Fix Windows Error 0x80073701
ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING
Windows cannot complete the requested operation because of a component store failure involving WinSxS Folder and Component Store.
Severity: High
This error affects core system functionality. Left unresolved, it can cause further failures or data loss.
Best next step: Use the automated Run-DISM-SFC repair to fix this immediately, or follow the manual steps below if you prefer.
What Does Error 0x80073701 Mean?
Windows cannot complete the requested operation because of a component store failure involving WinSxS Folder and Component Store.
The Windows components directly involved are WinSxS Folder, Component Store, CBS Manifest, System Files. A failure in any of these components can trigger this error on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
When Does Error 0x80073701 Appear?
- 1When Windows Update fails repeatedly
- 2During feature update installations
- 3When system file checker reports unfixable errors
- 4After malware removal
- 5When Windows components are missing
Symptoms of Error 0x80073701
- !DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth fails with 0x80073701
- !SFC /scannow finds integrity violations but cannot fix them (ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING)
- !Windows Update fails because the component store is corrupted (0x80073701)
- !Feature installations fail with "ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING" referencing missing manifests
Most Likely Causes of Error 0x80073701
How to Fix Error 0x80073701
There are two approaches: a manual fix for advanced users comfortable with Windows system tools, and an automatic fix using RescuePC Toolkit.
⚠️ Manual Fix (Advanced Users)
Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
Note: Manual fixes require administrative privileges and familiarity with Windows system tools. Incorrect modifications can cause additional issues.
✅ Automatic Fix (Recommended)
RescuePC Toolkit can run the Run-DISM-SFC repair automatically with one click.
The automated repair handles all the technical steps safely, creates a restore point before making changes, and provides a detailed log of all actions taken.
How RescuePC Toolkit Fixes Error 0x80073701
RescuePC Toolkit's Run-DISM-SFC repair automates the manual fix steps for error 0x80073701. Specifically, it:
- ✓Creates a system restore point before making any changes
- ✓Runs the automated repair sequence for component store errors
- ✓Logs every action taken so you can review what was changed
- ✓Does not touch personal files, documents, or installed applications
What it does not fix: If error 0x80073701 is caused by failing hardware (bad RAM, dying hard drive, or a defective component), no software tool can resolve the underlying physical problem. In that case, hardware replacement is necessary. RescuePC Toolkit will detect and report hardware-level issues when possible.
How to Prevent Error 0x80073701
- ✓Run SFC /scannow and DISM health checks monthly to catch file corruption before it triggers 0x80073701.
- ✓Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth periodically
- ✓Ensure stable power during updates
- ✓Keep adequate free space on system drive
- ✓Use Windows Update Troubleshooter
When Error 0x80073701 Points to a Bigger Problem
This error is often part of a broader component store problem. If it keeps happening or appears with related symptoms, use the full troubleshooting guide.
- →If the error returns after fixing, run
sfc /scannowandDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthto check for deeper system file corruption - →If multiple component store errors appear together, consider running the full RescuePC Toolkit "Fix All" scan to address all detected issues at once
- →For high-severity errors that persist, check hardware health — run Windows Memory Diagnostic for RAM issues and
chkdsk /f /rfor disk problems
Frequently Asked Questions About Error 0x80073701
Why does error 0x80073701 (ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING) happen on my PC?
Error 0x80073701 occurs because a side-by-side assembly is missing. The Component Store is corrupted. The most common trigger is when you need to run dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth.
What is the fastest way to fix ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING (0x80073701)?
The manual fix is to run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. For a faster solution, RescuePC Toolkit's Run-DISM-SFC repair automates this entire process in under 5 minutes, including creating a safety restore point first.
Does error 0x80073701 affect both Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, error 0x80073701 (ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING) can occur on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The underlying cause — a side-by-side assembly is missing — exists in both operating system versions. The fix procedure (run dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth) works identically on both.
Related Component Store Errors
If you're experiencing error 0x80073701, you may also encounter these related errors:
Related Troubleshooting Guides
Error 0x80073701 is often related to broader Windows problems. These step-by-step guides cover the full troubleshooting process:
Explore Component Store Troubleshooting Hubs
Error 0x80073701 is part of a broader category of component store issues. These comprehensive hubs collect all related guides, repairs, and error codes in one place:
Fix Error 0x80073701 Automatically
The Run-DISM-SFC repair handles error 0x80073701 in 1–5 minutes. RescuePC Toolkit includes 109+ repairs across all Windows error categories.
No credit card required • Works on Windows 10 & 11 • Upgrade anytime