If you encounter the error code 0x80070103 while installing drivers or updates on your device, follow these steps to understand the issue and find a solution.

What Causes the 0x80070103 Error?

The 0x80070103 error occurs when Windows Update tries to install a driver that is already installed on your system. This can happen when the device attempts to install an updated driver that differs from the version already present on your system, leading to a conflict.

Solution 1: Check for Duplicate Driver Versions

Sometimes, Windows Update might mistakenly offer the same driver version again, causing the error. To resolve this:

1. Open Device Manager by pressing Windows + X and selecting it.
2. Expand the Display Adapters or other relevant sections to find the driver in question.
3. Right-click on the driver and select Update Driver, then choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
4. If an update is found, let Windows install it; otherwise, check for driver updates manually from the device manufacturer’s website.

Solution 2: Pause Windows Update

If the error persists due to a duplicate driver offer, you can temporarily hide the update:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security.
2. Select Pause updates for a set period.
3. This will prevent the error from reappearing, but note that this is just a temporary workaround.

Solution 3: Report the Issue to Microsoft Feedback Hub

Since the 0x80070103 error is often caused by an issue with the driver version published by the device manufacturer, Microsoft will work with the relevant company to resolve the issue. The best course of action is to:

1. Open the Feedback Hub on your device.
2. Report the issue and include details about the driver and error code.
3. Wait for Microsoft and the manufacturer to release a corrected version of the driver.

Solution 4: Manual Driver Installation

If the issue is with a specific driver, you can manually download and install the correct version from the manufacturer’s website. This can bypass the Windows Update system that might be offering the incorrect version.

Conclusion

The 0x80070103 error is usually caused by duplicate driver versions being offered by Windows Update. While it can be frustrating, following the steps above will help resolve the issue. If the error persists, it is best to report it to Microsoft for further investigation and eventual resolution by the manufacturer.

For more “Windows 11” solutions, please check our Windows 11.