Fix Windows Update error 0x8007371c in Windows 511/10

If you’re encountering Windows Update error 0x8007371c on your Windows 11/10 computer, you can try our solutions we will present in this post to successfully remediate this issue. When you encounter this issue, you may receive the following error message;

ERROR_SMI_PRIMITIVE_INSTALLER_FAILED

The SMI primitive installer failed during setup or servicing.

Windows Update error 0x8007371c

If you’re faced with this issue, you can try our recommended solutions below in no particular order and see if that helps to resolve the issue.

Let’s take a look at the description of the process involved concerning each of the listed solutions.

1] Clear SoftwareDistribution folder

The Software Distribution folder in Windows 10 operating system is a folder located in the Windows directory and used to temporarily store files that may be required to install Windows Update on your computer. This solution requires you clear the contents of the Software Distribution folder and then retry the update process again. If the Windows Update error 0x8007371c is still unresolved, continue with the next solution.

2] Clear Catroot2 folder

Like SoftwareDistribution folder, Catroot2 and Catroot both folders are important for Windows updates. A catroot2 folder contains some important Windows update components. Any problem with it can cause Windows update failure. So, to repair some update-related issues, you will need to reset the catroot2 folder like the Software Distribution folder.

3] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

This solution requires you to run the inbuilt Windows Update Troubleshooter and see if that helps to resolve the issue.

2] Restart PC and rerun Windows Update

Having done the above, all you need do is to restart your computer and check for updates and try installing again. You’re most likely to complete the update without any errors.

5] Manually download the update from Microsoft Update Catalog

If that does not help, then this solution entails you manually download from the Microsoft Update Catalog, the update that is failing to install and consequently triggering the  error and then install the update on your Windows PC.

6] Perform Clean Boot and run Windows Update

A Clean Boot is performed to start Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps eliminate software conflicts that occur when you install a program or an update or when you run a program in Windows 11/10.

Any of these solutions should work for you!