Whether it is to enjoy the latest features or to ensure the security of your system, keeping your Windows up-to-date is critical. However, sometimes errors can occur during the update process that prevent it from continuing, one of them being Error 403: Access Denied/Forbidden. This can occur when trying to access the Windows Update website.
Why Does Error 403 Occur?
There could be several reasons why the Windows Update Error 403 is appearing on your system. Some potential triggers include:
- Running personal firewall software or other software such as security services, download assistants, or web accelerators.
- Missing or damaged Windows Update site control on your computer.
- A damaged or incorrect Hosts file.
- Missing or damaged Internet Explorer files that should display the script on the page.
Understanding the cause of the problem is key to finding the right solution.
How To Resolve Error 403
Given that there are several reasons why this error could occur, resolution may require a bit of troubleshooting. If you’re not sure what’s causing the error, best practice would be to follow these resolutions in the order provided.
Disable security or other interfering software
Some setting or configurations in your security software, antiviruses, ad removers, web accelerators, or download assistants could be the reason behind the error. Try disabling these temporarily and then connect to the Windows Update site.
Reset the Hosts file
Another solution to the error is to reset the Hosts file to its default. Follow the procedure provided by Microsoft to reset the Host file here.
Install a new scripting engine
This solution applies particularly to computers running Windows XP or earlier versions of Windows.
- Access the Microsoft Download Center and find the update for your version of Windows.
- Download it and save it to disk.
- Locate the downloaded file (STE56en.exe for Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition, and Windows NT or Scripten.exe for Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows XP) and execute it.
- Delete it after installation.
- Restart your computer and try accessing the Windows Update site again.
Data Collection
Gather information by using TSS for deployment-related issues for a more exhaustive troubleshooting.
Conclusion
Error 403 while updating windows can be frustrating but is typically resolvable with these steps. Happy updating!
#WindowsUpdate #Error403 #Troubleshooting #Microsoft
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