Windows Update Error Code '0x80070643' in Windows 10

Error Code 0x80070643 occurs while the window is updating its defender. It is displayed on the screen with the message as “Definition Update for Windows Defender – Error 0x80070643“. The error causes the failure to update its defender. Hence, it stands for the indication of a fault in the installation process.

There may be appropriate downloading of Windows, but it is interrupted again and again by the pop-ups and disturbs it from installing properly and completely in the computer system.

What is Windows Update Error Code ‘0x80070643’?

Error code ‘0x80070643’ is a common issue in Windows 10 that usually occurs during the installation of system updates or security patches. This error signifies a failure in the update process, often related to .NET Framework installation, Windows Update services, or malware protection updates.

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Causes of the Error

The ‘0x80070643’ error can be attributed to several factors:

Faulty .NET Framework Installation: Problems with the .NET Framework, a crucial component for running various software, can lead to this error.
Corrupted System Files: Damaged or missing system files can disrupt the update process.
Malware Infections: Malware can interfere with system updates and security patches.
Issues with Windows Update Components: If the update components are not functioning correctly, it can trigger this error.
Conflicts with Installed Software: Certain applications, especially antivirus software, can conflict with the update process.

Impact of the Error

The implications of the ‘0x80070643’ error include:

Incomplete Updates: Critical updates may not install, leaving the system vulnerable to security risks.
System Performance Issues: Regularly encountering update errors can affect the overall performance and stability of Windows 10.
User Frustration: The recurring appearance of this error can be frustrating and time-consuming for users to resolve.

11 Ways to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070643

We have mentioned some of the 11 methods below that may solve the issue.

Solution #1 (Update Using Administrative Permissions)

It is necessary to take administrative permission to install the updates on your computer. So, if you have not created your account on your computer and working as a guest or lesser privileged account then, first sign up on your computer. If your computer belongs to a specific domain that you are unaware of, call your system administrator to help you with this.

Solution #2 (Use Troubleshooter)

For troubleshooting, apply the steps given below:

Step 1: Firstly, click on the start menu and search the word “Troubleshoot” in the search bar. The troubleshoot option will be displayed.

Step 2: Now, extend the Windows Update option & click on Run the Troubleshooter button. Then run the Windows update troubleshoots after reading the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Now, restart your computer and check if you can fix the Error Code 0x80070643 now.

Solution #3 (Restart Windows Installer Service)

The occurrence of Error Code 0x80070643 is due to some faulty configurations in the Windows install service of the computer system. The method you can try is to reinstall the Windows Installer service in your PC.

Step 1: Firstly, press Win + R altogether on your keyboard.

Step 2: Secondly, type “services.msc” and then tap on Enter to open the service Windows in your PC.

Step 3: Thirdly, click on the Windows Installer option and on restart.

Step 4: At last, see if your problem has been resolved or not.

Solution #4 (Install the Latest Version of .NET Framework)

The .NET framework has a key role in installing the latest system updates. So, if you don’t have .NET framework installed in your computer system or if it is outdated, then first install it or the latest version of it in your PC from Microsoft in your computer system. Follow the given steps to download the .NET framework:

Step 1: Firstly, go to the official website of the .NET framework.

Step 2: Secondly, select the latest updated .NET framework version. If downloaded, then you can also download the other older versions of the .NET framework if required.

Step 3: Now click on the download option and let the process begin. Open the installed file, whether in your PC or laptop to install it completely after following the given instructions on it.

Step 4: Last, when you have downloaded the program completely, check for the Windows updates now and see if you are able to update the Windows in your computer system or not.

Solution #5 (Manually Update Windows Defender)

Step 1: In the beginning, press Windows + Q keys altogether on your keyboard. Then search for Windows defender.

Step 2: Next, click on Virus & Threat Protection option under Protection areas.

Step 3: Thirdly, click on Virus & threat protection updates button. Now, go for the option Check for updates. It will then take some time to download the latest updates available in your computer system.

Step 4: And last, reboot the computer and save the changes you have made in your computer system.

Alternate method:

You can also use the command prompt in your computer system to update the Windows defender. To apply this method follows the steps:

Step 1: First, press Windows + X keys simultaneously. Then choose Command Prompt (Admin).

Step 2: Then, type the command given below in cmd and press Enter key after typing each one of them:

"%PROGRAMFILES%\Windows Defender\MpCmdRun.exe" - Remove Definitions -All

"%PROGRAMFILES%\Windows Defender\MpCmdRun.exe" – SignatureUpdate

The process will take place after the command is entered.

