How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070020

Windows Update Error 0x80070020 typically means the update process is being interrupted—usually because another application or service (often antivirus, firewall, or backup tools) is actively using Windows Update files.

To resolve this issue, follow these steps:

1. 
   

   Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall to ensure they’re not blocking update processes.

   
   


2. 
   

   Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and end any tasks that might interfere, such as backup utilities, Download Managers, or other third-party software locking files in the SoftwareDistribution or catroot2 folders.

   
   


3. 
   

   Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

   
   
   
   
   

   arduino

   
   

   
   

   
   

   CopyEdit

   
   

   
   

   
   

   net stop wuauserv net stop bits

   
   


4. 
   

   Navigate to C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution and C:WindowsSystem32catroot2, rename both folders (for example, add “.old” to their names).

   
   


5. 
   

   Restart the services using:

   
   
   
   
   

   sql

   
   

   
   

   
   

   CopyEdit

   
   

   
   

   
   

   net start wuauserv net start bits

   
   


6. 
   

   Run sfc /scannow to repair system files and restart your computer.

   
   


7. 
   

   Re-enable your antivirus and firewall, then check for updates again.

   
   

If the error persists, manually download and install the failed update from the Microsoft Update Catalog, or perform an in-place upgrade using the Media Creation Tool.

For a detailed step-by-step walkthrough, refer to the external guide provided by WinChatSupport. If you'd like real-time help, live chat support is available on the WinChatSupport homepage.