How to Fix the Error 0x80070020 With Ease

Jack

By Jack

Update on

0x80070020

Windows Update is a system service that runs the operating system of Microsoft Windows.

Its main purpose is to keep hardware drivers, Microsoft programs, and Microsoft Windows updated. These updates arrive in service packs or patches.

Plus, it includes recent security updates and other feature enhancements. This operating system gets updated automatically.

However, the update procedure could be problematic, and different issues could occur. Users may come across Windows Update Error 0x80070020.

This error occurs when they try to carry out a Windows update or install downloaded updates. It can even occur if one program interferes with this update procedure.

Another reason behind the error 0x80070020 could be anti-virus programs. Otherwise, it happens due to disk or system file errors.

0x80070020 Error

To fix this issue, you can try out various methods listed in this article. All of these fixes are so easy to follow.

Now, wait no more and resolve the error 0x80070020 effortlessly with the following Windows Update fixes.

Different Fixes to Resolve the Error 0x80070020

Here are some of the effective and easy solutions to repair the Windows Update error. So, have a look at them and fix the issue in no time.

1. Clear SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Contents

The SoftwareDistribution folder refers to a temporary folder where Windows keeps the updated files till you download them. After this, Windows begins the update procedure.

Clearing the contents of this folder might resolve the issue and repair Windows Update 0x80070020 error. The process of clearing the SoftwareDistribution’s contents is written as:

Look for Command Prompt under the search bar of Windows and right-tap on it. Now, choose ‘Run as administrator‘ and, after that, enter the given commands and hit Enter after each one of them for execution.

  • net stop wuaserv
  • net stop bits
Clear SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Contents

This primary command restricts the Windows Update Service, whereas the second one restricts the Background Intelligence Transfer Service. Next, visit ‘File Explorer‘ and browse the ‘C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution‘ location, where C is the system drive.

Clear SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Contents

In this SoftwareDistribution folder, choose all files and press ‘Delete.’ If it does not delete these files, restart your computer and try one more time. Users also have to get rid of the contents of the %temp% folder.

Enter “%temp%” in the search bar and navigate to the Temp folder. Here, you will find all the saved temporary folders and files. Delete these files and try updating Windows.

Next, once again, open Command Prompt and enter the following commands. After every command, you need to press Enter.

  • net start wuauserv
  • net start bits
Clear SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Contents

This is going to restart the Background Intelligence Transfer as well as Windows Update Service. Now, you are all set to reset the folder ‘catroot2‘. See if this procedure helps to resolve the error 0x80070020.

Besides, get to know how to fix your computer that is low on memory.

2. Restart Windows Update Parts to Fix the Error 0x80070020

Here, you will know how to stop Windows services like Cryptographic services, Windows Update service, Background Intelligent Transfer service, and Windows Installer Service through Command Prompt commands.

All of these services are linked with Windows Update, which enables the download, detection, and installation of various programs, including Windows.

To restart these services, you have to open up the ‘Command Prompt‘ tab and then choose ‘Run as administrator‘ from the menu. Next, type the following commands & hit Enter after each one of them.

Restart Windows Update Components to Fix the Error 0x80070020
  • 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 Windows Update Components

Now, leave the Command Prompt window and restart your system. Check if you can install Windows updates after repairing the 0x80070020 error.

Besides, click to find out how to fix unexpected_kernel_mode_trap error and video_dxgkrnl_fatal_error.

3. Employ Windows Update Troubleshooter

Employ Windows Update Troubleshooter to Fix the Error 0x80070020

Sometimes, Windows Update Troubleshooter can be helpful in fixing the issues related to Windows Update.

This clears up the temporary files linked with Windows Update, the SoftwareDistribution folder’s contents, resets the update components, looks for pending updates, examines the services’ status, and more.

To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, tap on ‘Start‘ and then visit ‘Settings.’ After this, click on the ‘Updates and Security‘ tab.

Here, you will find the option of troubleshooting. Choose ‘Windows Update Troubleshooter‘ and launch the same. Now, restart your system and check the issue.

Employ Windows Update Troubleshooter

In addition to this, run the Background Intelligent Transfer Service’s troubleshooter. The main purpose of this service is to look for and repair problems that prevent the working of background downloads.

You will not find this option within the troubleshooter tab. To find out about this service troubleshooter, visit Control Panel and check the option ‘Troubleshooting.’

Tap on the ‘View All’ tab and right-tap on ‘Background Intelligent Transfer Service’ from the menu. Examine if the Windows Update problem is still there.

By the way, click here to find out how to fix SSD not showing up, as well as the 0x8007001f Windows update error easily.

4. Reset Windows Update Manually

To fix the error 0x80070020 on Windows, you can try resetting the Windows Update parts manually. After this, check if the issue still persists.

5. Temporarily Disable Anti-Virus Programs

Another common reason behind this error could be a third-party application, such as anti-virus, which interferes with the process of Windows Update. Thus, anti-virus could be a problem here. So, disable this anti-virus program temporarily.

