Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Error Code 0x80070103

0x80070103 Error: Incompatible Driver Detected During Update

Try it yourself, or Reach Out!

If you still need a hand, we’re just a plan away

What is the 0x80070103 Error?


The 0x80070103 error is a driver-related installation failure. It typically appears when Windows Update attempts to install a driver that is already present on your system or when it tries to install an incompatible version of a driver. This error doesn’t usually break your system, but it can block Windows from completing updates, which might delay important patches or prevent performance improvements. This error often surfaces when: You are checking for updates manually, and Windows tries to reinstall a driver. Automatic updates push duplicate or outdated drivers in the background. Windows attempts to install a driver meant for different hardware.

Causes

  • Duplicate driver installation – Windows attempts to reinstall an already existing driver.
  • Incompatible driver versions – The update contains a driver not suited for your hardware.
  • Outdated or corrupted drivers – Old or damaged drivers block new installations.
  • Third-party software conflicts – External driver update tools or security programs interfere.
  • Corrupted Windows Update components – Cache or system mismanagement can disrupt the installation.
  • Driver misclassification by Windows Update – Windows incorrectly identifies hardware and installs the wrong driver.

Resolution Steps




1. Hide or Block the Problematic Driver Update

  • Download the Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter from Microsoft.
  • Run it, and select the driver update causing the error.
  • Choose Hide update to prevent Windows from retrying.
  • This prevents recurring failures while allowing other updates to continue.

2. Update the Driver Manually via Device Manager

  • Press Win + X → Device Manager.
  • Locate the affected device, right-click, and select Update driver.
  • Choose Browse my computer for drivers → Let me pick from a list.
  • Select the most stable version of the driver.

3. Download Drivers from the Manufacturer’s Website

  • Download the latest stable driver compatible with your Windows version.
  • Install it manually and restart your PC.

4. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

  • Go to Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot.
  • Open Additional troubleshooters → select Windows Update.
  • Let it scan, detect, and automatically fix misconfigurations.

5. Clear Windows Update Cache & Components

  • Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

net stop wuauserv  

net stop bits  

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old  

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old  

net start wuauserv  

net start bits  

  • Retry Windows Update.

6. Perform a Clean Boot

  • Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
  • Under Services, check Hide all Microsoft services → click Disable all.
  • Disable unnecessary startup programs and restart.
  • Run Windows Update again to see if the error persists.

7. Use the Windows Update Assistant

  • Download the Windows Update Assistant from Microsoft’s official website.
  • Run the tool to install the latest updates.
  • This process skips problematic drivers and ensures your system stays updated.


We’re Here for You!


Follow our step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot the issue. Still need help?
Contact us and choose a plan, and our experts will take care of it for you.

Transparent Pricing

Simple, upfront pricing with no hidden fees or surprises

Endpoints

  • Desktops$49
  • Laptops$49
  • Mobile Devices (MDM)$19
  • Workstations$69
  • POS/Kiosks$49
  • Network Printers$29
  • Purchase Now

Network

  • Routes$29
  • Switches$15
  • Firewalls$29
  • Access Points$9
  • VPN Gateways$19
  • Load Balancers$49
  • Purchase Now

Server

  • On-Prem Servers$99
  • Virtual Servers$69
  • Cloud Servers$99
  • Storage Systems (NAS/SAN)$49
  • Backup Appliances$99
  •   
  • Purchase Now

Security

  • Endpoint Protection (EDR)$9
  • AV/Antimalware$9
  • Patch Management$9
  • Web Filtering$9
  • MFA$5
  •   
  • Purchase Now

BDR

  • Local Backup$49
  • Cloud Backup$49
  • DR Infrastructure$199
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • Purchase Now

Compliance

  • Policy Mgmt & Audits$149/month
  • DLP$5/user
  • IT Governance Tools$199/month
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • Purchase Now

NOC

  • 24/7 Monitoring$10/device
  • RMM Tools$3/device
  • MDR Service$25/device
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • Purchase Now

SOC & SIEM

  • Threat Intelligence$199/month
  • Cloud SIEM (Sentinel, etc.)$200–$1000+
  •   
  •   
  •   
  •   
  • Purchase Now

Helpdesk

Open a Ticket / Contact Us

Need help now or want to explore partnership options?

Subscribe our newsletter to stay updated!