Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x80070070: How to Fix It

Easy 30-60 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0x80070070
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Easy
Estimated Fix Time
30-60 minutes
Windows error code 0x80070070 means your computer does not have enough free disk space to download and install a Windows Update. Windows typically needs at least 10–20 GB of free space on your system drive (usually C:) to apply major updates safely. This guide walks you through several proven methods to free up space and resolve the error without losing your personal files.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x80070070

  1. Check How Much Free Space You Have

  2. Run Windows Disk Cleanup

    Do not delete files from 'Downloads' or 'Documents' folders through this tool unless you are certain you no longer need them. The built-in categories listed above are safe to remove.

  3. Use Storage Sense to Automatically Free Space

  4. Delete Unnecessary Large Files and Apps

  5. Empty the Recycle Bin

  6. Move Files to an External Drive or Cloud Storage

    Make sure your external drive is safely ejected before unplugging it. Never unplug a drive while files are still transferring, as this can corrupt your data.

  7. Clear the Windows Update Cache Manually

    Only delete the contents inside the Download folder, not the SoftwareDistribution folder itself. Stopping the Windows Update service before doing this is required — do not skip that step.

  8. Use a USB Drive or External Storage as Temporary Update Space

    The USB drive used for temporary space will have its contents erased by Windows. Back up anything important on it first.

  9. Retry Windows Update

    Do not shut down or put your PC to sleep while an update is installing. Interrupting an update mid-installation can cause system instability.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have already freed up 20 GB or more of space but the error 0x80070070 persists, there may be a deeper issue such as a corrupted Windows Update component, a failing hard drive, or a system file error. At that point, consider contacting Microsoft Support (support.microsoft.com) or a local PC repair technician. Also seek professional help if your C: drive is physically too small for modern Windows updates (less than 64 GB total capacity), as you may need a drive upgrade.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much free disk space does Windows need to update?
For most monthly security updates, Windows needs around 5–10 GB of free space. For larger feature updates (such as major version upgrades), Microsoft recommends at least 20 GB of free space on your C: drive. Having 20 GB or more free at all times is a good general practice to keep Windows running and updating smoothly.
Will clearing the Windows Update cache delete my installed updates?
No. Deleting the contents of the SoftwareDistribution\Download folder only removes downloaded update installation files that are no longer needed. It does not uninstall any updates that are already applied to your system. Windows will simply re-download any files it needs the next time you run Windows Update.
Can I install Windows updates on a different drive to avoid the space issue?
Windows system updates must be installed on the same drive where Windows is installed (usually C:). You cannot redirect the core update installation to another drive. However, you can use a USB flash drive as a temporary staging area for the update files, which can help if your C: drive has very little room. See Step 8 in this guide for how to do that.
Why does error 0x80070070 keep coming back after I fix it?
If your drive repeatedly fills up and triggers error 0x80070070, it usually means your C: drive is too small for your current usage and the demands of modern Windows. Consider permanently moving large files (videos, photos, games) to a secondary drive, upgrading to a larger SSD, or enabling Storage Sense to automatically keep space clear on a schedule.
Is error 0x80070070 dangerous or will it damage my PC?
Error 0x80070070 itself will not damage your PC. It simply prevents an update from installing. However, staying on an outdated version of Windows for a long time can leave your system exposed to security vulnerabilities. It is important to resolve the space issue and apply pending updates as soon as possible, especially security patches.

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