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Unable to install IIS on Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC Version 1809

Mary Martin 1 Reputation point
2025-02-18T16:11:43.0333333+00:00

I am trying to install IIS on a Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC laptop. The version is 1809.

I used Control Panel --> Programs and Features --> Turn Windows features on or off

When I click on IIS and OK, I then receive the message:

The referenced assembly could not be found

Error code: 0x80073701

When I clicked on the link to fix the error it took me to a page that didn't even contain that error code. It took me to one about .NET Framework 3.5 (which is already installed). I downloaded the file so I could reinstall 3.5 but the program wouldn't launch at all.

Other software has been installed successfully, but a Windows Feature will not install. Has anyone experienced this? Any ideas how I can fix this?

Oh, and I'm logged in as a local administrator.

Thank you for any help you can provide.

Mary

Windows development | Internet Information Services
Windows for business | Windows Client for IT Pros | User experience | Other

2 answers

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  1. S.Sengupta 27,136 Reputation points MVP
    2025-04-21T01:37:09.08+00:00

    The error code 0x80073701 when installing IIS on Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC version 1809 typically indicates a problem with missing or corrupted system components, often related to the Windows Component Store or system files.

    Open Command Prompt as Admin and copy-paste the following commands and hit the enter key after each command:

    sfc /scannow

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    Reboot and retry to install.

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  2. Tom Tran (WICLOUD CORPORATION) 1,920 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff
    2025-06-19T08:01:04.5133333+00:00

    Hi Mary Martin,

    I know this is a late response.

    However, the error you're encountering:

    Error code: 0x80073701 – The referenced assembly could not be found

    usually means that Windows is missing some internal components it needs to install IIS. This is tied to how Windows manages system files through something called the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) infrastructure. If that system is out of sync or corrupted, installing features like IIS can fail — even if other software installs just fine just as Lex Li mentioned.

    Windows 10 Enterprise LTSC 2019 (based on version 1809) is still under extended support until January 9, 2029, so it’s not out of support yet. However, it’s based on an older component stack. That means some newer IIS dependencies might not be present, especially if the system hasn’t been serviced regularly. This can cause installation issues.

    Here's what you can try to do:

    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands one at a time:
    sfc /scannow 
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth 
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth 
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    These will check for and repair any corrupted system files or missing assemblies that might be causing the issue.

    • After running the above commands, restart your machine and try installing IIS again through Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off.
    • While LTSC 2019 is supported for security updates, upgrading to a newer LTSC or supported SAC release is recommended for better compatibility with modern IIS features and long-term stability.

    Additional note:

    The issue was resolved by Original Poster (Mary) by performing a clean OS installation.

    For more information, you can check:

    If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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