Windows Update Error 0x8007010B — Fix the Directory Not Found Error

What Does This Error Mean?

Windows Update error 0x8007010B means Windows cannot find a required folder (directory) during the update process. The technical name is ERROR_DIRECTORY. This usually happens because the Windows Update cache is corrupted, a system folder was accidentally moved or deleted, or Windows component files are damaged.

Affected Models

Windows 10
Windows 11
Windows 8.1
Windows Server

Common Causes

The Windows Update working directory is missing or corrupted
A third-party cleanup tool deleted folders that Windows Update needs
Windows system component files have become damaged or misregistered
A recent software installation changed folder permissions on Windows directories
Windows Update service files are corrupted or misconfigured

How to Fix It

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter first. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and click Run next to Windows Update. Let it complete and then try the update again.

This is the quickest first step and resolves many directory-related issues automatically by resetting update service paths.
Reset the Windows Update components. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands in order: net stop wuauserv — net stop cryptsvc — net stop bits — ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old — net start wuauserv — net start cryptsvc — net start bits

This stops the update services, renames the corrupted working folder, and restarts the services fresh with a new working directory.
Run DISM to repair the Windows component store. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This downloads and replaces damaged Windows component files from Microsoft's servers. You need an internet connection. It can take 20 to 45 minutes.
Run the System File Checker after DISM completes. In the same elevated Command Prompt type: sfc /scannow

Always run DISM first, then sfc. DISM repairs the repair source that sfc uses, making sfc more effective.
Check that no cleanup or optimization tool has been deleting Windows folders. Programs like CCleaner or similar tools can sometimes remove folders that Windows Update needs. Disable aggressive cleaning options.

If you recently ran a disk cleaner before the error appeared, this is the likely cause. Restore any quarantined or deleted items and try the update again.

When to Call a Professional

If running DISM and the System File Checker does not resolve this error, a technician may need to perform an in-place upgrade repair of Windows. This reinstalls Windows while keeping all your files and programs intact.

Frequently Asked Questions

What directories does Windows Update need?

Windows Update primarily uses the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder as a working area to store downloaded update files. It also needs access to several system folders under C:\Windows\System32. If any of these are missing, renamed, or have incorrect permissions, updates will fail with directory-related errors.

Is it safe to rename the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Yes, it is completely safe. The SoftwareDistribution folder only contains temporary files that Windows Update has downloaded. Renaming it (rather than deleting it) is the standard Microsoft-recommended approach. Windows creates a new, clean version automatically, and any updates already downloaded will simply be re-downloaded.

Could a virus cause this error?

Some malware deliberately deletes or corrupts Windows system folders to prevent updates, since updates often patch security vulnerabilities. If you also notice strange behavior on your PC or other programs acting up, run a full malware scan with Windows Defender or Malwarebytes before attempting to fix the update error.