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The dynamic nature of technology has its advantages and disadvantages. New developments bring us solutions to common problems, making our daily tasks more manageable. However, they can also bring frustrating issues that can be difficult to deal with. Windows, one of the most widely used operating systems, is not spared from such a problem.

Microsoft regularly rolls out updates that bring new and enhanced features to users. However, these updates can come with a myriad of issues, including the error 0x80071a91. So, what is error code 0x80071a91 on Windows 10? In this article, we will discuss that, providing you with workarounds that can help get rid of the error.

What is error code 0x80071a91 on Windows 10?

Before we discuss how to fix error 80071a91, let us take a closer look at the problem. In this way, you can effectively get rid of the issue, preventing it from occurring again. The error 0x80071a91 commonly shows up when a user upgrades from a lower Windows version to Windows 10. When it appears, it prevents the user from downloading and installing the latest updates. The error 80071a91 is one of the most common codes in Windows 8.1, but it is now showing up on Windows 10.

Keep in mind that if you neglect to address this issue, you might make your computer vulnerable to the latest security threats and attacks. So, make sure you read through this article to learn how to fix error 0x80071a91.

Method 1: Performing an SFC scan

One of the reasons why the error 0x80071a91 shows up is a problematic installation of the operating system. You might have corrupted or damaged system files or drivers in your computer. Thankfully, you can quickly fix them by performing an SFC scan. Just follow the instructions below:

  1. Press Windows Key+S on your keyboard.
  2. In the Search box, type “Command Prompt” (no quotes).
  3. From the results, right-click Command Prompt, then choose Run as Administrator.
  4. Once Command Prompt is up, type “sfc/scannow” (no quotes), then hit Enter.

You have to wait until the tool has located and repaired damaged files. Make sure you do not interrupt the process.

As we’ve mentioned, the error 0x80071a91 can be caused by corrupted drivers. So, we recommend using Auslogics Driver Updater after running an SFC scan. Using this tool ensures that all your drivers are updated to their latest manufacturer-recommend versions. In this way, you can prevent the error 0x80071a91 from showing up again.

Method 2: Installing Microsoft Hotfix

According to some users, installing Microsoft Hotfix enabled them to get rid of the error 0x80071a91. So, it wouldn’t hurt if you try doing the same. Just follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the Support section of the Microsoft site, then search for instructions on downloading updates that include drivers and hotfixes. You should be able to find a download link for Hotfix in one of the articles.
  2. Click the Hotfix Download option.
  3. Once you’ve downloaded Hotfix, install the program by following the prompts.
  4. Restart your computer.

Method 3: Running the troubleshooter for Windows updates

One of the great features of Windows 10 is the troubleshooter. The system has a dedicated troubleshooter for every common problem that users encounter. So, if you encounter the error 0x80071a91, you can use the Windows Update troubleshooting tool to get rid of the issue. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Click the Search icon on your taskbar.
  2. Type “Settings” (no quotes), then press Enter.
  3. Click Update & Security.
  4. Go to the left-pane menu, then click Troubleshoot.
  5. Select Windows Update, then click the Run the Troubleshooter button.

Once the repair process is complete, check if the error 0x80071a91 persists.

Method 4: Resetting the components of the Windows updates

Before you proceed, do note that this workaround involves modifying the registry. You have to know that the registry is a sensitive database. So, if you make the smallest mistake, you might cause more damage to your computer. Needless to say, follow the instructions with caution.

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+S.
  2. Type “Command Prompt” (no quotes).
  3. Right-click Command Prompt from the results, then select Run as Administrator.
  4. You must stop Windows Update, Cryptographic, BITS, and MSI Installer. To do this, run the following commands (after each command, press Enter):

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

  1. The next thing you have to do is renaming the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. Simply run the commands below:

Ren C:WindowssoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old

  1. Now, you can restart Windows Update, Cryptographic, BITS, and MSI Installer. Run the following commands:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

  1. Close Command Prompt by typing “Exit” (no quotes).

After following those steps, try downloading and installing the updates again.

Some users reported that they encountered Access Denied prompts when they tried to run the commands. If the same thing happens to you, follow the steps below:

  1. Log in the administrator account.
  2. Follow the instructions above in stopping the Windows Update service and renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder.
  3. Right-click Start, then select Run.
  4. In the Run dialog box, type “services.msc” (no quotes), then click OK.
  5. Look for the Windows Update service.
  6. Right-click it, then select Stop.
  7. Try resetting the components of the updates by following the steps above.
  8. Once the process is complete, go back to the Services window.
  9. Right-click Windows Update, then click Start.
  10. Restart your computer.

Method 5: Performing a clean boot

By performing a clean boot, you can start your computer without unauthorized programs running in the background. It is worth noting that the error 0x80071a91 can also show up due to software conflicts. So, it would be best if you perform a clean boot. You can do that by following these steps:

  1. On your keyboard, press Windows Key+R. This should open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type “msconfig” (no quotes), then hit Enter.
  3. Go to the Services tab, then select ‘Hide all Microsoft services’.
  4. Click Disable All.
  5. Click the Startup tab, then select Open Task Manager.
  6. Right-click every startup item and select Disable.
  7. Close Task Manager, then click OK in the System Configuration window.
  8. Restart your computer, then check if the error has been resolved.

Are you having trouble updating your system?

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