Step 3: Last, close the cmd and reboot your system now.

Solution #6 (Run SFC)

The existence of corrupt or malicious files in your computer system is the cause of creating error. Due to this reason, the Windows may fail to update and hence creating Update Error Code 0x80070643. In this case, the SFC scan is the useful tool to scan all the corrupted files and replace them with the right files in your computer system.

Step 1: Press Windows key + X simultaneously at first. Then select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.

Step 2: After that, type “SFC /scan now” in the command prompt and press enter. Wait for some time until the scanning is complete.

Step 3: And last, install system updates now. If it is installing then, 0x80070643 error has fixed now.

Solution #7 (Use System Restore Feature)

The system restores feature will restore the Windows updating system and makes it stable and working like before. The process is convenient to use and does not cost any data or information. Though, the drivers or applications you have installed after restore point may get deleted after that.

So if you are facing the Error Code 0x80070643 on your computer screens during the installation of Windows Update, create a system restore point and then use your computer without any error.

Solution #8 (Reset the Components of Windows Updates)

Step 1: First, press Windows key + X simultaneously. Click on the command prompt (admin).

Step 2: Then type the commands mentioned below and hit the Enter key after each one to stop Windows Update Services:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

Step 3: After that, type the commands given below to rename the Software Distribution Folder. Press “Enter” key after each one:

Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.oldRen C:\Windows\System32\Catroot2 catroot2

Step 4: After that, type the given commands to start the Windows Update Services. Press “Enter” key after typing each command:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Step 5: Finally, reboot your computer system and save all the save changes you have made. Now, check if the error 0x80070643 is still showing or not.

Solution #9 (Run SubInACL Tool)

Many Windows XP or Windows Vista users are aware of the fact that a bug involves .NET Framework 2.0 that persists due to incorrect access control list permissions on registry hives that leads to causing hindrance for some applications from getting installed.

The SublnACL tool is used in that case to solve the issue by repairing the corrupt file registry permissions that are necessary to install.MSI based setups.

Step 1: Firstly, Download SubInACL tool & install it on your system. This tool will install into:

C:\ProgramFiles\Windows Resource Kits\Tools

Step 2: Then go to the file and copy-paste the code in the notepad file. After that, go to the option file then “Save As” to save the file.

Step 3: Later, name it as reset.cmd. At last, changes file type to All Files. Then right-click on the Script → Run as administrator.

Step 4: Wait till the reset.cmd script completes. Try installing the software which failed to get installed on your computer earlier.

Method #10 (Uninstall Windows Defender Update)

The idea of using the system Windows restore on Windows 10 is vague. However, regular rebooting of the computer system also makes it irritating for the users. Therefore, if you are having the same circumstances and getting the error code 0x80070643 on the computer screen.

Then, you should go for the method of removing Windows defender update and get back to the early state of the window. To do that, follow the given steps:

Step 1: Firstly, Press Windows + R keys simultaneously to open the Run window. Then type “appwiz.cpl” and hit Enter to open Programs and Features.

Step 2: Then, click on View Installed Updates icon displayed on the left side of your screens.

Step 3: Now, scroll down to Microsoft Windows. Then right-click on the Windows Defender or KB4054517 Update, which is the cause of the error code 0x80070643.

Step 4: Finally, click on Uninstall and restart your PC to check if your issue has been resolved or not.

Solution #11 (Disable Antivirus Program)

There is a possibility of having interruption between the antivirus program you have installed in your computer system and the Windows update you wish to install. You need to disable your Antivirus first and then check whether the issue is fixed or not.

Step 1: Firstly, right-click on the icon of Antivirus you are using in your PC and select the option to Disable.

Step 2: Select the time period you wish to disable the Antivirus. The recommended time period is between 15 to 30 minutes.

Step 3: Run Windows Defender. See if the message Windows Defender Update fails with the Error Code 0x80070643 has vanished or not.

FAQs

Q: Is the ‘0x80070643’ error a sign of a virus or malware infection? A: While it can be caused by malware, this error is more commonly associated with issues in system updates or software conflicts.

Q: Can this error prevent my PC from booting up? A: Typically, this error does not affect the booting process of your PC but is related to the update process.

Q: Should I reinstall Windows to fix this error? A: Reinstalling Windows is a last resort. It’s advisable to try other troubleshooting methods listed above first.