How to Fix Error 0x800700e1 on Windows

Error 0x800700e1 is a Windows Update and installation error that typically appears when a file is blocked by security software or when the system cannot verify a digital signature. This guide walks you through the most effective fixes, from clearing the update cache to adjusting security settings, so you can get Windows updating again.

What You’ll Need

Administrator access to the Windows PC
Internet connection (for downloading updates and tools)
Optional: a third-party antivirus or firewall program if you use one

Step-by-Step

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter. Open Settings (Win + I) → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters. Select Windows Update and click Run. Follow the prompts; this often fixes common update issues automatically.
Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder. This folder stores temporary update files. Corrupted files here can trigger error 0x800700e1.
a. Open Command Prompt as administrator (right-click Start → Terminal (Admin)).
b. Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
c. Type net stop cryptSvc and press Enter.
d. Type net stop bits and press Enter.
e. In File Explorer, navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all its contents. If files are in use, restart and try again.
f. Return to Command Prompt and type net start wuauserv, net start cryptSvc, net start bits (press Enter after each). Restart your PC and try updating again.
Run DISM and SFC scans. System file corruption can cause this error. In an elevated Command Prompt, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. Wait for completion (may take 15-30 minutes). Then run sfc /scannow and press Enter. Restart after the scans finish.
Temporarily disable third-party antivirus. Security software sometimes blocks update files. Right-click your antivirus icon in the system tray and look for “Disable” or “Pause protection.” Choose a short duration (e.g., 10 minutes). Try the update again. Re-enable your antivirus immediately after.
Check file permissions. The error can occur if the catroot2 folder is inaccessible. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run:
net stop cryptSvc
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start cryptSvc
Then try updating again.
Reset Windows Update components manually. If the above fail, use the Microsoft “Windows Update Reset” script (available from Microsoft’s official site). Download and run it as administrator, then restart and attempt the update.
Perform a clean boot. Non-Microsoft services can interfere. Press Win + R, type msconfig, go to the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” then click “Disable all.” In the Startup tab, open Task Manager and disable all startup items. Restart and try updating. Afterward, re-enable everything.
Use the Media Creation Tool. If updates still fail, you can upgrade Windows in place using the official Media Creation Tool. Download it from Microsoft’s website, run it, and choose “Upgrade this PC now.” This keeps your files and apps while repairing the OS.

Common Mistakes

Deleting the entire SoftwareDistribution folder – only delete its contents, not the folder itself, as Windows recreates it but may cause issues if removed.
Forgetting to restart services – after stopping services, you must start them again or Windows Update won’t work.
Not running Command Prompt as administrator – many commands will fail with “Access denied.” Always right-click and select “Run as administrator.”
Leaving antivirus disabled – never keep protection off for extended periods; re-enable it immediately after testing.
Skipping the DISM scan – SFC alone often misses deeper corruption; DISM must be run first.

Tips

Create a system restore point before making changes (search “Create a restore point” in Start).
Keep your PC plugged in during updates to avoid interruptions.
If you use a VPN, disconnect it temporarily, as it can interfere with update downloads.
Check that your system drive has at least 20 GB of free space for updates.
Run Disk Cleanup to remove temporary files before starting the update process.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after all steps:

Check for disk errors. Open an elevated Command Prompt and run chkdsk /f on your system drive (you’ll need to restart). This repairs file system issues.
Review the Windows Update log. Use Event Viewer (eventvwr.msc) → Windows Logs → System, filter by source “WindowsUpdateClient” and look for error details that might point to a specific driver or component.
Try manual download. If the error occurs for a specific update, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog (catalog.update.microsoft.com), search for the KB number, and download the standalone installer. Run it manually.
Use System Restore. If the problem started recently, restore your PC to a point before the error appeared.
Repair install. As a last resort, use the Media Creation Tool to do an in-place upgrade, which reinstalls Windows while keeping your files. If that fails, consider a full reset (Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC), but back up your data first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes error 0x800700e1?

It’s usually caused by corrupted update files, interference from antivirus software, or damaged system files. Sometimes it’s due to insufficient permissions on Windows Update folders.

Will I lose my files if I use the Media Creation Tool?

No, the “Upgrade this PC now” option preserves your personal files, settings, and installed apps. It’s a repair installation.

How long does the DISM scan take?

It can take 15 to 30 minutes or longer, depending on your system speed. Let it finish; don’t close the Command Prompt window.

Can I skip the clean boot step?

Yes, but it’s a useful diagnostic. If the error disappears after a clean boot, you know a third-party service is the culprit.

Is it safe to rename the catroot2 folder?

Yes, Windows will recreate it automatically. Renaming (not deleting) is safe and helps reset the update signature database.

What if the error appears when installing a specific program, not Windows Update?

The same fixes apply, but also try running the installer as administrator and temporarily disabling antivirus during installation.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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