Share this article

Improve this guide

Windows Update Error 0x80070020: Causes & Fixes

Cover this update error on your Windows PCs with tested methods

8 min. read

Updated onMarch 25, 2024

updated onMarch 25, 2024

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

In this article, we’re going to talk abouterror code 0x80070020, which reportedly prevents users from installing a new version of Windows 10.

Since installing the freshest Windows release is highly advisable, we can’t let this error hang in there forever.

So, we’ve prepared a couple of solutions, that may be appropriate for dealing with error code 0x80070020 .

Why am I getting Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x80070020 message?

This message is quite similar to theupdate error 0x80070026, and if you encounter it, it’s advised to run the update troubleshooter.

Damaged Windows components can cause all sorts of issues, andupdate error 0x803c0109is one of them. If you encounter it, we recommend checking if the update service is running properly.

Many have reportedThere were some problems installing updatesmessage while trying to update, and we covered this issue in-depth in a separate guide, so you might want to check it out.

Error code 0x80070020 can prevent you from installing the latest updates. Speaking of update issues, users also reported the following problems:

How can I solve the error code 0x80070020?

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

If none of the solutions listed above managed to solve the problem, you should tryrunning Microsoft’s official Update Troubleshooter. This tool solves various update-related issues, and it might solve your problem, as well.

Here’s what you need to do to run Windows Update troubleshooter:

2. Restart the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is a Windows process responsible for delivering updates to your computer. So, if this process gets corrupt, you’ll have problems receiving updates.

In order to make it work again, we should restart BITS, and try to run Windows Update once again. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

If nothing’s wrong with BITS, move on to another solution.

3. Reset Windows Update services

Windows Update relies on various services in order to work properly, and if there are any issues with Windows Update, you might be able to fix them by resetting Windows Update services.

This is relatively straightforward, and in order to do this, you need to run a few commands in Command Prompt. To do that, follow these steps:

After running these commands, check if the problem with Windows Update is resolved. If you don’t want to enter all these commands manually, you can perform this solution by using theWindows Update reset script.

4. Perform SFC

Although many users consider the SFC scan an overrated solution, it might be helpful in some cases. In case you’re not familiar with this tool, it scans your computer for issues and corrupted features, and tries to solve them (more or less) effectively.

Here’s how to run the sfc/scannow command in Windows 10:

If the SFC scan can’t fix the problem, or if you can’t run SFC scan at all, you might want to consider using DISM scan instead. To perform a DISM scan, you just need to do the following:

Once the scan is finished, check if the problem is resolved. If the issue is still present, or if you were unable to run SFC scan before, be sure to repeat the SFC scan. After doing that, check if the issue is resolved.

Alternatively, you can rely on anautomated repair toolto scan, find, and replace any corrupted and missing files on your PC.

5. Disable your antivirus

Third-party antivirus programs and Windows are not the best friends ever. Having a third-party antivirus installed on your computer can actually cause more harm than you’d hope for.

That conflict can cause malfunctions of various Windows features, including Windows Update.

If you’re using a third-party antivirus, you might want to try changing its settings and check if that helps. In some cases, you might want to completely disable your antivirus in order to solve this problem.

Even if you disable your antivirus, Windows 10 has its own antivirus in form of Windows Defender, so your PC won’t be in any danger.

In some cases, you might even have to completely remove your antivirus to solve this issue. If removing the antivirus solves the problem, you should consider switching to a different antivirus solution.

There are manygreat antivirustoolsoptions fully compatible with Windows 10, that won’t interfere with it in any way.

6. Use Command Prompt to find the problematic services

According to users, sometimes certain services can interfere with your system and cause error 0x80070020 to appear. However, you can find these services by using Command Prompt. To do that, just do the following:

This is an advanced solution, so be extra cautious and follow the instructions carefully.

Can’t open Task Manager? Don’t worry, we’ve gotthe right solutionfor you.

7. Perform an in-place upgrade

If you can’t update your Windows due to a 0x80070020 error, you might want to try performing an in-place upgrade. This process will install the latest version of Windows, but it will keep all your files and applications intact.

To perform an in-place upgrade, you need to do the following:

Once the installation is finished, you’ll have the latest version of Windows installed and the issue should be resolved.

That’s about it, we hope this article helped you deal with the Windows Update error 0x80070020, and that you’re now able to install the new update normally.

In case you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, please reach us in the comments section below.

Windows Update Error 0x80070020: Causes & Fixes#

Why am I getting Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x80070020 message?#

How can I solve the error code 0x80070020?#

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter#

2. Restart the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)#

3. Reset Windows Update services#

4. Perform SFC#

5. Disable your antivirus#

6. Use Command Prompt to find the problematic services#

7. Perform an in-place upgrade#