Quick Summary
Error code 0x80070070 typically indicates that there is insufficient disk space available on your system to complete the attempted operation, such as installing updates or upgrading Windows. This commonly occurs when your system drive (usually C:) is nearly full.
Common Causes
- Insufficient Disk Space: The most common cause is simply that the hard drive where Windows is installed is running out of free space. This can happen due to accumulated temporary files, large applications, or other data.
- Windows Update Cache Issues: A corrupted or oversized Windows Update cache can prevent updates from installing successfully, leading to this error. The cache stores temporary files needed for the update process.
- Large Temporary Files: Temporary files created by applications or the system itself can consume a significant amount of disk space, especially if they are not regularly cleaned up.
- Full Recycle Bin: The Recycle Bin can hold a surprising amount of data. If it's full, it's essentially taking up the same amount of space on your hard drive as the original files did.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Run Disk Cleanup
Step 1: Open Disk Cleanup by typing 'disk cleanup' in the Windows search bar and selecting the app.
Step 2: Select the drive you want to clean (usually C:).
Step 3: In the Disk Cleanup dialog box, check the boxes for the types of files you want to delete (e.g., Temporary files, Recycle Bin, Previous Windows installation(s)).
Step 4: Click 'OK' to start the cleanup process.
Method 2: Uninstall Unnecessary Programs
Step 1: Open the 'Apps & Features' settings by searching for it in the Windows search bar, or by going to Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features.
Step 2: Review the list of installed programs and uninstall any applications you no longer use or need. Pay attention to large applications you may have forgotten about.
Step 3: Click the program you want to uninstall and follow the on-screen prompts.
Method 3: Empty the Recycle Bin
Step 1: Right-click the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
Step 2: Select 'Empty Recycle Bin'.
Step 3: Confirm that you want to permanently delete the files.
Method 4: Reset Windows Update Components
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for 'cmd', right-click on the Command Prompt icon, and select 'Run as administrator'.
Step 2: Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
net stop wuauservnet stop cryptSvcnet stop bitsnet stop msiserverren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.oldren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.oldnet start wuauservnet start cryptSvcnet start bitsnet start msiserver
Step 3: Restart your computer.
Method 5: Extend the C: Partition
Warning: Be very careful when modifying partitions. Incorrect modifications can lead to data loss. Back up your important data before proceeding. Ensure you have unallocated free space available on the hard drive.
Step 1: Open Disk Management by searching for 'disk management' in the Windows search bar.
Step 2: Locate the C: drive partition. If there is unallocated space next to it, right-click on the C: drive and select 'Extend Volume'.
Step 3: Follow the on-screen instructions to extend the partition. If there is no immediate unallocated space, you will need to shrink another volume or move partitions before C: can be extended. In this case, 3rd party partition management software might be needed.