Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020

If you’re trying to update Windows, but suddenly you receive an error code 0x80070020 with a message saying that the process cannot access the update file because it’s being used by another process, then you’re at the right place as today we are going to see how to fix the issue.

Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020

In short, the updates are not installed because another program is interfering with updates like antivirus or malware scanners. So without wasting any time let’s see how to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020 with the help of below-listed troubleshooting guide.

Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020

Make sure to create a restore point just in case something goes wrong.

Method 1: Temporarily Disable Antivirus and Firewall

Sometimes the Antivirus program can cause an error, and to verify this is not the case here, and you need to disable your antivirus for a limited time so that you can check if the error still appears when the antivirus is off.

1. Right-click on the Antivirus Program icon from the system tray and select Disable.

Disable auto-protect to disable your Antivirus | Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020

2.  Next, select the time frame for which the Antivirus will remain disabled.

select the duration until when the antivirus will be disabled

Note: Choose the smallest amount of time possible, for example, 15 minutes or 30 minutes.

3. Once done, again try to connect to open Google Chrome and check if the error resolves or not.

4. Search for the control panel from the Start Menu search bar and click on it to open the Control Panel.

Type Control Panel in the search bar and press enter | Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020

5. Next, click on System and Security then click on Windows Firewall.

click on Windows Firewall

6. Now from the left window pane click on Turn Windows Firewall on or off.

Click on Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off present on the left side of the Firewall window

7. Select Turn off Windows Firewall and restart your PC.

Click on Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended)

Again try to open Google Chrome and visit the web page, which was earlier showing an error. If the above method doesn’t work, please follow the same steps to turn on your Firewall again.

Method 2: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Open control panel and then search Troubleshooting in the Search Bar on the top right side and click on Troubleshooting.

Search Troubleshoot and click on Troubleshooting | Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020

2. Next, from the left window, pane select View all.

3. Then from the Troubleshoot computer problems list select Windows Update.

From the Troubleshoot computer problems list select Windows Update

4. Follow on-screen instruction and let the Windows Update Troubleshoot run.

5. Restart your PC, and you may be able to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020.

Method 3: Rename SoftwareDistribution Folder

1. Open Command Prompt. The user can perform this step by searching for ‘cmd’ and then press Enter.

Open Command Prompt. The user can perform this step by searching for ‘cmd’ and then press Enter.

2. Now type the following commands to stop Windows Update Services and then hit Enter after each one:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

Stop Windows update services wuauserv cryptSvc bits msiserver

3. Next, type the following command to rename SoftwareDistribution Folder and then hit Enter:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Rename SoftwareDistribution Folder

4. Finally, type the following command to start Windows Update Services and hit Enter after each one:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Start Windows update services wuauserv cryptSvc bits msiserver

5. Reboot your PC to save changes and check if you can Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020.

Method 4: Restart Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

1. Press Windows Keys + R then type services.msc and hit Enter.

services windows | Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020

2. Now find BITS and then double click on it.

3. Make sure the Startup type is set to Automatic, and the service is running, if not then click on the Start button.

Make sure BITS is set to Automatic and click Start if the service is not running

4. Click Apply, followed by OK.

5. Reboot your PC and again try to update Windows.

Method 5: Run SFC and CHKDSK

1. Open Command Prompt. The user can perform this step by searching for ‘cmd’ and then press Enter.

2. Now type the following in the cmd and hit enter:

Sfc /scannow
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=c:\ /offwindir=c:\windows

SFC scan now command prompt

3. Wait for the above process to finish and once done restart your PC.

4. Next, run CHKDSK to Fix File System Errors.

5. Let the above process complete and again reboot your PC to save changes.

Recommended:

That’s it you have successfully Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020 but if you still have any queries regarding this guide then feel free to ask them in the comment’s section.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *