How to fix Windows 10 Update error code 0x80070070

There’s nothing better than Windows updates. (Just kidding…)

0x80070070

It is not uncommon for users to encounter Windows Update error code 0x80070070 when installing Windows 10 or the Update Assistant if there is insufficient disk space. The error code 0x80070070 means, what is it and how can it be fixed? In this post, I will walk you through the process step by step with detailed pictures on how to fix it.

There are still frequent Windows Update errors, like error code 0x80070070. Don’t worry; we’re here to help!

If you’ve got any other error codes, we do have a generic error code check to take a quick look! Find it here.

Windows Update error 80070070 indicates that updates were not installed on your PC. When you install Windows 10/11, you may encounter the error code 0x80070070 when there is not enough disk space. To resolve the issue, you should try deleting unnecessary files before trying the following solutions. It may also be necessary to uninstall applications that you no longer use from your computer or to move files to another drive (such as a USB stick, network drive, or local drive).

As a result of Windows 10, you may encounter the error code ‘0x80070070’, which refers to a lack of space on the OS drive. In most cases, Windows 10 updates will be performed on full C: Drives. We can do something about this problem by clearing the C: Drives.

Here’s what we need to do:

1. Your drive needs to be cleared.

There are several things you can do to make sure your C: Drive has enough storage to allow Windows Update to take effect, since the 0x80070070 error is so common.

1. Run the ‘Disk Clean-up Utility‘.
2. If you are deleting files from your computer, check your Recycle bin as well to remove anything that you don’t need. (Check the Downloads folder for things to delete!)

If you’re not sure what specific files mean in the Disk Clean Utility, we have an article on this – so take a look here.

The best way to solve this particular problem is to troubleshoot first. If your drive does not have enough space (ERROR_DISK_FULL), then you may encounter error 0X80070070. If clearing space does not solve the problem, you will need to consider another option.

Try the following fixes as well if this doesn’t help; the problem may not be related to disk space.

2. The Windows 10 Update Assistant can be used to update your operating system

One of the ways that we’ve learned to use is using the Windows 10 Update assistant. We should mention that this only works when you are going from one major version (1607,1709,1803,1809 etc.) to the latest. To use this, head over to the Windows 10 download page. This will then show you at the top if you’re able to update with the latest and will give you an option for ‘Update Now’. If you go here and then follow through the steps, you will be on the newer version which can fix many issues, including the update issues.

3. The Windows Update Service needs to be reset

If you are having problems with Windows Updates, restarting the service is a common fix. Fortunately, this can get a little technical, but we can help you out!

1. Run Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click – Run as Administrator) when you type ‘Command Prompt’ or ‘CMD’ into the search bar.
2. Your command prompt should now show the following commands.

Stop the MSI server with a net command

Stop the Wuauserv service

net stop bits

CryptSvc must be stopped

1. In the command prompt, paste the following commands to rename the Catroot2 folder and Software Distribution folder.
2. 1. C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution/SoftwareDistribution.old
   2. C:/Windows/System32/catroot2/Catroot2.old
3. Here are the commands we need to enter to restart the services we stopped before.

 

Start the WuauServer on the network

Start the CryptoSvc service by going to the net

net start bits

MSIServer is now running

1. If you have made these changes to your PC, you should restart it and check for updates again after you have done so.

 

1. The Windows 10 Update Troubleshooter can be used to resolve this issue

Microsoft has released an updated troubleshooting tool for Windows 10 updates.

If you are having trouble with your Windows update, enter ‘Troubleshoot’ into the Windows search bar and click ‘Windows Update’.

Click ‘Run Troubleshooter’ once the button has been clicked.

In the event that you do not have administrative rights, this may require them!

Our ‘mega-thread’ of many more Windows Update fixes can be found here. If none of these have helped you diagnose your Windows 10 Update issue, please take a look at this.