Windows Update error 0xc1900403 is a recurring error in Windows 10. I’ve seen it many times in the last few years, but especially in the latest months, the error 0xc1900403 seems to be back more often. In this post, I’ll sum up the real effective solutions to fix this error. Every step may completely fix the problem, so make sure you retry to download and install the updates every now and then.
Install the latest semi-annual version of Windows 10
80% chance that this will solve the problem.
This should be your first attempt to fix the problem: use Microsofts Update Assistant to install the latest version. You may run 1903 or 1809 now. Then it’s definitely a good idea to upgrade to 1909 (as for now is the latest version):
- Go to https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10
- Click the blue Update Now button.
- A file, named Windows10Upgrade####.exe, is being downloaded. Run this file and follow the steps in the wizard.
Please note that updating your Windows 10 version could take more than an hour. - Done updating? Retry to scan, download and install Windows Updates.
Scan and fix system files
10% chance that this will solve your problem.
In case you’re already on the latest version, then an upgrade is not possible of course. In that case, you should try to scan system files for corruption.
- Open a Command prompt as an administrator.
- Enter the following commands (each may take a few minutes to complete):
dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
sfc /scannow - Wait for each command to complete. It’s no problem to rerun the command if you made a mistake.
- Once finished, exit command prompt and restart your computer.
- Back in Windows 10, retry to scan, download and install Windows Updates.
Cleanup and Reset Windows Updates folders
5% chance that this will solve your problem.
This is likely one of your last resorts. It’s an old Windows Update reset trick that usually works in Windows XP and above. It’s all about cleaning up the Windows Update folders that hold cached files and configuration files.
- Open a Command prompt as an administrator.
- Enter the following commands. You may do it one by one, but you may also copy-paste:
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 - Did you get an error at Ren … ? Sometimes Windows 10 is very stubborn and immediately restarts the services. Enter these commands again:
net stop wuauserv
Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old - Enter the following commands to restart the Windows Update services:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver - Retry to scan, download and install Windows Updates.
Did you fix 0xc1900403?
I hope you fixed your issue with one of the solutions above. If not, please leave a comment below with a description of your error / problem. I may have another solution for you, depending on the kind of error.
Known Windows Updates for causing the error 0xc1900403
The following updates are known for showing the Windows Update errors. This doesn’t mean the error is a result of the update. It more has to do with download size and state of your pc at the moment you were downloading and installing the update.
- 2020-01 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1903 for x64-based Systems (KB4528760).
- 2020-01 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1909 for x64-based Systems (KB4532695).
- 2020-02 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1909 for x64-based Systems (KB4535996).
- 2020-02 Cumulative Update for Windows 10 Version 1809 for x64-based Systems (KB4537818).
Technical information
More information will show you:
There were problems installing some updates, but we’ll try again later, If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help – 0xc1900403”.
The error refers to MOSETUP_E_UA_CORRUPT_PAYLOAD_FILES”, which basically indicates that the payload files are corrupted. Pretty useless information for most home users, or even experienced system administrators. Only Microsoft employees could possibly investigate these exact errors further.
