, they can become misconfigured. System files are used by various apps and programs to fetch relevant information. When misconfigured, the operating system and apps fail to fetch the necessary data to complete the task. Malware can also gain access to, and tamper with system files. This corrupts the system files, leaving them inaccessible.

What is the Error 0x80070543 on Windows 10/11

Windows Update is a built-in system utility that downloads and installs relevant OS updates and security patches. However, if the system files are corrupted, missing, or misconfigured, the feature fails to pull the necessary data to complete its task.

Considering that Windows 10/11 is more of service than a final product, it becomes a big issue if users fail to install updates. It also comes as a surprise that Microsoft hasn’t addressed this problem, considering that it has been around since Windows 7. Adding to that, the error message is vague, providing no description as to the actual cause of the update failure.

Fortunately, we have a couple of tricks in line that you can apply to try and alleviate the issue related to the Windows Update Error 0x80070543. Apply these solutions in their listing manner to improve effectiveness and efficiency.

How to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x80070543

Before diving too deep trying to fix this issue, you should be warned that this is a delicate component of the Windows 10/11 system. When mishandled, the system can be severely damaged such that you will have to reinstall the operating system.

Solution #1: Perform Windows Update troubleshooter

As always, the first thing to do when you come across issues related to Windows Update (WU) is run an inbuilt WU troubleshooter. The feature provides a less complex automatic fix and since it is provided by Microsoft, it is the safest approach. To launch this process, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the Windows Logo key before selecting the gear icon to open the Settings app.
2. On the left pane, hover down to the Troubleshooter tab and click on it.
3. On the right pane, look for Windows Update and click to highlight it.
4. Now, select Run the Troubleshooter and the system will begin to resolve problems that prevent you from updating Windows automatically.

Solution #2: Change Configurations in the Component Services

To resolve the Windows Update Error 0x80070543, follow the steps below:

1. Launch the Run dialog by simultaneously pressing Windows + R keys.
2. Type “dcomcnfg.exe” (no quotes) in the Run dialog and hit Enter to access Component Services.
3. On the left pane of the window, click to expand on Component Services.
4. Now, select the Computers tab before clicking on My Computer located in the middle pane.
5. Right-click on it and select Properties on the emerging menu.
6. Now, switch to the Default Properties window and confirm that Default Authentication Level is on Connect.
7. Choose Identify located under the Default Impersonation Level dropdown menu.
8. Click on Apply before selecting the OK button.
9. Reboot the device for changes to take effect and check if the issue has been resolved in the next startup.

Solution #3: Execute SFC or DISM Scans

As already indicated above, the issue may occur due to corrupt or missing system files. Running SFC and DISM scans will help replace the corrupted and missing files. To run the System File Checker, follow the steps below:

1. In the Start search field, type “cmd” (no quotes) and hit Enter.
2. Right-click on CMD from the emerging results and select Run as Administrator option to launch an elevated Command Prompt. You need administrator privileges to perform this type of scan hence the necessity to launch the utility with admin privileges.
3. Once the Command Prompt window is opened, paste the command line below followed by the Enter key.
   sfc /scannow
4. The SFC utility will begin to scan the entire system for any errors and this may take a while to complete. Make sure your computer does not switch off during the process as it may cause harm to the operating system.
5. Any corrupt or missing system files will be replaced on reboot.

If this doesn’t solve the issue, you may proceed and launch DISM scan utility. The Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management utility looks for any inconsistencies and corruptions within the system files and replaces them with fresh copies downloaded from the database. Therefore, the DISM tool requires a stable internet connection. Any network blackout may cause harm to the operating system.

To do so, follow the instructions below:

1. Access the Command Prompt with admin privileges using the above Steps 1 and 2.
2. Inside the Elevated Command Prompt window, insert the line below and hit Enter.
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. This takes an average of 15 minutes to complete. Once done, reboot the computer and check if the error has been fixed in the next startup.

Solution #4: Run a Complete System Anti-Malware Scan

Whenever system file corruption is concerned, malware should not be ruled out. The malicious program tends to acquire admin privileges without user knowledge. This gives the dubious programs ability to manipulate and corrupt system files.

By running a trusted Anti-malware security tool, you will be able to detect and get rid of any suspicious programs. Keeping such a security software tool active in the background will help avoid any future suspicious programs from invading your system. Once you have executed a full security system scan, you can then perform Solutions 1 and 3 to fix corrupt or missing system files.