Error Code 80070436: 5 Permanent Solutions you Can Use

Windows update errors usually appear out of the blue and can affect both OS and driver updates. Every user has, at some point, encountered the problem. The Windows Update Error Code 80070436, seems quite prevalent and shows up on all recent iterations of the OS.

But more than any other, the error code 80070436 appeared on Windows 8 after Microsoft ended support for it. That shouldn’t be the case anymore for most of you, but our solutions also help with that. So, let’s get to them!

What is code error 80070436?

Code 80070436 falls in the category of Windows Update errors and is usually easier to fix than similar update errors. There are a handful of reasons that trigger it, which makes troubleshooting simpler. Here are the reasons:

• Corrupt Windows Update Components: A common reason behind update errors, corrupt Windows Update Components can lead to problems installing the latest version of the OS.
• Third-party app conflicts: A security software, third-party antivirus, firewall, or VPN can trigger the Code 80070436 in Windows.
• Relevant files are missing: In some cases, the files relevant to the update process are missing, or there are corrupt system files, which may lead to the error.

How can I fix error code 80070436?

Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones to try:

• Restart both the computer and the modem/router. For the latter, make sure to unplug the power cable as well.
• Temporarily disable the installed third-party antivirus or firewall. We don’t usually see cases of Windows Security or the built-in firewall conflicting with the update, so you can keep these running.
• Check if the problem is mass reported because that indicates an issue with the server. In this case, you should wait for a while, probably even a day or two, and then retry the update.

If these don’t work, move to the fixes listed next.

1. Run the dedicated troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings, and click on Update & Security.
2. Navigate to the Troubleshoot tab, and click Additional troubleshooters on the right.
3. Select Windows Update and click on the Run the troubleshooter button.
4. Wait for the troubleshooter to run and make the changes it recommends.

One of the simplest and quicks ways to fix Code 80070436 or any other update error is to run the dedicated Windows Update troubleshooter. However, it wouldn’t be effective in every case.

2. Repair or replace corrupt system files

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
2. Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
3. Now, paste the following three commands individually, and hit Enter after each:DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Next, run the following command for the SFC scan:sfc /scannow

There is also specialized repair software that can automatically fix corrupt system files by replacing them with fresh ones in just a few minutes.

3. Reconfigure component services

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type dcomcnfg.exe in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Expand Component Services from the navigation pane, and then choose Computers under it.
3. Right-click on My Computer, and choose Properties.
4. Navigate to the Default Properties tab, select Connect under Default Authentication Level, choose Identify under Default Impersonation Level, and click on Apply.
5. Click Yes in the confirmation prompt.

Once done with the changes, check whether the Code 80070436 disappears and you are able to install the latest updates.

4. Download updates from the Microsoft Update Catalog

1. Identify the KB (Knowledge Base) number for the failed update from the Update History.
2. Now, go to Microsoft Update Catalog, type the KB number in the search field, and hit Enter.
3. Click on the Download button next to the update that best matches the system architecture. Also, the name appearing in Update History and the catalog would be the same.
4. Next, click the link that appears in the new window to start the download.
5. Once downloaded, run the setup and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Using the Microsoft Update Catalog, you can download and install any OS version that throws an error with Windows Update. Besides, if you were encountering Code 80070436 with a driver update, head to the manufacturer’s website to manually install the driver.

5. Perform an in-place upgrade

1. Go to Microsoft’s official website, and click on the Download tool now button to get the Media Creation Tool for Windows 10.
2. Once done, run the tool, and click Yes in the prompt, and wait for the setup to initialize things.
3. Now, click on Accept to agree to Microsoft’s license terms and policies.
4. Choose Upgrade this PC now, and click Next.
5. Wait for the download to complete and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the in-place upgrade.

An in-place upgrade is a quick way to fix things when you get the Code 80070436 while updating Windows. Besides, it also boosts the system’s performance and helps get rid of several other issues. And you don’t lose installed apps or personal files during the process.

If you frequently face such issues, check our curated list of the best Windows update repair tools to eliminate the problem quickly.

Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.