After using the Operating System of our computer for a long time, we often need to update the system for the proper functioning of the system. For that, the Windows update service helps to update the Microsoft Windows, programs as well as the hardware drivers. But, sometimes this procedure becomes problematic as well as shows different types of error. Error 0x80070020 is one of the most common errors faced by several users while updating their Operating System.

If you face the same error for the first time, then it is quite a difficult task for you to solve this error by yourself. If you are tired of finding the solutions to this error, then you have arrived at the right place. Here, in this article, we are going to present some amazing tips and tricks to fix this error. Hence, you are advised to have a glance at the article given below. So, let’s start.

Easy Hacks to Fix Error 0x80070020:

If the new version of the Operating System is not downloaded properly, then there are higher chances that you might face this error 0x80070020. However, the reason for this error, you need to try to fix it to continue the updating process. Hence, you should try the solutions given below:

Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows Update Troubleshooter is an in-built tool of Windows Operating System. It can help to identify the possible issues associated with the Windows update on your computer. To run this troubleshooter on your computer, you need to perform the steps as follows:

1. At first, you need to hit the Windows key and I both at the same time from the keyboard.  It will open the settings on the Windows. Else, if you prefer, you can also move the cursor to the left bottom corner of the screen and hit on the Start logo. Then, click on the gear-shaped Settings icon.
2. Now, go to the ‘Update and security’ option.
3. Click on the ‘Troubleshoot’ option. Choose the ‘Windows Update’ option.
4. Now, tap on the ‘Run the troubleshooter’ from the list.
5. You need to wait until the Windows troubleshooter scans for any problems related to the Windows Update.
6. After that, you have to follow the on-screen directions to fix this error.

After performing the above steps, you need to try to run the Windows Update to make sure that the error 0x80070020 has been resolved or not.  

Solution 2: Reset the Components of the Windows Update

To fix the error number: 0x80070020, you should try to reset the components of the Windows update. To perform this, you need to follow the steps given below:

1. Move the cursor to the left bottom corner of the screen. Then, type ‘cmd’ in the search bar. After that, right-click on the ‘Command Prompt’ option and click on the ‘Run as Administrator’ option. It will start to run the Command Prompt with the administrator privilege.  
2. In the Command Prompt window, you need to type the commands given below. It will stop the services that are related to the Windows Update. Now, hit the Enter key after the commands:

1st: net stop bits

2nd: net stop wuauserv

3rd: net stop msiserver

4th: net stop cryptsvc

1. Now, you have to rename the backup copies of the software distribution folder. To rename this, you need to type the commands given below and hit the Enter key after each command:

ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.bak

ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak

1. Then, you have to restart the Windows Update Services, MSI Installer, as well as the Cryptographic that you have stopped previously. To do this, you have to run the following commands:

1st: net start bits

2nd: net start wuauserv

3rd: net start msiserver

4th: net start cryptsvc

1. After that, you need to exit from the Command Prompt. To close it, you need to hit the Alt and F4 key both at the same time from the keyboard.

Now, in order to save the changes, you have to restart the computer to check whether the Windows Update is still showing the same error or not. If you face the same error, then you need to move on to the next solution.  

Solution 3: Uninstall the Current Antivirus Software

Windows Update errors usually occur when the third-party antivirus program clashes with some of the Windows Update components as well as blocking their installation or download. Hence, you should try to uninstall the third-party antivirus to check if it can solve the error 0x80070020. To perform this, you need to follow the steps as follows:

1. At first, you have to hit the Ctrl, Shift and Esc key simultaneously from the keyboard to launch the Task Manager. Else, if you prefer, you can also move the cursor to the bottom of the display and right-click on the taskbar. Then, choose the option ‘Task Manager’ from the list.
2. Now, find the third-party security program from the list. Then, choose the ‘End task’ option.
3. Go to the search box located at the taskbar and type ‘Apps & Features.’  
4. As a result, it will show a list. Choose the antivirus program and tap on the ‘Uninstall’ option.
5. After that, you have to restart the computer to save the changes.  

Now, try to run the Windows Update to check whether the error is fixed or not. If you still face the same error, then move on to the next method.

