Windows Update Error on Windows 11: Fix a Failed Install

0x8007000d   Problem with the Windows Update files or corruption in the update cache
0x800705b4   Update took too long to install or was interrupted
0x80240034   Update process is stuck due to an incomplete update or connection issue
0x800f0922   Unable to install due to insufficient disk space or issues with the .NET Framework or other components
0x80070057   Corrupted files, permission issues or incorrect system configurations
0x80080005   Corrupted files, permission issues or incorrect system configurations
0xC1900101   Incompatible driver is causing the update to fail
0x80248014   Windows Update database or the update service is not running
0x80070005   Access Denied error or insufficient permissions to install updates
0x80070002   Update failed to install

Why it happens

Microsoft's troubleshooting page names these causes:

• Not enough free space. Your device "requires at least 16 GB of free space to upgrade a 32-bit OS, or 20 GB for a 64-bit OS". The Free up drive space in Windows page notes that a PC running out of storage may have "trouble installing Windows updates".
• A damaged update cache. "Corrupt update files in the cache can cause errors", which is why one fix clears the SoftwareDistribution folder.
• A restart that has not happened yet. "Many updates require you to restart your device." The Windows Update FAQ adds that "to finish installing an update, your device will need to restart".
• No connection, or not enough power. Microsoft says a stable internet connection "is crucial for downloading and installing updates", and the device should be plugged into a power source.
• Wrong date and time. "Incorrect date and time settings can interfere with Windows Update."
• Missing administrator rights. "Some updates require administrator access."
• Drivers, external hardware and security software. Microsoft links 0xC1900101 to an incompatible driver. It also says third-party antivirus or security software can cause errors when you update to the latest version of Windows 11.

How to fix it

Back up your personal files first, as Microsoft advises before any of these steps. Try the update again after each step.

1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter. On Windows 11, start with the automated troubleshooter in the Get Help app, which "will automatically run diagnostics and attempt to fix most of the problems", according to the Windows Update Troubleshooter page. You can also run it from Settings:

   Start > Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
   Windows Update > Run
   

   Follow the on-screen instructions.

2. Check power and the internet connection. Plug the device in. Then open Start > Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi and reconnect if it is disconnected. If Wi-Fi itself will not connect, fix that first with Wi-Fi Not Working on Windows 11.

3. Free up disk space. Check how much space you have in File Explorer under This PC, then open:

   Start > Settings > System > Storage > Cleanup recommendations
   

   Review Temporary files, Large or unused files, Files synced to the cloud and Unused apps, select what to remove, then select Clean up. Storage Sense can also remove temporary files and Recycle Bin items automatically. If Windows needs more room for a feature update, Microsoft says you can use an external storage device to help complete it.

4. Restart to finish any pending update. Save your work, close your apps, then select Start > Power > Update and restart (or Update and shut down). To choose a time instead, go to Start > Settings > Windows Update and select Schedule the restart.

5. Clear the Windows Update cache.

   • Press Win + R, type services.msc and press Enter.
   • Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
   • Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all files and folders inside it.
   • Back in Services, right-click Windows Update and select Start.

6. Fix the date and time. Open Start > Settings > Time & language > Date & time, turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically, and select Sync now under Additional settings if needed.

7. Check administrator access and external hardware. Some updates need an administrator account. Unplug external drives, docks and other hardware you do not need, then retry.

8. Check for updates again. Open Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates and install anything offered. Microsoft notes that more updates may be available even after some have installed.

If the general steps fail

Microsoft only recommends these if you are comfortable in the command line. They need administrator rights. Type command prompt in the taskbar search box, select Run as administrator, then Yes.

Repair system files. Run these one at a time:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
sfc /scannow

Wait for the sfc scan to reach 100%, then try Windows Update again.

Rename the update folders. Type each command, press Enter and let it finish before the next, then restart the PC:

net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
ren %systemroot%\softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
net start bits
net start wuauserv

Repair hard drive errors with chkdsk /f C:. Windows asks you to restart so the repair can run.

Security software and drivers. For 0x800705b4 and 0x80070005, Microsoft says to temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software that might be blocking the update. Microsoft also says that in some instances third-party security software causes errors when you update to the latest version of Windows 11. You can temporarily uninstall it, update, then reinstall it. Make sure you have its product key first. For 0xC1900101, uninstall or update the network or graphics driver in Device Manager, or do a clean boot. If the driver you remove is the Wi-Fi or Bluetooth adapter's, the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth guides cover reinstalling and checking it afterwards.

Check that it worked

After DISM, Command Prompt should show "The restore operation completed successfully" or "The operation completed successfully". If neither appears, Microsoft says to retype the command and try again.

To confirm the update itself, open:

Start > Settings > Windows Update > Update history

This list shows which updates were installed and when. If the update you were trying to install is listed, it has gone through. Then select Check for updates again to pick up anything still waiting.

Windows Update stuck at 0%, 100% or 51-99%

A download that stops at one percentage is a variant Microsoft treats separately. If it is stuck at 0% or 100%, restart the PC, check the internet connection and check disk space. If it reaches 51-99% and does not complete, Microsoft says the time needed "depends on connection speed, network settings, and the size of the update". If it stays at the same percentage, check for updates again or run the Windows Update troubleshooter.

Error 0x80070070 during an upgrade

Microsoft documents 0x80070070 in its Windows 10 upgrade resolution procedures, paired with extended codes such as 0x80070070 - 0x50011. Microsoft says these codes mean the computer "doesn't have enough free space available to install the upgrade". That page covers Windows Setup upgrades, not monthly updates. The remedy is the same: free up drive space, or use an external USB drive if your device allows it.

Work through the checks above in order: troubleshooter, connection, space, restart, cache. If none of them works, Microsoft's final option is a clean installation of Windows 11 with the tool on its software download page. Back up your files before you try that.