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# Getting Fatal error during installation (0x80070643)

#### What is this Error?

Error code **0x80070643** means “Fatal error during installation.”\
It usually appears when Windows fails to install an update. This is a common issue on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

<figure><img src="https://3345989476-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F4W53sGXVshiFAVkv8oQZ%2Fuploads%2Fs5WjtiDXru3bj6VwpiHZ%2Fimage.png?alt=media&amp;token=58daa65d-4d50-4e19-a816-b0d894225fde" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

#### When Does This Error Appear?

This error mostly shows up in these situations:

* While installing Windows Updates
* During Microsoft Defender security intelligence updates
* When installing .NET Framework updates
* Sometimes with Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) related updates

#### Why Does This Error Happen?

Here are the most common reasons:

* Windows Update cache is corrupted
* Important system files are damaged
* Not enough free space in the Recovery partition
* Microsoft Defender definitions are stuck or corrupted
* Third-party antivirus is blocking the update
* .NET Framework has issues

#### How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)

Follow these steps one by one. Most people solve the problem with the first few steps.

**Step 1: Restart Your PC**\
Restart your computer and check for updates again. Sometimes a simple restart fixes the issue.

**Step 2: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter**

* Go to **Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters**
* Find **Windows Update** and click **Run**
* Apply the fixes and restart your PC

**Step 3: Reset Windows Update Components**\
Open **Command Prompt as Administrator** and run these commands one by one:

text

```
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
net stop msiserver
ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %Systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start cryptsvc
net start msiserver
```

After running all commands, restart your computer and try updating again.

**Step 4: Repair System Files**\
Open Command Prompt as Administrator again and run:

text

```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow
```

Wait for both processes to complete, then restart your PC.

**Step 5: Extra Fixes (If Needed)**

* Temporarily disable your antivirus and try updating
* If the failed update is related to Microsoft Defender, reset Defender definitions
* Make sure your C: drive has enough free space

#### Final Tip

In most cases, **Step 2, Step 3, and Step 4** are enough to fix the 0x80070643 error. Follow the steps carefully and the update should install successfully.


---

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