Before you do so, you need to check if the error is occurring due to the installed anti-virus program. For this, disable your anti-virus and try to update Windows. If disabling resolves the issue, look for another anti-virus suite and reinstall the presently-installed program.

6. Install Clean Boot to Fix the 0x80070020 issue

Users can perform Clean Boot to fix the issue 0x80070020 on their systems. After this, launch Windows Update. This procedure has helped many, and it’s worth trying. When you launch Windows through a normal startup, some services and applications start automatically and even run in the background.

These services include anti-virus programs, basic system procedures, system utility apps, and other installed programs. These services could result in software conflicts. Performing a clean boot will start Windows with a negligible set of startup programs and drivers.

In order to run a clean boot, enter the “system configuration” in the search bar, and tap on the ‘System Configuration‘ result.

In this window, tap on the tab ‘Services,’ check the box beside “Hide all Microsoft services” and then choose ‘Disable All.’ Next, tap on ‘Startup’ and choose ‘Open Task Manager.’

Under this Task Manager startup window, choose the very first enabled application and then press ‘Disable‘ to disable the program. Next, disable each and every enabled application, turn by turn.

Install Clean Boot
Install Clean Boot

After you have disabled all apps, exit ‘Task Manager‘ and press O.K in the tab ‘System Configuration Startup.’ Lastly, restart your system and update Windows once again.

If the error 0x80070020 does not show up while in the clean boot state, you know that one program out of all was causing the issue.

Install Clean Boot

7. Restart Windows Update Services

Firstly, open Service Manager and make sure that they are begun, and the startup kind is as:

  • Manual Background Intelligent Transfer Service
  • Automatic Cryptographic Service
  • Manual/Triggered Windows Update Service

8. Perform a DISM Scan and System File Checker

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is employed for repairing and preparing Windows files, such as Windows Setup, Windows PE, and Windows Recovery Environment.

For launching a DISM scan, visit Command Prompt and run it as administrator. Now, enter “DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth” and hit Enter.

Once the DISM scan is over, launch System File Checker, a Windows utility that enables users to look for corruption in the system files of Windows and even restore them. Here, we have mentioned how you can run the System File Checker program to scan the system files and repair the corrupted or missing ones.

The option ‘sfc /scannow‘ is a specific switch that you will find with the command sfc. To execute this command, enter “sfc/scannow” in the Command Prompt window and hit Enter.

Now, System File Checker will begin and will take a while to complete the scan. Wait for this procedure to end and see if the Windows Update 0x80070020 error is still there when you try updating Windows.

9. Look for Disk Errors

In Windows, there is an in-built program for checking the disks’ integrity. It will examine disks and fixes most of the common errors. One can launch this program from the graphical interface or command prompt.

If you like to run this program via Command Prompt, then open the Command Prompt as administrator. After this, enter the command ‘chkdsk C: /f‘ and hit Enter from the keyboard.

Next, replace the letter ‘C’ of your hard drive (in case the C drive is not what you like to scan, or the operating system is on other drives). This command will detect and fix logical problems which are affecting the drive.

In order to fix physical problems, you have to run the command ‘chkdsk C: /r‘. One can launch both commands at a time by putting in ‘chkdsk C: /f /r.’

Windows requires restarting the system to complete the scan. So, restart the computer and let it finish looking for errors, and then examine if the Windows Update 0x80070020 error still persists when you try to upgrade Windows.

FAQs

1. Can I permanently disable my antivirus software to avoid error 0x80070020?

It’s not recommended to disable your antivirus software permanently as it plays a crucial role in protecting your system from threats. Instead, try temporarily disabling it to identify if it’s causing the conflict.

2. What should I do if the error persists after trying all the troubleshooting methods?

If the error continues to occur even after attempting all the troubleshooting methods, you may need to seek assistance from technical support or visit relevant forums where experts can provide personalized solutions based on your specific situation.

3. Will resetting Windows Update components affect my installed programs and files?

Resetting Windows Update components should not affect your installed programs or personal files. However, it’s always a good practice to back up your important data before making any system changes.

4. How frequently should I scan my computer for malware?

It’s recommended to perform regular scans at least once a week to ensure your computer remains free from malware. Additionally, consider enabling real-time scanning in your antivirus software for continuous protection.

5. Can I prevent error 0x80070020 by avoiding Windows updates altogether?

While avoiding updates might seem like a temporary solution, it’s not advisable in the long run. Updates often include crucial security patches, bug fixes, and new features that enhance the performance and stability of your system. Regularly updating your Windows is essential for maintaining a secure and optimized computing environment.

Conclusion

So, these are some of the effective fixes to resolve the error 0x80070020 in Windows. This error shows up when users try to update their Windows. Apply these fixes to repair this issue and for installing Windows updates without any issues.

Now, what are you waiting for? Try out these amazing fixes and get rid of the annoying 0x80070020 error on your Windows system.

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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