This comprehensive guide from Partition Magic addresses the Windows update error 0x8007001C and provides clear, simple solutions to fix the issue. If you're facing this error, follow the methods outlined below to resolve it.
Windows updates are mainly to improve the performance of the operating system, enhance security, fix known vulnerabilities, add new features, and enhance the user experience.
By regularly updating our computers, we can fix errors and vulnerabilities in the system, protect the computer from viruses and malware, and ensure hardware and software compatibility.
However, sometimes you may encounter update error 0x8007001C. In the next section, I will show you some possible fixes for this error.
How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x8007001C
Before you begin troubleshooting, it’s important to identify the cause of error code 0x8007001C. After conducting some research, I found that it could be caused by the following factors.
- Driver issues
- Improper system shutdown
- Corrupted or missing system files
- Malware or virus infections
- Corrupted Windows components and services
Method 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The Windows update troubleshooter is designed to fix issues that block Windows updates. You can run it first to check if it can resolve the error 0x8007001C.
Step 1: Press the Win + I keys together to open Settings and go to Update & Security.
Step 2: In the Troubleshoot tab, click the Additional troubleshooters from the right panel.
Step 3: Choose Windows Update under Get up and running and click Run the troubleshooter.

Method 2: Reset Windows Update Components
You can attempt to reset the Windows Update components to resolve the issue. Simply follow the steps outlined below.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run window. Input cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to run Command Prompt as administator.
Step 2: Type the following command and hit Enter key after each to stop the Windows Update components.
- net stop wuauserv
- net stop cryptsvc
- net stop bits
- net stop msiserver
Step 3: Now, you need to type the following command line and press Enter after each.
- ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
Step 4: After renaming the folders, you should restart the components mentioned earlier. Simply enter the following command, and remember to press Enter after each command.
- net start wuauserv
- net start cryptsvc
- net start bits
- net start msiserver
Method 3: Run SFC and DISM
Corrupted system files could be responsible for the Windows update error 0x8007001C. In this case, running both SFC and DISM scans sequentially can help fix the issue.
Step 1: Open the Search window, type “cmd” in the search box, right-click Command Prompt under Best Match, and then select Run as administrator.
Step 2: In the elevated Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press the Enter key.
Step 3: After the process is finished, restart your PC and see if the error is fixed. If not, proceed by initiating a DISM scan. Here are the DISM commands:
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Checkhealth
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Method 4: Disable Antivirus Software
Sometimes, antivirus software may interfere with your activities while you are updating your system. You can temporarily disable it and see if you can update Windows successfully.
Step 1: Right-click the Start icon and choose Task Manager.
Step 2: Navigate to the Startup tab from the top, and find your antivirus software. Then right-click on it to choose Disable.
Method 5: Install Updates in Safe Mode
Certain software conflicts or driver issues can also cause Windows update error 0x8007001C. You can try booting Windows into safe mode to see if it updates correctly.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R key together, input msconfig in the box, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Go to the Boot tab. Under Boot options, tick the Network option, and click OK.

Step 3: Once your computer boots into safe mode, you can attempt to download and install the update again.
Bottom Line
This guide explains what causes error code 0x8007001C to occur and provides ways to resolve it. Hopefully, the five solutions outlined above will assist you. Thank you for your time!
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