Windows 11 Error Code Table and Most Common Issues When Updating Windows

Below are the most common Windows update issues users encounter, along with error codes and troubleshooting steps.

Windows 11 Error Code Table and Most Common Issues When Updating Windows Picture 1

Error codes and their potential causes.

The following list details error codes and possible causes related to Windows Update. Select an error code to view detailed troubleshooting steps.

Error code Cause
0x8007000d Problems with Windows update files or errors in the update cache.
0x800705b4 The update process is taking too long or is being interrupted.
0x80240034 The update process is stuck because the update is incomplete or there is a connection issue.
0x800f0922 Installation failed due to insufficient disk space or issues with the .NET Framework or other components.
0x80070057 or 0x80080005 Corrupted files, access issues, or incorrect system configuration.
0xC1900101 Incompatible drivers are causing update errors.
0x80248014 The Windows Update database or update service is not working.
0x80070005 The error "Access denied" or insufficient permissions to install the update.
0x80070002 The update process failed.

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

  1. Select  Start  >   Settings  >  System  .
  2. Select  Troubleshoot   and then select   Other troubleshooting tools  .
  3. Find  Windows Update   and select   Run  .
  4. Please follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Clear the Windows Update cache:

  1. Press the Win + R key combination, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Find the Windows Update service   , right-click on it, and select  Stop  .
  3. Navigate to  the C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution folder  .
  4. Delete all files and folders inside this folder.
  5. Go back to the Services window, right-click on  Windows Update  and select  Start  .

0x800705b4:  The update process is taking too long or is being interrupted.

Check your internet connection:

  1. Select  Start  >  Settings  >  Network & Internet  >  Wi-Fi  .
  2. Check your network status. If you are disconnected, reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.

Disable antivirus/firewall:  Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software that may be blocking the update process.

  1. Open your antivirus or firewall application from the  Start menu  .
  2. Look for the option to turn off or pause protection, usually found in the Settings, Tools, or Protection tab.
  3. Choose the time period for temporary disabling (e.g., 10 minutes, 1 hour).
  4. Update your antivirus software.

Restart your computer:   Restarting your computer ensures that no other applications are blocking the update process.

0x80240034:  The update process is stuck because the update is incomplete or there is a connection issue.

Check the Windows Update service:  Make sure that the Windows Update service is running.

  1. Press the Win + R key combination, type  services.msc  , and press Enter.
  2. Find the Windows Update service   and check if it is running.

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

  1. Select  Start  >   Settings  >  System  >  Troubleshooting  >  Other troubleshooting tools  .
  2. Find  Windows Update   and select   Run  .
  3. Please follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

0x800f0922:  The update could not be installed due to insufficient disk space.

Free up disk space:   Your device needs at least 16 GB of free space to upgrade to a 32-bit operating system, or 20 GB for a 64-bit operating system. If your device has a small hard drive, you may need to use a USB drive for the update.

If your computer is running low on storage space, try the techniques described in the article "Freeing up disk space in Windows".

Turn off your VPN:  If you are using a VPN, turn it off and try again.

0x80070057 or 0x80080005:  Corrupted files or incorrect system configuration.

Run the System File Checker:  Open Command Prompt with administrator privileges and type  sfc /scannow  and run it.

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

  1. Select  Start  >   Settings  >  System  ,
  2. Select  Troubleshoot   and then select   Other troubleshooting tools  .
  3. Find  Windows Update   and select   Run  .
  4. Please follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

0xC1900101:  Incompatible drivers are causing errors during the update process.

Uninstall network/graphics drivers:

  1. Open  Device Manager  , expand  Network Adapters  or  Display Adapters  , right-click the adapter you want to uninstall, and select  Uninstall device  .
  2. After uninstalling the driver, restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Update your network/graphics drivers:

  1. Open  Device Manager  , expand  Network Adapters  or  Display Adapters  , right-click the adapter you want to uninstall and select  Update Drivers  , then select  Search for Drivers Automatically  .

Perform a clean boot:  Disable unnecessary startup programs and services to ensure there are no conflicts with the update.

0x80248014:  Windows Update database error or update service not working.

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

  1. Select  Start  >   Settings  >  System  .
  2. Select  Troubleshoot  and then select   Other troubleshooting tools  .
  3. Find  Windows Update   and select   Run  .
  4. Please follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Start the Windows Update service:  Ensure that the Windows Update service is running.

  1. Press the Win + R key combination, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Find the Windows Update service   , right-click, and select  Start  .

0x80070005:  Error "Access denied" or insufficient permissions to install the update.

Make sure you have administrator access:

Some updates require administrator privileges. If your account doesn't have administrator privileges, see the guide on creating a local user account or administrator account in Windows. Or, if someone at home or in your office has an administrator account on your device, try asking them to install the updates.

