The Windows Club

TheWindowsClub covers authentic Windows 11, Windows 10 tips, tutorials, how-to's, features, freeware. Created by Anand Khanse, MVP.

Fix 0x80071a2d Windows Update error

Download Windows Speedup Tool to fix errors and make PC run faster

Some Windows users may encounter the error code 0x80071a2d when trying to update Windows operating system to the latest version or build. If you’re facing a similar issue, you can try the solutions provided in this post to successfully resolve the issue.

Fix 0x80071a2d Windows Update error

Fix 0x80071a2d Windows Update error

If you’re facing this issue, you can try our recommended solutions below, which are listed in no particular order, and see if they help to resolve the issue.

  1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
  2. Clear SoftwareDistribution folder
  3. Manually download the update from Microsoft Update Catalog
  4. Install the update via Update Assistant or Media Creation Tool

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

Before you try the solutions below, first restart your Windows 10 PC and rerun Windows Update to see if the update operation is complete.

1] Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows Update Troubleshooter

Your first port of call is to run the inbuilt Windows Update Troubleshooter and see if that helps to resolve the Windows Update failed 0x80071a2d issue.

2] Clear SoftwareDistribution folder

rename or delete Software Distribution folder

The Software Distribution folder in Windows 11/10 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 to clear the contents of the Software Distribution folder and see if that helps to resolve the issue.

3] Manually download the update from Microsoft Update Catalog

Microsoft Update Catalog: Download, Save and Install Windows Updates

In this case, if you’re having issues downloading and installing updates via the Windows Update, you can manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog and then run the standalone installer to install the update on your Windows device.

4] Install the update via Update Assistant or Media Creation Tool

Windows Update can be installed via several other methods such as using the Update Assistant or Media Creation Tool.

For major updates like the Windows Feature Update, you can manually update it using the two mentioned tools.

Hope this helps!

Obinna@TWC

Obinna has completed B.Tech in Information & Communication Technology. He has worked as a System Support Engineer, primarily on User Endpoint Administration, as well as a Technical Analyst, primarily on Server/System Administration. He also has experience as a Network and Communications Officer. He has been a Windows Insider MVP (2020) and currently owns and runs a Computer Clinic.