A few errors with Windows Updates prevent the Windows Update service from initiating, while others halt the process while it’s running. One of the many errors with Windows Updates is Install error 0x80070020.
The cause behind this error is installed programs interfering with the Windows Update process. It could be an anti-virus program, malware, or a PUP. The reason could also be missing files in the system. If you get the following error code 0x80070020 while attempting to install Windows Updates, chances are CBS, also known as Windows Component-Based Servicing are corrupted.
Fix Windows Update Install Error 0x80070020
1] Clear contents of SoftwareDistribution & catroot2 folders
The procedure to clear the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder is as follows:
Search for Command Prompt in the Windows search bar and right-click on the option. Select Run as administrator. Type the following commands and press Enter after each of them to execute them:
net stop wuauserv net stop bits
The first command stops the Windows Update Service and the second command stops the Background Intelligence Transfer Service.
Now open File Explorer and browse to the following path:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
Here C: is the system drive.
Select all the files in the SoftwareDistribution folder and hit Delete. In case it doesn’t delete all the files, restart the system and try again.
Open an elevated Command Prompt once again as explained earlier. Now type the following commands and press Enter after each command to execute them:
net start wuauserv net start bits
This will restart the Windows Update Service and Background Intelligence Transfer Service, which we stopped earlier.
Next, you have to reset the catroot2 folder.
Once you have done this, try and see if it helps.
2] Restart the Windows Update Services
Open the Service Manager and ensure that they are Started and their Startup type is as follows:
- Background Intelligent Transfer Service: Manual
- Cryptographic Service: Automatic
- Windows Update Service: Manual (Triggered)
3] Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter
At times, the Windows Update troubleshooter can be helpful in fixing Windows Update problems. It will clear the Windows Update-related temporary files, clear the contents of the Software Distribution folder, repair and reset Windows Update components, check the status of Windows Update-related Services, check for pending updates, and more.
Here’s the procedure to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Click on the Start button and then the gear-like symbol to open the Settings page. Go to Updates and security and then to the Troubleshoot tab. Select the Windows Update Troubleshooter and run it. Restart the system and see.
4] Manually Reset Windows Update components
Reset Windows Update components manually and see if that helps you.
5] Repair Windows Update with DISM
Fix corrupted Windows Update system files using DISM Tool and then run Windows Update and see.
The tool checks your computer for inconsistencies that try to prevent the successful installation of future updates, service packs, software, etc. and tries to resolve them.
Related: Fix 0x80073712 Windows Update Error
6] Disable the anti-virus software temporarily
One reason behind the issue is that a third-party program, usually an anti-virus, interferes with the Windows update process. Try temporarily disabling your anti-virus software.
7] Install in Clean Boot State
You could perform a Clean Boot and then run Windows Update. That is known to have helped many.
I hope this helps!
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