How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070

Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070 usually appears when Windows does not have enough free storage to download or install an update. The error can also occur when Windows cannot write required update files to the system drive.

In most cases, freeing up disk space can resolve the problem. However, corrupted files, damaged storage, or other system issues can also contribute to the error.

What Causes Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070?

The most common cause is insufficient disk space on the Windows system drive. Large Windows updates need enough free space to download temporary files and complete the installation.

Other possible causes include:

• Too many temporary or unnecessary files
• Corrupted system files
• A damaged file system
• Problems with the Windows Update cache
• Malware or unwanted software
• Hard drive or storage problems

If your computer is running very low on storage, our guide to Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070 covers additional disk-space troubleshooting steps.

How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070

1. Free Up Disk Space

First, check how much free space is available on your Windows system drive. Open Settings > System > Storage and review the available storage.

Remove unnecessary files, empty the Recycle Bin, and uninstall applications that you no longer use. Windows may also recommend temporary files that you can safely remove.

After freeing up space, restart your computer and try Windows Update again.

2. Run Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup can remove temporary files and other unnecessary data from your system drive.

Follow these steps:

1. Open Windows Search.
2. Type Disk Cleanup.
3. Select your Windows system drive.
4. Click OK.
5. Select temporary files and other unnecessary items.
6. Click OK and then select Delete Files.

You can also select Clean up system files to remove additional Windows files.

If low storage continues to prevent an update, you can review our guide to Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070 for more information about storage-related update problems.

3. Run System File Checker

Corrupted Windows files can sometimes interfere with the update process. Therefore, run System File Checker to scan and repair damaged system files.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command:

sfc /scannow

3. Press Enter.
4. Wait until the scan reaches 100%.
5. Restart your computer after the scan finishes.

If SFC reports that it cannot repair some files, run the DISM commands in the next section.

4. Run the DISM Tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool can repair problems with the Windows system image.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run these commands one at a time:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Then run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Finally, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Allow each command to finish before running the next one. Once the repair completes, restart your computer and check Windows Update again.

If corrupted system files continue to cause Windows Update failures, see our guide to Windows Update Error Code 0x800F0900 for related troubleshooting.

5. Reset Windows Update Components

A corrupted Windows Update cache can prevent updates from downloading or installing correctly. You can reset the main Windows Update components from an elevated Command Prompt.

Run these commands one at a time:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Restart your computer after running the commands. Then open Windows Update and try the update again.

6. Check the Drive for Errors

Storage errors can also prevent Windows from writing update files correctly. You can use the Check Disk utility to scan the system drive.

Open Command Prompt as an administrator and run:

chkdsk C: /scan

Wait for the scan to finish. If Windows reports drive problems, follow the recommended repair steps and restart your computer.

If the drive continues to report errors, consider backing up your important files before performing additional repairs.

7. Check for Malware

Malware can interfere with Windows services and system files. Run a full scan using Windows Security.

Open:

Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection

Select Scan options, choose Full scan, and start the scan.

Remove any detected threats. Then restart the computer and try Windows Update again.

8. Try Windows Update Again

After freeing up storage and repairing Windows components, open:

Settings > Windows Update

Select Check for updates and allow Windows to download and install the available updates.

If Windows Update still fails or becomes stuck during installation, see our guide to Windows 11 Update Stuck or Not Installing for additional troubleshooting steps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Windows Error Code 0x80070070 mean?

Windows Error Code 0x80070070 usually indicates that there is not enough available storage to complete an operation such as downloading or installing an update.

How much free space should I have before updating Windows?

The required space varies depending on the update and your Windows version. Keeping a reasonable amount of free space on the system drive can help prevent update installation problems.

Can corrupted files cause Error Code 0x80070070?

Yes. Although insufficient storage is a common cause, corrupted system or update files can also contribute to update failures. Running SFC and DISM can help repair Windows system files.

Conclusion

Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070 can usually be resolved by freeing up storage and repairing Windows system components. Start by checking available disk space and removing unnecessary files.

If the error continues, run SFC and DISM, reset the Windows Update components, and check the system drive for errors. Finally, restart your computer and try Windows Update again.