Windows Update error 0x80071A91: ERROR_RM_NOT_ACTIVE
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What the code means
Transaction support within the specified resource manager is not started or was shut down due to an error. (System Error Codes (6000-8199))
Code facts for 0x80071A91
| Code as Windows shows it | 0x80071A91 |
|---|---|
| Type | Win32 error code |
| Symbolic name | ERROR_RM_NOT_ACTIVE |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x80071A91 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 2147949201 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -2147018095 |
| Severity | failure |
| Facility | 7 FACILITY_WIN32 |
| Windows error number inside this code | 6801 ERROR_RM_NOT_ACTIVE: Transaction support within the specified resource manager is not started or was shut down due to an error. |
| Group | Windows Update errors |
Code facts: System Error Codes (6000-8199) (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 client, Windows Server and Azure virtual machines (as listed at the top of the Microsoft page).
These steps come from a Microsoft page written for IT administrators.
6 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 0x80071A91 are not covered. 3 steps are flagged.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
From: Troubleshoot Windows Update error 0x80071A91
Source: Troubleshoot Windows Update error 0x80071A91 (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Back up first
Written for IT administrators.
Before you troubleshoot, back up the operating system disk; the Microsoft page asks for this first.
Request a reset of the transaction logs
Written for IT administrators.
Changes disksIn an administrative Command Prompt run:
fsutil resource setautoreset true C:\
Restart the computer. When Windows starts it re-creates the transaction logs.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Repair the component store
Written for IT administrators.
Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart and try again.
Check system files
Written for IT administrators.
Run: sfc /scannow
After it finishes without errors, restart and try again.
Reset Windows Update components
Written for IT administrators.
Changes services or policyRenames system files or foldersRun:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %windir%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start wuauserv
Restart and try again.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Microsoft advises: Only try this if you're comfortable working in the command line, and back up your personal files first. (Troubleshoot problems updating Windows)
Check disk health
Written for IT administrators.
Changes disksRun: chkdsk C: /f
The tool repairs problems it finds. Restart and try the update again; if it still fails, contact Microsoft Support.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
The Microsoft page also has two steps for Azure virtual machines only; they are not listed here.
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 . |