|
| 1 | +--- |
| 2 | +title: Troubleshoot Windows Update Error Code 0x80070070 |
| 3 | +description: Learn how to fix Windows Update error code 0x80070070, which typically indicates insufficient disk space. |
| 4 | +ms.date: 12/01/2025 |
| 5 | +manager: dcscontentpm |
| 6 | +ai-usage: ai-generated |
| 7 | +audience: itpro |
| 8 | +ms.topic: troubleshooting |
| 9 | +ms.reviewer: kaushika, dougking, v-appelgatet |
| 10 | +ms.custom: |
| 11 | +- sap:windows servicing, updates and features on demand\windows update - install errors unknown or code not listed |
| 12 | +- pcy:WinComm Devices Deploy |
| 13 | +appliesto: |
| 14 | +- ✅ <a href=https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/supported-versions-windows-client target=_blank>Supported versions of Windows Client</a> |
| 15 | +- ✅ <a href=https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/windows-server-release-info target=_blank>Supported versions of Windows Server</a> |
| 16 | +- ✅ <a href=https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/azure-virtual-machine target=_blank>Supported versions of Azure Virtual Machine</a> |
| 17 | +--- |
| 18 | +# Troubleshoot Windows Update error code 0x80070070 |
| 19 | + |
| 20 | +This article discusses how to fix Windows Update error code 0x80070070. This error typically indicates insufficient disk space. |
| 21 | + |
| 22 | +## Symptoms |
| 23 | + |
| 24 | +When you try to install an update, the update process stops before Windows Update finishes downloading the update. When this issue occurs, you receive an error message that resembles the following example: |
| 25 | + |
| 26 | +> Updates are available, but we currently require additional space for downloading. Let's clear some space by removing any unnecessary files and apps, and we'll try again. |
| 27 | +
|
| 28 | +If you use Event Viewer to review the Microsoft-Windows-WindowsUpdateClient/Operational log, you find an event that includes the same message. |
| 29 | + |
| 30 | +If you're working on an Azure virtual machine (VM), you can use Azure PowerShell cmdlets to collect Windows Update log information. |
| 31 | + |
| 32 | +For example, to generate a WindowsUpdate.log file on the desktop, open a PowerShell command prompt in the Azure Serial Console, and then run the `Get-WindowsUpdatelog` cmdlet. |
| 33 | + |
| 34 | +To generate a log file that you can use offline, run the following cmdlet: |
| 35 | + |
| 36 | +```azurepowershell |
| 37 | +Get-Windowsupdatelog -etlpath <OfflineLogPath> |
| 38 | +``` |
| 39 | + |
| 40 | +> [!NOTE] |
| 41 | +> In this cmdlet, \<OfflineLogPath> is the path to the offline folder in which you want to put the log file. |
| 42 | +
|
| 43 | +In the log data, look for reports of failed downloads. Also look for error 0x80070070. Note the destination of the attempted download, especially if you use a nonstandard folder (other than C:\Windows) for the operating system. Check that the update was downloaded to the correct location. |
| 44 | + |
| 45 | +```output |
| 46 | +Windows failed to download from http://au.download.windowsupdate.com/c/msdownload/update/software/secu/2024/01/winreupdateinstaller_2401b_amd64_db08130ebf8845056f4677e8ef6d85ec048bf7b4.exe |
| 47 | +to local path = C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\f8c37f82eee991ffa34047ca3710154c\db08130ebf8845056f4677e8ef6d85ec048bf7b4 with error 0x80070070 |
| 48 | +``` |
| 49 | + |
| 50 | +## Cause |
| 51 | + |
| 52 | +The error occurs because not enough disk space exists on your physical computer or VM to store Windows updates for installation. |
| 53 | + |
| 54 | +## Resolution |
| 55 | + |
| 56 | +For best results, your operating system disk should have at least 20 GB of available space. |
| 57 | + |
| 58 | +> [!IMPORTANT] |
| 59 | +> Before you troubleshoot this issue, back up the operating system disk. For information about this process for VMs, see [About Azure Virtual Machine restore](/azure/backup/about-azure-vm-restore). |
| 60 | +
|
| 61 | +1. If the affected computer is a VM, check the disk quota settings to make sure that the operating system disk doesn't have any quotas. |
| 62 | +1. Check the amount of free space on your operating system disk. For example, open File Explorer, right-click **Local disk (C:)**, and then select **Properties**. |
| 63 | +1. Free up space on the operating system disk. For example, use the following methods to increase the amount of available space: |
| 64 | + |
| 65 | + - Uninstall unused apps. |
| 66 | + - Delete or archive files that you don't need. |
| 67 | + - Move files to another disk or to another computer. |
| 68 | + |
| 69 | +1. If you can't free up enough space by removing files and apps, consider the following methods: |
| 70 | + |
| 71 | + - For a VM, extend the operating system disk. |
| 72 | + - For a physical computer, use an external drive during the update process. For more information, see [Updating Windows using an external storage device](https://support.microsoft.com/windows/updating-windows-using-an-external-storage-device-f980fac4-91b8-4225-b076-f66c28f21768). |
| 73 | + |
| 74 | +If the issue persists, see [Collect data to analyze and troubleshoot Windows servicing, Updates, and Features on Demand scenarios](../../windows-client/windows-tss/collect-data-analyze-troubleshoot-windows-servicing-scenarios.md), and then contact Microsoft Support. |
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