Solved: Fix Error 0x80070643 in Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) Update

A complete, step-by-step guide to resolving the 0x80070643 error during Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) updates on Windows 10 and 11, usually caused by insufficient partition space.

Keywords: error 0x80070643, Windows Recovery Environment update, WinRE update failed, resize recovery partition, KB5034441 error, Windows 11 update error

Contents 📋

1. Understanding Error 0x80070643 in WinRE Updates
2. Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Steps (Try First)
3. Method 2: Manually Resize the Recovery Partition (The Official Fix)
4. Method 3: Use a Third-Party Partition Tool (Easier Alternative)

---

Understanding Error 0x80070643 in WinRE Updates

Windows users, particularly on Windows 10 and 11, have been encountering the persistent update error 0x80070643. While this code is generic, a specific and widespread instance relates to updates for the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), such as **KB5034441** for Windows 10.

The primary cause of this specific failure is **insufficient free space** in the Recovery Partition. Microsoft has started delivering important security updates to the WinRE partition, and many older system configurations created a partition that is too small to accommodate these new updates. The update process fails because it cannot write the necessary files to the full partition.

To fix this, you must increase the size of the Recovery Partition. Microsoft recommends having at least **250 MB of free space** available in this partition.

Method 1: Basic Troubleshooting Steps (Try First)

Before attempting to resize disk partitions, it's always wise to rule out simpler issues. Try these basic fixes first:

1. Restart Your PC: A simple restart can sometimes clear temporary glitches blocking the update.
2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:
   • Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find **Windows Update** and click **Run**.
3. Run SFC and DISM Scans: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run these commands one by one:
   • sfc /scannow
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

If these steps don't resolve the 0x80070643 error specifically for a WinRE update, proceed to the main solution below.

Method 2: Manually Resize the Recovery Partition (The Official Fix)

This is Microsoft's official solution. It involves using the Command Prompt and `diskpart` to shrink your main Windows partition and create a larger, new Recovery Partition. **Please back up your important data before proceeding.**

Step 1: Check WinRE Status and Disable It

1. Open **Command Prompt** as an **administrator**.
2. Type reagentc /info and press Enter to see the current status. Note the disk and partition index of the WinRE location.
3. To disable WinRE, type reagentc /disable and press Enter.

Step 2: Shrink the OS Partition

1. Type diskpart and press Enter to open the disk partition tool.
2. Type list disk to see all drives.
3. Type sel disk <OS disk index> (e.g., `sel disk 0`) to select your main drive. This is the same drive containing the WinRE partition you noted earlier.
4. Type list part to view partitions.
5. Find your main Windows OS partition and select it: sel part <OS partition index>.
6. Shrink the partition by 250 MB to create space: shrink desired=250 minimum=250.

Step 3: Delete the Old Recovery Partition

1. Select the old Recovery Partition you noted in Step 1: sel part <WinRE partition index>.
2. Delete it: delete partition override.

Step 4: Create a New, Larger Recovery Partition

1. First, check if your disk is GPT or MBR from the `list disk` command (GPT disks have an asterisk under the "Gpt" column).
2. For GPT disks:
   • Create the partition: create partition primary id=de94bba4-06d1-4d40-a16a-bfd50179d6ac
   • Set attributes: gpt attributes =0x8000000000000001
3. For MBR disks:
   • Create the partition: create partition primary id=27
4. Format the new partition: format quick fs=ntfs label="Windows RE tools"
5. Exit diskpart by typing exit.

Step 5: Re-enable WinRE

1. Back in the main Command Prompt, type reagentc /enable and press Enter.
2. Verify the installation with reagentc /info.
3. **Restart your computer** and check for updates again.

Method 3: Use a Third-Party Partition Tool (Easier Alternative)

If the command-line method is too daunting, you can use free third-party partition management software like MiniTool Partition Wizard or AOMEI Partition Assistant. These tools offer a graphical interface to safely resize partitions.

The general steps with these tools are:

1. Download and install a reputable partition manager.
2. Locate your Recovery Partition.
3. Use the "Extend" or "Resize/Move" function to increase its size by taking unallocated space from an adjacent partition (usually your C: drive).
4. Apply the changes and restart your PC.

This method is often faster and less prone to user error for those unfamiliar with command-line tools.

---

The 0x80070643 error for WinRE updates is a known issue caused by small recovery partitions. By manually resizing the partition using `diskpart` or a third-party tool to provide the recommended 250 MB of free space, you can resolve this error and ensure your recovery environment remains secure and up-to-date.