How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x8007371b

Seeing the Error 0x8007371b message while trying to update your Windows can be extremely stressful. This error has persisted throughout the years and through multiple Windows editions and versions. It also can affect Windows 10 users.

Why Am I Seeing the Error 0x8007371b?

The message usually appears as "Windows Update encountered an unknown error" or "Error 0x8007371b". It is generally associated with corrupt system files, which can prevent the update from being installed successfully. One possible cause for this notification is a corrupt Windows component store. This can happen if system files are deleted or become corrupted, which can prevent the installation of updates.

Another possible cause is a conflict with antivirus software. Some antivirus programs may interfere with the update process and prevent the update from being installed successfully. Additionally, recent malware infections can also cause update errors. Malware can damage system files, causing them to become corrupt or even deleting them entirely. In other cases, the message may be related to hardware issues such as faulty RAM or hard drive errors. These issues can prevent Windows from properly accessing system files, which can lead to updating issues.

This particular Windows Update Error 0x8007371b message indicates that some update files are either missing or have become corrupted, usually the ones contained in the WinSxS folder. Fortunately, several steps that can be taken to resolve the issue. However, due to the individual characteristics of each computer system, you may have to try several methods until you find the right one.

Run a DISM Scan

DISM stands for Deployment Image & Servicing Management and it is a built-in Windows tool that can repair corrupted system files. To initiate a DISM scan, do the following:

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard.
2. In the Run dialog window, type cmd and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter on your keyboard simultaneously. This will open an elevated Command Prompt.
3. In the Command Prompt, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and press Enter.
4. Wait for the process to complete and then try updating Windows once more.

Run an SFC Scan

Another Windows tool that could prove useful when dealing with Error 0x8007371b is the System File Checker (SFC).

1. Press the Windows + R keys.
2. Type cmd in the Run dialog box and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt window.
3. Type SFC /ScanNow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the process to complete, restart the computer, and see if the error has been resolved.

Clear the Windows 10 Update Cache Folder

1. Open the Run dialog box by pressing Windows + R on your keyboard.
2. Open an elevated Command Prompt window by typing cmd in the Run box and pressing Ctrl+Shift+Enter on your keyboard.
3. Type net stop wuauserv and press Enter.
4. Type rd /s /q %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution and press Enter to clear the cache folder.
5. To restart the Windows Update service, type net start wuauserv and press Enter.

Reset Windows Update Components Manually

1. Open Run by pressing Windows + R.
2. Open elevated Command Prompt by typing cmd in the Run box and pressing Ctrl+Shift+Enter.
3. Now, type the following commands in Command Prompt and press Enter after each one to execute it:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

4. Type ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old and press Enter.

5. Type ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old and press Enter.
6. Enable the stopped components by typing the following commands and pressing Enter after each one:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

7. Check if Error 0x8007371b has been fixed.

If the issue hasn't been fixed, make sure to address a professional. It is also strongly recommended to invest in a licensed malware removal tool to terminate malicious apps that could be responsible for this error message.