Fix Update Error 0x800736B3 in Windows 11 or 10

Windows updates are paramount for maintaining the health and security of your system, however, sometimes the process can be interrupted by various drawbacks. One of the common problems that Windows 11/10 users face is error code 0x800736B3. It is caused by various factors, such as corrupted system files or issues with the Windows Update service.

0x800736B3 error code sometimes also appears when trying to install .Net Framework update in Windows 11 or 10. We have covered the best solutions to this issue for both conditions. Let’s proceed with:

Table of Contents

Update Error 0x800736b3 in Windows 11 or 10

Here is how to fix Update Error 0x800736B3 in Windows 11 or 10 –

Method-1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter runs a series of diagnostic tests to identify any issues that may prevent updates from installing or working correctly.

This Fixit tool may also offer suggestions for resolving the issue, such as resetting the Windows Update components or running a malware scan. Therefore, use the troubleshooter by following the guide:

Click the Start and type “troubleshoot”.
Press – Enter.
On the Settings page that appears, click on – Other troubleshooters.
Find Windows update and click on Run.

how to fix Update Error 0x800736B3 in Windows 11 or 10

Method-2: Try installing using Standalone package

For every Windows Update, Microsoft update catalog offers a copy of Standalone package that allows you to manually install a patch. This can work as an alternative when you encounter error 0x800736B3.

In fact, the Standalone package (.msu file) will bypass the Windows update problem you are facing currently. Therefore, install the patch using the below steps:

Navigate to https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/Home.aspx.
Type the knowledgebase number (KB….) in the Search box and press Enter.
Locate the file appropriate for your computer and click on Download.
When a page prompts, click on the link there.
After the file is downloaded, double-click on it and confirm the prompt.
The system will restart 2-3 times and the installation will be completed.

Method-3: Reset Windows update database cache

When Windows Update Install Error 0x800736b3 occurs, the database cache is likely to be corrupted. The Database Cache, also known as the Software Distribution folder, is a system folder on operating systems that stores temporary files related to updates.

Occasionally, this folder may become corrupted, leading to issues with Windows Update functionality. Fortunately, you are able to reset it which may help to fix the error code interfering with the installation process.

Click on Search and Type Service
Hit Enter.
On the Services, right click on Windows Update and select Stop.
Press the Windows key and E.
Copy the following path, paste it into the address bar of File Explorer, and hit “Enter” –

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

Delete all the content located in this folder.

$deleting content from C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download$

Then, again go to Services, right-click on Windows Update, and select Start.
Restart the system and try installing the update which is giving the error.

Bonus method:

Download Reset_Windows_11_update.zip
Right-click on the file and select Extract all….
Browse the extracted folder and right click on Reset.bat.
Select – Run as administrator.
Press any key to continue and wait for some time to complete the process.
Finally, restart the computer and see if the error code is fixed.

Method-4: Use SFC /SCANNOW and DISM Command line utilities

Error 0x800736B3 Windows 11 might occur due to corrupted system files or anything wrong with the installation. When you run SFC, it examines essential system files and compares them against a cached copy stored in the Windows folder or on the installation media. If it finds any discrepancies or issues, SFC attempts to repair or restore the damaged files automatically. Doing so helps maintain the stability and functionality of your Windows system and ultimately fix the error.

DISM provides several functionalities, such as mounting and unmounting Windows images, adding or removing device drivers, enabling or disabling features, and applying updates to offline or running installations. Using this utility, you can perform tasks like repairing a Windows installation, adding language packs, injecting drivers into an image, and preparing a customized deployment. This tool is much helpful to fix 0x800736B3 error. Hence, follow the steps:

Right-click on Start and select Run.
Type cmd.exe.
Then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
When UAC prompts up, click on Yes.
Once the Administrator: Command Prompt opens, type SFC /SCANNOW and press the “Enter” key.
The process will take a short span of time in scanning and verification so stay for a while. When you see “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.” restart your computer and check if the error persists or it is fixed.
In case, 0x800736B3 still occurs, again launch the “Administrator: Command Prompt”.
Run the following commands as you have done in previous steps. Keep in mind to copy-paste and enter the below codes sequentially:

dism /online /cleanup-image /checkhealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /scanhealth
dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

After executing these cmd commands, reboot your device.

Method-5: Install the .Net Framework 3.5

When .Net Framework 3.5 is not installed, you might face update error 0x800736B3 in Windows 11 and 10. The .NET Framework 3.5 is a software development framework developed by Microsoft. It is a basic and integral part of Windows and provides a comprehensive and consistent programming model for creating applications. Whenever this is not installed, the updates to the advanced version of application may fail and display somewhat error code.

Therefore, install the .Net Framework 3.5 using the below guidelines:

Press Windows and R on the keyboard.
Type appwiz.cpl and hit Enter.
Once the ‘Programs and Features’ window appears, click on Turn Windows features on or off from the left panel.
Check .Net Framework 3.5 (includes 2.0 and 3.0).
Click on OK, wait for installation and then restart your computer.

Install .net framework 3.5 windows features Programs and features window

Finally, go to Settings > Windows Update and click on “Check for updates”.

Method-6: Modify Group Policy Setting

Windows 11 and 10 offer a policy setting that “Specifies the network locations that will be used for the repair of operating system corruption and for enabling optional features that have had their payload files removed” which you ought to set enabled to resolve 0x800736B3.

Click on – Start.
Type – gpedit.
Press – Enter.
When Group Policy Editor appears, head to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System.
Locate “Specify settings for optional component installation and component repair”.

Double-click on this policy setting to launch it.
Check the Option Enabled.
Go to the Options section and check the following setting –

Download repair content and optional features directly from Windows Update instead of Windows Server Update Services (WSUS).

Click Apply and then OK.

Method-7: Perform In-place upgrade

After all the methods fail, this is an impregnable way to solve 0x800736b3 Windows update error code. When performing an in-place upgrade to Windows 11, the process typically involves downloading the necessary installation files, either through Windows Update or via an official ISO image provided by Microsoft.

During the upgrade, Windows 11 replaces the existing files while preserving the user’s personal files, installed applications, and custom settings so follow the instructions:

Navigate to the page – https://www.microsoft.com/en-in/software-download/windows11.
Scroll downward, and select – “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO)”.
Click on – Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO).
After that, click Download.
Choose an appropriate Language as per your necessity.
Then, select – Confirm.
Following this, click on 64-bit Download and allow the download to finish.
Come to the Downloads folder, right-click on ‘Win11-22H2-Language-x64v1.iso‘, and choose Mount.
From the next folder, double-click on the file named setup.exe.
Thereafter, Install Windows 11 wizard will appear; click on Next.
Select – Accept.
The setup will figure out if there is sufficient free space in the drive and shows the Ready to install window.
Check the box assigned for the option Keep personal files and apps.
In the end, click – Install.

We hope these 7 will resolve Update Error 0x800736B3 in Windows 11 or 10 whether it occurs when trying to install Windows update or .Net Framework update.

Methods:
Method-1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Method-2: Try installing using Standalone package
Method-3: Reset Windows update database cache
Method-4: Use SFC /SCANNOW and DISM Command line utilities
Method-5: Install the .Net Framework 3.5
Method-6: Modify Group Policy Setting
Method-7: Perform In-place upgrade

That’s all!!