Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070 usually appears when Windows doesn’t have enough free storage to download or install an update. It can also occur when Windows can’t write required update files to the system drive.
In most cases, freeing up disk space resolves the problem, though corrupted files, damaged storage, or other system issues can also contribute.
What Causes Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070?
The most common cause is insufficient disk space on the Windows system drive — large updates need enough free space to download temporary files and complete 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 hard drive issues.
Here’s how to fix Error Code 0x80070070:
Free up disk space
Check available space in Settings → System → Storage. Remove unnecessary files, empty the Recycle Bin, and uninstall apps you no longer use. Restart your computer and try the update again once you’ve freed up space.
Run Disk Cleanup
Open Windows Search, type Disk Cleanup, select your system drive, click OK, select temporary files and other unnecessary items, then click OK and Delete Files. You can also select “Clean up system files” to remove additional Windows files.
Run System File Checker
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. Wait until the scan reaches 100%, then restart your computer. If SFC reports it can’t repair some files, move on to DISM.
Run the DISM tool
In an elevated Command Prompt, run each command one at a time, letting each finish before the next:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your computer once the repair completes. If corrupted system files continue causing failures, see our guide to Windows Update Error Code 0x800F0900.
Reset Windows Update components
A corrupted update cache can prevent updates from downloading correctly. In an elevated Command Prompt, run:
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, then try Windows Update again.
Check the drive for errors
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run chkdsk C: /scan. If Windows reports drive problems, follow the recommended repair steps and restart — back up important files first if the drive keeps reporting errors.
Check for malware
Go to Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection, select Scan options, choose Full scan, and start it. Remove any detected threats and restart your computer.
Try Windows Update again
Go to Settings → Windows Update, select “Check for updates,” and let Windows download and install what’s available. If it still fails or gets stuck, see our guide to Windows 11 Update Stuck or Not Installing.
Still Not Resolved?
Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070 can usually be resolved by freeing up storage and repairing Windows system components. Our experts are here to assist you — Chat with a specialist — for more technical support.
We are an independent technical support provider and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft.
FAQ
What does Windows Error Code 0x80070070 mean?
It usually indicates there isn’t enough available storage to complete an operation, such as downloading or installing a Windows update.
How much free space should I have before updating Windows?
Requirements vary by update and Windows version, but keeping a reasonable amount of free space on your system drive helps prevent installation problems.
Can corrupted files cause Error Code 0x80070070?
Yes. Although insufficient storage is the most common cause, corrupted system or update files can also contribute — running SFC and DISM helps repair those files.
Will resetting Windows Update components delete my files?
No. The commands only rename the update cache folders — your personal files, documents, and installed applications are not affected.
Tags: Error 0x80070070, Error Code 0x80070070, update Error Code 0x80070070, windows 10 Error 0x80070070, Windows 10/11 Update Error Code 0x80070070, windows 11 update error code 0x80070070, Windows Update Error 0x80070070, Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070
