Top 6 Windows Update Error 0x80070020 Fixes You Can Try

Updating your Windows helps ensure that your computer is always performing at its best. Unfortunately, updates, while they should be mostly automated in Windows 10, do not always go smoothly.

There is a range of issues that may cause your update to fail. A perfect example is when you encounter Windows Update Error 0x80070020.

Common Reasons for Windows Update Error 0x80070020

Before diving into the various fixes for the Windows Update Error 0x80070020, it is essential to understand the common reasons that may cause this error. In this section, we will explore the primary factors contributing to this troublesome error, making it easier to address the issue directly.

1. Antivirus Software Interference: Antivirus programs that use real-time scanning features may sometimes cause conflicts with the Windows Update process. The constant monitoring of your PC’s activities might interrupt the update, triggering the 0x80070020 issue. Temporarily disabling the antivirus software during the update can prevent this conflict.
2. Corrupted Windows Update Components: The Windows Update components might become corrupted, making it difficult for the system to install updates successfully. This corruption could result from incomplete downloads, sudden power outages, or virus attacks. Rebooting Windows Update Services or manually resetting the components can help resolve the problem.
3. Missing or Corrupted System Files: If the 0x80070020 error occurs due to missing or corrupted system files, it may prevent Windows from accessing the necessary files to complete the update process. Running the Windows System File Checker (SFC) or the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can identify and rectify corrupted files.
4. Disk Errors: Sometimes, disk errors or bad sectors on your PC’s hard drive can interfere with the Windows Update process. Running the Check Disk (chkdsk) utility allows you to scan and fix any disk errors, potentially resolving the 0x80070020 issue.
5. Conflicts with the SoftwareDistribution Folder: Windows updates are stored and installed from the SoftwareDistribution folder. If this folder contains corrupt or incompatible files, it can lead to the Windows Update Error 0x80070020. Deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder and allowing Windows to create a new one can resolve this problem.

By understanding these common reasons for the Windows Update Error 0x80070020, you can directly target the issue with the appropriate fix mentioned in the article. No matter the cause, addressing the root of the problem is crucial for ensuring a successful Windows Update and keeping your PC up to date.

How to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x80070020

First Method – Utilize the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows Update Troubleshooter is a Windows 10 built-in tool that you can use to fix this issue, as well as, other update errors. This tool was made to efficiently diagnose and resolve various computer problems. Therefore, it would be prudent to use it as a first way to fix Windows Update errors.

1. Click on the “Windows” icon on the lower-left corner of your PC. Type “Run” and press enter. Type “control update” in the run command window.

2. Next, click “Troubleshoot” in the next window. You will then need to click “Additional Troubleshooters”.

3. Click “Windows Update”. Next click “Run the Troubleshooter”.

4. The Windows Update Troubleshooter will then scan your computer. You’ll find a list of results and actions the troubleshooter has taken, including information on what has been fixed.
5. You will have to reboot your computer once the repair is completed. Run the Windows Update once more to see if the issue is fixed.

Second Method – Restart the Windows Update Services

Restarting your Windows Update Services will ensure that your update will go smoothly. Follow these steps to reboot this utility:

1. Open the command prompt by click on the “windows” icon and typing “Run”. Type “CMD” and press the “SHIFT+CONTROL+ENTER” keys to allow administrator permissions.

2. Once you open the command prompt, type in these commands. Be sure to press “enter” after each command you type to stop the running services.

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

3. The services will then be forced-stop once done, you can restart them over by typing and pressing enter after each command.

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

4. Once you finish the steps, reboot your PC to see if the Windows Update Error 0x80070020 still persists.

Third Method – Run the Windows SFC (System File Checker)

Take advantage of the Windows 10 utility called the System File Checker. This tool will check any missing or corrupt file and fixes it for you. To fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020 be sure to use the Windows SFC.

1. Press the “Windows” key on your keyboard and then press “R”. Next, type “cmd” in the run command line. Hold down both the “ctrl and shift” keys together and press enter. Click “OK” on the next window to grant administrator permissions.

2. Once you see the command prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press enter. The System File Checker will then start scanning and fixing issues in your PC.
3. Reboot once done and run your Windows Update tool once again to see if the Windows Update Error 0x80070020 is fixed.

Fourth Method – Utilize The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM)

DISM is another tool that you can use to configure and fix errors in your Windows update. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) allows you to see which drivers or packages may be causing the errors.

1. Press down on the “windows” key and then press “R”. This will open the run window where you can type “CMD”.

2. This will open the command prompt where you can type in “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” and then press “enter”.

3. The DISM will then start scanning. Reboot your PC once scanning and fixing are completed. Check if you are still experiencing the Windows Update Error 0x80070020.

Fifth Method – Check and Fix Your Disk for Errors

Aside from having missing and corrupted files, disk errors will also cause your updates to stall. Thankfully, this can easily be fixed by checking and fixing disk errors.

1. Press the “Windows” key on your keyboard and then press “R”. Next, type “cmd” in the run command line. Hold down both the “ctrl and shift” keys together and press enter. Click “OK” on the next window to grant administrator permissions.

2. Type the “chkdsk C: /f command and hit Enter (C: with the letter of the hard drive you want to check).

3. Wait for the check disk to complete and restart your computer. Once you get your computer back, run the Windows Update tool and check if the issue has been fixed.

Sixth Method – Delete the SoftwareDistribution Folder from Your Computer

Sometimes, an error in how your update files are saved will cause issues. Windows Updates by default installs all files in the SoftwareDistribution folder. You can delete this folder to ensure that you are saving files in a brand-new folder.

1. Open “My Computer” or “This PC”. Next, open the “Local Disk (C:)”.

2. To make your live easier, simply type “SoftwareDistribution” in the search bar located on the upper right corner of the Window. When you find the folder, simply delete it from your folder.

3. When you start to download the files, it will automatically create a new SoftwareDistribution folder.
4. Restart your PC and open the Windows Update tool to start the update process once more.

Final Thoughts

Updating your Windows to run on the latest files will ensure safety from bugs and constant breakdowns. Windows 10 is created to make updates as smooth as possible.

However, there will be times when updates will cause errors. Windows Update Error 0x80070020 is a perfect example. Fortunately, the guides listed above are extremely helpful in correcting the error in no time.