Solution 4: Restart the BITS Service

According to some Windows experts, usually, the error 0x80070020 is linked with the BITS or Background Intelligent Transfer Service. That means it is responsible to deliver as well as prepare the Windows updates. If the procedure stops or gets corrupted due to the current changes of the system, then you need to restart the BITS. To perform this, you need to follow the steps as follows:

1. At first, you have to open the Run command box. To launch it, you should hit the Windows key and R both at the same time.
2. Then, then type ‘services.msc’ in the Run box. Hit the Enter key from the keyboard or tap on the Ok button.
3. Scroll down the list to find the option ‘Background Intelligent Transfer Service.’ Then, you have to right-click on it.
4. Choose the option ‘Properties.’ Then, navigate to the General tab.
5. Search for the Startup Type. Click on the option ‘Automatic.’
6. Now, if the Background Intelligent Transfer Service procedure is not started to run, then again right-click on it. Tap on the ‘Start’ option.
7. After that, you have to make sure about the changes that you have made. Then, exit from the Services window. To close this window, press the Alt and F4 key simultaneously.

Now, check that the error number: 0x80070020 is still showing or not. If you see that the error still persists, then go to further solutions.

Solution 5: Run the SFC or System File Checker

SFC or System Checker is an in-built tool of Windows that can help you to find any corrupted files of your system. In addition, it can also help you to recover those files. The error number: 0x80070020 can also occur due to any damage or corrupted system files of your computer. Hence, you should try to run the SFC to check if it can solve the error. To run this, you need to perform the steps as follows:

1. At first, go to the Start menu. Then, type ‘cmd’ in the search bar. Thereafter, right-click on the Command Prompt. Choose the option ‘Run as Administrator’ to run it with the administrator privilege.
2. Then, the windows will prompt the User account. Click on the Yes button.
3. As a result, it will open the Command Prompt window.
4. Now, you have to type ‘sfc /scannow’ in the Command Prompt window.
5. Hit the Enter key from the keyboard to run this command.
6. After that, you have to wait for a few seconds until the scanner run the repairing process.
7. Exit from the Command Prompt window. Then, restart the system.

Now, check that the error is showing or not. If yes, then you should move on to the next method.  

Solution 6: Check the Disk of your Computer for any Error

There is an in-built tool in your computer to verify the disk integrity. It scans the disks for detecting any kind of basic errors. You should run this with the help of the command prompt or by using the graphical interface. To perform this, you need to follow the steps as follows:

1. Go to the Start menu.
2. Now, you have to run the Command Prompt with the administrator privilege.
3. Type the command ‘chkdsk C: /f’ in the Command Prompt window and hit the Enter key from the keyboard to run the command (Replace ‘C’ with the specific driver that you wish to check).
4. Now, the command ‘chkdsk C: /f’ started to detect as well as repairs the logical problems that are affecting the drive.
5. To repair the physical errors, you can also run the command ‘chkdsk C: /r.’
6. In addition, you can easily run both commands at the same time by typing ‘chkdsk C: /f /r.’
7. When the scanning process become finished, then you need to restart the computer.

Now, try to run the Windows update to check whether the error 0x80070020 is still persisting or not. If you still face the error, then move on to the next solution.  

Solution 7: Perform a Clean Boot of your PC

When you open the Windows by performing a normal startup process, then some of the apps as well as services started to run in the background of the system by itself. These apps include some basic system procedures such as system utility apps, antivirus programs, and another application that has been installed previously. These services and applications can cause several software conflicts. Here, a clean boot can help you to begin the Windows utilizing a minimum number of drivers as well as startup software. It can also help you to reduce the software conflicts that are occurring on your PC while installing the updates or any program. By performing a clean boot, you can see that the specific problem that is preventing the update procedure. To perform this, you need to follow the steps mentioned below:

Steps to Perform the Clean Boot:

1. At first, tap on the Start menu.
2. Then, you have to enter ‘system configuration’ in the search field of the Start menu.
3. As a result, it will show the option ‘System Configuration.’ Click on it.
4. Navigate to the ‘Services’ tab under the System Configuration window.
5. Then, you will see the checkbox that prompts the message ‘Hide all Microsoft services.’ Tick the box.
6. Now, tap on the ‘Disable all’ option.
7. Go to the Startup’ tab and then tap on the ‘Open Task Manager’ option.
8. Now, you need to choose the first application that is enabled on your computer.
9. To disable it, you need to click on the ‘Disable’ option. After that, you also have to disable all the enabled applications that are running on your computer.
10. After disabling all the programs, you should exit from the Task Manager. Now, tap on the Ok button by going to the System Configuration Startup tab.
11. After that, restart your computer to save the changes.

After completing the above steps, you should try to run the Windows Update to check if the error 0x80070020 is resolved.

On the Whole

In the above discussion, we have provided some of the easiest solutions to fix the error 0x80070020. We hope if you perform the above methods in their respective order, then it will definitely help you to put an end to this bug. After successfully performing the above ways, if you still face any kinds of issues, then you need to contact a tech expert. In addition, you can also share your queries and valuable feedback through the comment box given at the end of this post.