Fix Windows 11 Error 0x80070437: Step-by-Step Guide

The dreaded Windows Update error 0x80070437, often accompanied by the message “There were some problems installing updates…”, can halt critical system updates, leaving your computer vulnerable. This error usually points to service permission issues or misconfigured system services, particularly the Windows Defender Firewall. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to resolving this error, restoring your ability to install crucial updates and maintaining your system’s security.

1. Enable and Configure Windows Defender Firewall Service

A disabled or incorrectly configured Windows Defender Firewall is the most common cause of error 0x80070437. Ensuring this service is running correctly with the proper permissions is crucial for Windows Update to function.

Steps:

1- Open the Run dialog (Windows key + R), type services.msc, and press Enter.

2- Locate “Windows Defender Firewall” in the list, double-click it to open its properties.

3- Go to the “Log On” tab. Select “This account,” enter Local Service as the account name. If your system is password-protected, enter your password twice. Click “Apply.”

4- Switch to the “General” tab. Set “Startup type” to “Automatic.” Click “Start” if the service isn’t running, then click “OK.”

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can identify and fix common update issues.

Steps:

1- Open Settings (Windows key + I). Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.

2- Select “Windows Update” and click “Run the troubleshooter.”

3- Follow the on-screen instructions. Restart your computer if prompted.

3. Reset Windows Update Components

Corrupted update components can trigger error 0x80070437. Resetting these components can resolve the issue.

Steps:

1- Open Command Prompt as administrator (search for “cmd,” right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).

2- Execute these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

3. Close Command Prompt and restart your computer.

4. Check and Repair System Files

Corrupted system files can prevent services from running correctly. Use System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) to repair them.

Steps:

1- Open Command Prompt as administrator.

2- Run sfc /scannow. Restart your PC after the scan.

3- If the error persists, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Restart your PC after this process completes.

5. Free Up Disk Space

Insufficient disk space can prevent updates from downloading or installing.

Steps:

1- Open Settings, go to System > Storage to check disk usage.

2- Use the Disk Cleanup tool (search for it in the Start menu) to remove temporary files, system cache, and other unnecessary files.

6. Manually Download and Install Updates

If other methods fail, manually install the updates.

Steps:

1- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history to find the failed update’s KB number.

2- Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for the KB number.

3- Download the update matching your Windows version and system architecture. Run the installer.

Conclusion: By systematically following these steps, you can effectively address Windows Update error 0x80070437. Regularly checking your system’s service configurations and performing system file checks can help prevent future update interruptions and keep your Windows system secure and up-to-date.