How to Fix Windows Update Error: 5 Troubleshooting Tips

PDF download Download Article
Quick ways to resolve Windows 10 or 11 update error code
PDF download Download Article

Are you seeing "Your device is missing important security and quality fixes" on your Windows computer? This may pop up when you're trying to install updates. You may also see the error code (0x80070643). Luckily, you can use built-in tools to fix up any corrupted files. Here's what to do when you see the Windows update error.

Fixing Windows Update Error (0x80070643)

To solve missing security fix errors, restart your PC first. You can use the Windows Update Troubleshooter to find issues, run a System Filter Checker scan in Command Prompt, and delete temporary files from the SoftwareDistribution folder.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Restart Your Computer

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Before trying any fixes, restart your computer fully. If you have a lot of updates backed up, some require a full restart before it can move onto the next update.
    • Click Shut down , wait 30 seconds, and then turn on your computer again.
    2. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a7\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":542,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the Start menu and click the cog icon.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/eb\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can find this towards the bottom of the window.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f4\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is next to a wrench icon.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/86\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can find this underneath the Troubleshoot header.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This may take a few moments.
    • If Windows finds any errors, it will notify you and fix them.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Run SFC Scan

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dc\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open the Command Prompt. Click the Start menu and type "cmd". Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
    • A System Filter Checker (SFC) scan can find problems with files on your computer. [1] .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/52\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This may take a few moments to finish.
    • Once you see The operation completed successfully , continue to the next step.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The scan will take a few moments.
    • You should see Verification 100% complete when it's finished.
    • If Windows finds any errors , you'll see the action listed below.
    4. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Delete Temporary Files

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Before you can delete temporary files, make sure this program is fully closed. Do the following:
    • Click the Start menu.
    • Type "services".
    • Click Services .
    • Right-click Windows Update .
    • Click Stop .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is the path needed to find the SoftwareDistribution folder.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2d\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can press Ctrl + A to quickly select all files.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b7\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will delete the temporary files.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/04\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Once the temporary files have been deleted, you can start the services again. Do the following:
    • Click the Start menu.
    • Type "services".
    • Click Services .
    • Right-click Windows Update .
    • Click Start .
    6. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Change Installer Startup Type

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/dd\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":544,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Click the Start menu and type in "services". Click the first option.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cd\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":551,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-17.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This is in the General tab.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-18.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d9\/Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-19.jpg\/v4-728px-Your-Device-Is-Missing-Important-Security-and-Quality-Fixes-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The changes will be saved.
    6. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Take a Screenshot on a Windows PC: 8 Simple Tricks
      How to
      Check Your Windows Version
      5 Quick Ways to Change Your Desktop Wallpaper on Windows
      How to
      Check Your Mouse DPI on Windows & Mac
      4 Easy Ways to Access the Boot Options Menu in Windows
      How to
      Find Your Windows Product Key
      How to
      Access the BIOS on Any PC: Guide + Troubleshooting
      Easily Download and Install FFmpeg on a Windows PC
      How to
      Start Windows in Safe Mode: 6 Easy Options
      How to
      Change the Windows Taskbar Position: 2 Easy Methods
      How to
      Automatically Shut Down Your Computer at a Specified Time
      2 Ways to Turn Off S Mode on a Windows 11 PC
      How Do You Hyperlink on Canva — A Quick Guide
      3 Ways to Change a Computer's Mac Address in Windows
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/using-system-file-checker-in-windows-365e0031-36b1-6031-f804-8fd86e0ef4ca

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,154 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement