How to Fix Update Error Code 0x80070070 on Windows 11

Windows update problems are common in any Windows version, but that doesn’t make them less annoying. One of these errors is the 0x80070070, which informs users that they do not have sufficient space to complete the update.

If you have enough space but are still slapped with this error, we have come up with this article to help you bypass this Windows update error. Keep reading to find out how you can resolve it.

What does 0x80070070 failed to install mean?

The 0x80070070 error code is associated with a problem with your system’s installation. This problem can come from any number of causes, including a corrupt file, an incorrectly installed driver or software package, or even a hardware problem with your computer.

Users who encountered this error reported that their drive did not have sufficient space as they were trying to install Windows. If you have tried installing Windows 11 before, you already know the stringent system requirements.

Space is one of these; you must have or exceed at least 64 GB. That said, even users who had met these requirements were part of the group that encountered the 0x80070070 error. Some of the similar issues that stood out in these scenarios include:

• Users were trying to install Windows from a DVD or USB drive
• The error was common when trying to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11
• Updating Windows would go through but fail in the middle with an error message that something went wrong

The major causes for this issue include:

• Insufficient space – Other programs may be taking space in your PC, leaving no room for an update.
• Corrupt system partition – The system partition is a part of your hard drive where all your programs are stored. If this partition becomes corrupted, it causes problems for the operating system.
• The system partition is unavailable – The Windows installation cannot complete because of an error in the volume boot record. It can also be caused by a corrupted MBR (Master Boot Record).
• Invalid partition table – The failure to install occurs because the operating system cannot find a valid partition table. 

How do I fix error code 0x80070070?

Before you embark on the slightly complex solutions, try the following:

• Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements to install Windows 11.
• Check for any system file errors by running the SFC scan.
• Try restarting your PC.

1. Run the Windows update troubleshooter

1. Hit the Windows key and click on Settings.
2. Click on System and select Troubleshoot.
3. Navigate to Other troubleshooters.
4. Click the Run option for the Windows Update troubleshooter.

2. Perform a Disk Cleanup

1. Press the Windows key, type cleanmgr in the search bar, then click Open.
2. The Disk Cleanup dialog box will show up. Select the drive that you wish to clean up, and click OK.
3. Navigate to the Disk Cleanup tab in the Disk Cleanup dialog box, check the boxes for all file types you wish to delete, and click OK.
4. Click Delete files and click OK in the confirmation box.

3. Remove partition quotas

1. Right-click on the Start Menu and select Disk Management.
2. Locate your Windows drive, right-click on it, and select Properties.
3. Navigate to the Quota tab in the Properties dialog box that pops up, uncheck the Enable quota management box, then click on Apply and OK.
4. Restart your PC.

If you’re using a quota partition, it’s possible that Windows is not able to update all the partitions on your system. This may occur if you have insufficient hard drive space. When the size of your quota partition reaches the limit, Windows does not have enough space to update the files on that partition.

Read more about this topic

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• Windows 10 updates will be much smaller from now to suit slow Internet speeds

4. Repartition the Windows hard drive

1. Right-click on the Start Menu and select Disk Management.
2. Locate your Windows drive, right-click on it, and select Shrink Volume.
3. Go to the Enter the amount of space to shrink in MB entry and enter a new volume.
4. Next, go back and right-click on your recovery drive to rename it.
5. With the new unallocated space, right-click on it and select New Volume.
6. Follow the on-screen prompts and try updating again to see if the error reoccurs.

5. Use the Media creation tool

1. Navigate to your browser and Download Media Creation Tool.
2. Click on Upgrade this PC now and wait for your PC’s system requirements to be verified.
3. Stay put; your PC will restart multiple times until the installation is complete.

Hopefully, one of these methods has helped you bypass the Windows update error 0x80070070, and you can now update with no issues. Other update errors include 0x800f0831 and 0x80240023, so if you come across either, check out our detailed guides for more information.

Share any other method you tried not mentioned here but worked for you in the comment section below.