Windows Update Error 0x80070017: Solved

The Windows Update 0x80070017 error is among the most common update issues many users have encountered.

It usually occurs when trying to install the latest updates on your computer or when you intend to upgrade your OS.

Users reported that the installation went into verification mode and failed at 76% with an error message every time. There are several variations of this error that users have reported, and they are the following:

• Windows Update error 0x80070017 – This usually appears while trying to download the latest updates. If that happens, restart Windows Update components and check if that helps.
• Error code 0x80070017 in Windows 7 – According to users, this error can appear on Windows 7. Even if you don’t use Windows 10, most of our solutions are compatible with older OSs, so feel free to try them out.
• 0x80070017 System Restore – This error can sometimes appear while trying to perform a System Restore. However, you should be able to fix the problem simply by disabling your antivirus.
• Windows cannot install the required files 0x80070017
• CRC 0x80070017

What does the error 0x80070017 mean?

Sometimes you might encounter this error when installing a new build. This is usually followed by the message – We couldn’t create a new partition. The cause might be your storage device settings, so check them.

In some instances, you can get Windows cannot install required files, and this message appears if your installation media is damaged, so be sure to repair it.

This error code also appears during updates, followed by the error message – There were some problems installing updates. Luckily, there are ways to fix this problem, and this guide will show you how to do it.

How can I fix the Windows Update error 0x80070017?

Here’s what you should first do:

• Restart your PC a few times, then try again.
• Disconnect all peripherals.
• When updating through Windows Update, disable your Internet connection, and proceed with the installation when the download reaches 100%.

1. Disable your antivirus

1. If you have third-party antivirus installed, disable it.
2. Press Windows key + S and type defender. Select Windows Security from the list.
   
3. Select Virus & threat protection in the left pane. In the right pane, choose Manage settings.
   
4. Locate Real-time protection and disable it.
   
5. Check if the problem is still there.

If this method solves your problem, be sure to turn back your system protection again after you’re done.

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. When the Settings app opens, navigate to the Update & Security section.
   
3. From the menu on the left, choose Troubleshoot. Then, in the right pane, click Additional troubleshooters.
   
4. Select Windows Update and click on Run the troubleshooter.
   

You can always opt for an automated system optimization tool. This way, you will accomplish the steps above faster and more securely.

3. Reset your Windows Update components

1. Press the Windows key + X, then select Windows Powershell (Admin).
   
2. When PowerShell opens, run the following commands one by one (You will have to paste the commands and press Enter):
   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

If you don’t want to run all these commands manually, you can also create a Windows Update reset script that will restart the services automatically for you.

5. Install the updates manually

1. Go to Microsoft’s Update Catalog website.
2. In the search bar, enter the update code. The code should start with KB followed by an array of numbers.
   
3. Once you find the update, click the Download button to download it.
4. After downloading the update, double-click the downloaded file to install it.

NOTE

It’s essential to download the update that matches your system’s architecture, so double-check everything before downloading it.

6. Install Windows from a USB flash drive

According to users, error 0x80070017 can appear while trying to install Windows 10. This problem usually occurs due to issues with your installation media or DVD drive.

If you’re having this problem, try replacing your DVD drive or installation media and check if that helps. Alternatively, you can create a Windows 10 bootable USB drive and try installing Windows 10 from a USB flash drive and check if that solves the issue.

Surprisingly, many reported the We couldn’t create a new partition error 0x80070017 while installing Windows, and changing the drive format and recreating the bootable USB did the trick.

Read more about this topic

• How can I fix Windows 10/11 update error 0x80004005?
• Fix: The installation failed in the safe_os phase
• Windows was unable to create a required installation folder [SOLVED]

7. Run a chkdsk scan

1. Press Windows key + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
   
2. Enter the command below and hit Enter. Before you run it, be sure to replace X with the letter that matches your system drive. In almost all cases, that would be C.
   chkdsk /f X
   
3. You’ll be asked if you want to schedule a chkdsk scan once the PC restarts.
4. Press Y and restart your system.
5. Wait for the scan to finish.

8. Perform a clean boot

1. Press the Windows key + R, enter msconfig, and hit Enter.
   
2. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click the Disable all button.
   
3. Now go to the Startup tab, and click on Open Task Manager.
   
4. Disable all startup apps. To do that, right-click the desired application and choose Disable from the menu.
   
5. Once you disable all startup applications, go back to System Configuration window, and click Apply and OK.
6. Restart your PC.

9. Perform an in-place upgrade

1. Visit the Windows 10 download page.
2. Click on the Download tool now in the Create Windows 10 installation media section.
   
3. Once the tool is downloaded, run it.
   
4. Select Upgrade this PC now, and click Next.
   
5. Wait while the setup prepares the necessary files.
6. Select Download and install updates (recommended), and click Next.
   
7. Follow the on-screen instructions until you get to the Ready to install screen.
8. Select Change what to keep.
9. Choose Keep personal files and apps, and then click Next.
   
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

This process will install the latest version of Windows on your PC while keeping all your applications and file intact.

What is Windows 7 installation error code 0x80070017?

When you see error code 0x80070017, it signifies that while the files are being copied from the disk, they are not moved to the storage disk in the same structure and format.

The error prevents Windows 7 from being installed on the PC and could arise due to issues with the bootable DVD or the disc reader itself. The best solution is installing Windows 7 via a bootable USB drive.

How do I fix Error code 0x80070017 on Windows 11?

The great news is this. If you’ve read the guide, you can fix Error code 0x80070017 on Windows 11 as well. This is true because the fixes that apply to one operating system also apply to the other.

Although minor UI variations occasionally occur, you should generally anticipate the same steps.

Why do Windows Update errors occur?

There are several reasons why these issues occur, but usually, the cause is related to your antivirus or other software interfering with the update process.

In some instances, even specific drivers or devices can lead to problems. Lastly, there’s file corruption, and if your system files are damaged, you might have issues installing updates.

How dangerous are Windows Update errors?

The errors aren’t dangerous, but they will prevent you from installing updates, leading to security issues.

Sometimes, vulnerabilities and bugs are discovered, and this is the only way for Microsoft to patch them, so you must keep your system up to date.

In addition, Windows updates are used to deliver new features to the users, so if you have update errors, you won’t be able to experience them.

How to find the update number?

1. Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app.
2. Now go to the Update & Security section.
   
3. You should see the update’s name and the KB number in the brackets.
   

Each update has a unique KB number, which you can find by following the steps above.

What is the update number used for?

This number is used as a unique identifier, so if a specific update is giving you this problem, feel free to use this number to troubleshoot the issue.

You can also use it to download the update from Windows Update Catalog and install it manually.

Error 0x80070017 can be problematic and prevent you from getting the latest updates, but we hope you solved it using one of our solutions.

If Window Update is not working on Windows 10 after following these steps, we suggest you reset your operating system and check if that helps.

Did you find a way to fix this error? Feel free to share it with us in the comments section below.