Windows Update error 0x80070003: Path not found
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What the code means
The servicing stack can't access a specific path. (Windows Update common errors and mitigation)
The system cannot find the path specified. (System Error Codes (0-499))
Setup extended codes for 0x80070003
| Suffix | Phase | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0x20007 | SP_EXECUTION_SAFE_OS | Error in the SAFE_OS phase during the INSTALL_DRIVERS operation (phase 2, operation 7). (Windows 10 upgrade error codes) |
Code facts for 0x80070003
| Code as Windows shows it | 0x80070003 |
|---|---|
| Type | Win32 error code |
| Symbolic name | ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x80070003 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 2147942403 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -2147024893 |
| Severity | failure |
| Facility | 7 FACILITY_WIN32 |
| Windows error number inside this code | 3 ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND: The system cannot find the path specified. |
| Group | Windows Update errors |
Read with care
- Microsoft says these phase and operation values reflect the Windows 10 upgrade process (version 1607) and might change in later releases. (Windows 10 upgrade error codes)
Code facts: Windows Update common errors and mitigation (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Code facts: System Error Codes (0-499) (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Code facts: Windows 10 upgrade error codes (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Where this error shows up
This code shows up while Windows Update or a Windows upgrade is downloading, installing or setting up.
Applies to
Windows 11 (the upgrade errors page lists this code only in its Windows 11 tab). Other step groups give their own scope: Windows 10 only, IT pages.
Try these first
These steps carry no risk flag in the data. They keep the order of the full list below, which is not reordered. A step without a flag is not a promise that it is safe for your computer.
5 steps to try, in order
Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of 0x80070003 are not covered. 3 steps are flagged.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
Microsoft also gives general steps that cover this code: see the general steps in the Windows Update errors group. Each block there says which codes its Microsoft page gives the steps for.
From: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors
Source: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
Microsoft lists this code only in the Windows 11 tab of its upgrade and installation errors page.
Run the troubleshooter
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Reset Windows Update components
Changes services or policyReset the Windows Update components.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Clear the Windows Update cache
Can delete dataEmpty the Windows Update cache.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
From: Windows Update common errors and mitigation
Source: Windows Update common errors and mitigation (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Microsoft's common Windows Update errors table (written for IT professionals; applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11).
Find the path in CBS.log (IT)
Written for IT administrators.
The servicing stack can't access a specific path; this indicates an invalid path to an executable. Go to %Windir%\logs\CBS, open the last CBS.log, and search for ", error". Then match the results to the timestamp.
From: Error 0x80070003 at startup after you install a Windows update
Source: Error 0x80070003 at startup after you install a Windows update (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Microsoft's page for 0x80070003 at startup after installing a Windows update (written for IT professionals; applies to Windows client, Windows Server, Windows 365 and Azure VMs). It says to back up the operating system disk first.
In-place upgrade
Written for IT administrators.
Reinstalls Windows (in-place upgrade)The page calls an in-place upgrade on the affected computer the most reliable fix.
If the issue persists, contact Microsoft Support and share the path or file that isn't found.
Microsoft advises: In an in-place upgrade you choose what to keep: Keep personal files and apps keeps your files, apps and settings, Keep personal files only removes your apps, and Keep nothing removes everything. Back up your personal files before you reinstall. (Reinstall Windows with the installation media)
Stop and get help
If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.
Dates and review
| Automated checks | first check: ; second check: ; third check: ; fourth check: |
|---|---|
| Microsoft pages read |
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| Review status | Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on . |