Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension Install error in Windows 11

Some users are reporting that when trying to install the Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension, they see an Install error accompanied by error code 0x80070103 in Windows 11. In some cases, it may even show as successfully installed under the Windows Update section, while the Reliability Monitor says, Failed Windows Update. This can be annoying as we have no clue as to what may be causing this issue, although it’s clear that it’s related to the Realtek audio drivers.

What is Realtek install error 0x80070103?

As the error suggests, the install error 0x80070103 is a Windows Update error and is related to the damaged or outdated Realtek audio drivers. However, there could be other reasons we may see the error, for example, outdated OS version, interruption during the update process, or corrupted update cache.

This issue may not have a direct impact on the regular functioning of the system. However, it can be annoying since the update may keep processing and notifying us repeatedly unless resolved.

Fix Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension Install error

While restarting your PC & router or disabling the antivirus temporarily may help, if it does not, try the following suggestions to fix Realtek Install error 0x80070103:

1. Clear the contents of the Software Distribution folder
2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
3. Rollback Realtek Sound drivers
4. Install the driver update manually from the Realtek website
5. Use the Microsoft Show/Hide tool.

1] Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder

Clearing the cache from the SoftwareDistribution folder will clear any corruptions created.

TIP: Our portable freeware FixWin allows you to reset this and most other Windows settings or functions with a single click.

2] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Head over to Settings ( Win + I) > Troubleshooter > Other trouble-shooters > Most frequent > Windows Update > Run.

The Windows update Troubleshooter will detect any anomalies in the Windows Update files and if any are found, it will apply the fix automatically.

Read: Windows Update Troubleshooter not working

3] Rollback the Realtek audio driver

• Press the Win + R keys together to open the Run dialog.
• Type in devmgmt.msc and hit Enter to launch the Device Manager.
• Next, expand the Sound, video, and game controllers section, right-click on Realtek driver, and select Properties.
• Now, in the Properties window, under the Driver tab, press the Roll Back Driver button.
• Now, wait till the driver reverts to the previous version, close Device Manager, restart the PC, and try installing the update again.

4] Install the driver update manually

If the above methods fail to fix the issue, we can update the driver to the latest version manually. For that, we can either visit the official website for Realtek to download and install the Realtek drivers.

Read: How to download and reinstall Realtek Audio Manager.

5] Use the Microsoft Show/Hide tool

If none of the above methods work, the best option now would be to hide the tool. In this case, we can use the Microsoft Show/Hide tool or PowerShell to block unwanted Windows Updates and notifications. Since it’s not a crucial update, we can bypass it by hiding the annoying notifications.

Read: Fix Install Realtek HD Audio Driver Failure, Error 0xC0000374

What is error 0x80070103 on Realtek Windows 11 install?

Error 0x80070103 is a Windows Update error preceded by the message, “Realtek Semiconductor Corp Extension Install failed.” Windows Updates usually come with a driver update also, to ensure that it matches the OS requirements. However, if it’s not compatible with the OS version, if you are trying to install an outdated driver, or if the driver is already installed, Windows will trigger the error.