Disable antivirus/firewall:  Temporarily disable any antivirus or firewall software that may be blocking the update process.

  1. Open your antivirus or firewall application from the Start menu.
  2. Look for the option to turn off or pause protection, usually found in the Settings, Tools, or Protection tab.
  3. Choose the time period for temporary disabling (e.g., 10 minutes, 1 hour).
  4. Update your antivirus software.

0x80070002:  The update process failed.

Restart your computer:   Restarting your computer ensures that no other applications are blocking the update process.

Run the Windows Update troubleshooter:

  1. Select  Start  >   Settings  >  System  .
  2. Select   Troubleshoot   and then select   Other troubleshooting tools  .
  3. Find  Windows Update   and select   Run  .
  4. Please follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

Check your disk space:  Make sure your device has enough space. Your device needs at least 16 GB of free space to upgrade to a 32-bit operating system or 20 GB for a 64-bit operating system. If your device has a small hard drive, you may need to use a USB drive for the update.

If your computer is running low on storage space, try the techniques described in the article "Freeing up disk space in Windows".

The Windows update process is stuck at 0% or 100%.

Restart your computer:   Restarting your computer ensures that no other applications are blocking the update process.

Check your internet connection:

  1. Select  Start  >  Settings  >  Network & Internet  >  Wi-Fi  .
  2. Check your network status. If you are disconnected, reconnect to your Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.

Check your disk space:  Make sure your device has enough space. Your device needs at least 16 GB of free space to upgrade to a 32-bit operating system or 20 GB for a 64-bit operating system. If your device has a small hard drive, you may need to use a USB drive for the update.

If your computer is running low on storage space, try the techniques described in the article "Freeing up disk space in Windows".

The Windows update process reached 51-99% and did not complete.

The time it takes to download and install the update depends on your connection speed, network settings, and the size of the update. If the installation gets stuck at the same percentage, try checking for updates again or running the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

To check for updates, select  Start  >  Settings  >  Windows Update  >  Check for updates  . 

I can't find my files after updating Windows.

If you're having trouble finding your files after upgrading, check out the article Finding Lost Files After Upgrading to Windows 10 or 11 for other solutions.

Advanced troubleshooting steps

Warning

Microsoft only recommends trying the steps in this section if you are comfortable working with the command line. These steps require administrator privileges on your device.

Rename the software distribution folder.

  1. In the taskbar search box, type "command prompt", then select  "Run as administrator"  from the list of options. Select  "Yes"  . Next, in the window that appears, enter the following commands one by one, including spaces, as illustrated. After entering each command, press Enter. Then, wait for each command to complete before entering the next command.

    network stop bit
    net stop wuauserv
    ren %systemroot%softwaredistribution softwaredistribution.bak
    ren %systemroot%system32catroot2 catroot2.bak
    network start bit
    net start wuauserv
  2. After completing all these commands, close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.

Temporarily remove third-party security software.

In some cases, third-party antivirus or security software may cause errors when you try to update to the latest version of Windows 11. You can temporarily uninstall this software, update your computer, and then reinstall it after your device has been updated. We recommend using third-party antivirus or security software that is compatible with the latest version of Windows 11. You can check compatibility by visiting the software manufacturer's website.

Note

Before uninstalling the software, make sure you know how to reinstall it and have the necessary product key.

Fix hard drive errors

In the taskbar search box, type "command prompt", then select  "Run as administrator"  from the list of options. Select  "Yes"  . In the window that appears, type the following command, including spaces as shown in the illustration: `
chkdsk /f C:`
and press Enter. The repair process will automatically begin on your hard drive, and you will be prompted to restart the device.

Perform a clean restart of Windows.

A clean restart helps Windows boot with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This eliminates software conflicts that occur when you install a program or update that could cause problems when updating your PC.
Learn how to perform a clean restart.

Restore and repair system files.

  1. In the taskbar search box, type "command prompt", then select  "Run as administrator"  from the list of options.
  2. In the window that appears, enter this command (including spaces) as shown in the illustration:
    DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Windows 11 Error Code Table and Most Common Issues When Updating Windows Picture 2

  1. Press Enter. When the command runs successfully, you will see a confirmation message from Command Prompt that says 'The recovery operation was successful' or 'The operation was successful'.
    Note: If you do not see the confirmation message, re-enter the command and try again.
  2. Next, type this command, including spaces as shown in the illustration:
    sfc /scannow
  3. Press Enter. Wait until the  SFC scan verification process  is 100% complete, then close the Command Prompt window.
  4. Try running Windows Update again.

Learn how to repair Windows operating system images.

Perform a fresh reinstall of Windows 11.

Visit the software download page and select  "Download tool now"  to download the clean installer. Be sure to carefully read the warnings on the software download page before using the tool.

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