AB#7663: Troubleshoot Windows Update Error 0x80070070

New article for [CI 7663](https://dev.azure.com/KMOps/ContentExperience/_queries/edit/7663)

Author: v-tappelgate

support/windows-server/installing-updates-features-roles/troubleshoot-windows-update-error-0x80070070.md

@@ -0,0 +1,74 @@
+---
+title: Troubleshoot Windows Update error code 0x80070070
+description: Learn how to fix Windows Update error code 0x80070070, which typically indicates insufficient disk space.
+ms.date: 12/01/2025
+manager: dcscontentpm
+ai-usage: ai-generated
+audience: itpro
+ms.topic: troubleshooting
+ms.reviewer: kaushika, dougking, v-appelgatet
+ms.custom:
+- sap:windows servicing, updates and features on demand\windows update - install errors unknown or code not listed
+- pcy:WinComm Devices Deploy
+appliesto:
+- ✅ <a href=https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/supported-versions-windows-client target=_blank>Supported versions of Windows Client</a>
+- ✅ <a href=https://learn.microsoft.com/windows/release-health/windows-server-release-info target=_blank>Supported versions of Windows Server</a>
+- ✅ <a href=https://learn.microsoft.com/lifecycle/products/azure-virtual-machine target=_blank>Supported versions of Azure Virtual Machine</a>
+---
+# Troubleshoot Windows Update error code 0x80070070
+
+This article describes how to fix Windows Update error code 0x80070070, which typically indicates insufficient disk space.
+
+## Symptoms
+
+When you try to install an update, the update process stops before Windows Update finishes downloading the update. You see an error message that resembles the following example:
+
+> 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.
+
+If you review the Microsoft-Windows-WindowsUpdateClient/Operational log in Event Viewer, you find an event that lists the same message.
+
+If you're working with an Azure virtual machine (VM), you can use Azure PowerShell cmdlets to collect Windows Update log information.
+
+For example, to generate a WindowsUpdate.log file on the desktop, open the Azure Serial Console to a PowerShell command prompt and then run the `Get-WindowsUpdatelog` cmdlet.
+
+To generate a log file that you can use offline, run the following cmdlet:
+
+```azurepowershell
+Get-Windowsupdatelog -etlpath <OfflineLogPath>
+```
+
+> [!NOTE]  
+> In this cmdlet, \<OfflineLogPath> is the path to the offline folder where you want to place the log file.
+
+In the log data, look for reports of failed downloads, and for error 0x80070070. Note the destination of the attempted download especially if you use a non-standard folder (other than C:\Windows) for the operating system. Check that the update was downloaded to the correct location.
+
+```output
+Windows failed to download from http://au.download.windowsupdate.com/c/msdownload/update/software/secu/2024/01/winreupdateinstaller_2401b_amd64_db08130ebf8845056f4677e8ef6d85ec048bf7b4.exe
+to local path = C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\f8c37f82eee991ffa34047ca3710154c\db08130ebf8845056f4677e8ef6d85ec048bf7b4 with error 0x80070070
+```
+
+## Cause
+
+The error occurs because there's not enough disk space on your physical computer or VM to store Windows updates for installation.
+
+## Resolution
+
+For best results, your operating system disk should have at least 20 GB of available space.
+
+> [!IMPORTANT]  
+> 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).
+
+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.
+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**).
+1. Free up space on the operating system disk. For example, use the following techniques to increase the amount of available space:
+
+   - Uninstall unused apps.
+   - Delete or archive files that you don't need.
+   - Move files to another disk, or to another computer entirely.
+
+1. If you can't free up enough space by removing files and apps, consider the following approaches:
+
+   - For a VM, extend the operating system disk.
+   - 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).
+
+If the issue persists, see [Collect data to analyze and troubleshoot Windows servicing, Updates, and Features on Demand scenarios](../windows-tss/collect-data-analyze-troubleshoot-windows-servicing-scenarios.md), and then contact Microsoft Support.