How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020?

Question

Issue: How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020?

Hello. I am using Windows 10, and I have automatic updates switched off. Previously I had Windows stuck in an eternal reboot loop, so I decided not to have updates set to be automatically applied. I am now having problems with the update installation. As soon as I try to update Windows 10 to the latest version, I receive a message “Windows could not search for new updates. Code 0x80070020.” I did not have any problems updating Windows manually before, but now I don't know what to do. Can you please help me to solve this issue?

Solved Answer

Windows patch day[1] is quite exciting news for everyone – software developers who patiently wait if everything functions correctly when it goes live; as well as for users who are enthusiastic about the new features and capabilities the new patch brings.

Unfortunately, looking back at the history of Windows updates, we could not find a patch that would not have some kind of issues. There have been thousands of reports on patch day – users claim they are receiving a variety of error codes under different circumstances – 0x80070020 is one of those annoying issues that people want to be sold as soon as possible.

There are three typical Windows Updates installation problems:

  • The new version or update does not download;
  • The new version of the OS or its update is downloaded completely, but cannot be installed;
  • The new OS version or its update is successfully downloaded and installed but is immediately rejected, and the system rolls back to the previous condition.

Have you ever encountered any of these problems? You probably did. Each instance of Windows Update failure is marked with an error code, which purpose is to help people find out more about the error, its culprit, and fixes.

Windows 10 Update Error 0x80070020 was first reported in 2015 when the new Windows version, Windows 10, has been released. Microsoft has patched the issue successfully, and it did not reoccur up till now. The message states the following:

Windows could not search for new updates
An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer.
Error(s) found:
Code 0x80070020 Windows Update encountered an unknown error.

Unfortunately, Windows 10 Creators Update[2] revived 0x80070020 error, and many people now are waiting for the fixes. The biggest problem is that there is no single trigger that could have influenced the emergence of this bug. Now, it might be related to third-party antivirus, Windows Update service (specifically BITS[3] in this case) or even malware. Thus, to fix the 0x80070020 error, you may need to try several methods.

Windows Update Error 0x80070020 fixIn this article, you will find out how to fix error 0x80070020

Solution 1. Uninstall third-party antivirus program

Fix it now! Fix it now!
To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

Windows Update bugs are commonly triggered by third-party anti-virus software that may be conflicting with some Windows Update components and, therefore, blocking their download/install. If you want to get rid of the third-party security software, follow these steps (if you want a quicker solution, you can use Perfect Uninstaller):

  • Press Ctrl+ Shift + Esc on your keyboard to open Task Manager
  • Locate third-party security software and select End task
  • Type in Apps & Features into the search box located in the taskbar
  • From the list, pick anti-virus software, and click Uninstall
  • Reboot your PC

Solution 2. Restart BITS service

Fix it now! Fix it now!
To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

According to Windows experts, 0x80070020 error is usually related to the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), which is responsible for delivering and preparing Windows updates. It the process stops or gets corrupt due to recent system changes or, for example, malware, you should restart BITS.

  • Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press OK
  • Locate the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and right-click it
  • Select Properties and open General tab
  • Find Startup Type and select Automatic
  • If the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) process is not running, right-click it and select Start
  • Confirm the changes and close Services window Windows Update Error 0x80070020 - restart BITSRestart Background Intelligent Transfer Service

Note: you might want to try restarting Windows Update service as well and see if that helps you with the issue.

Solution 3. Run System File Checker

Fix it now! Fix it now!
To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

System File Checker is a scanner that is built-in Windows operating system by default. To run it, you need to open Command Prompt as Administrator:

  • Type in Command Prompt into the search box
  • Locate the program, right-click and select Run as administrator
  • User account control will show up. Click Yes
  • When Command Prompt window opens, type in sfc /scannow and hit Enter
  • Let the scanner run – it will repair all found issues automatically

Solution 4. Run an inbuilt Windows Update Troubleshooter

Fix it now! Fix it now!
To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

Windows Troubleshooter is an excellent built-in tool that is capable of detecting and fixing various Windows issues. Follow these simple steps to run it:

  • Right-click on Start button and select Settings
  • Type Troubleshoot into the search box
  • In the Troubleshoot window, select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter
  • Let the troubleshooter run. If any issues are found, Windows will attempt to repair them automatically  Error 0x80070020 - Run Updates troubleshooterSelect the Updates troubleshooter and run it

Solution 5. Reset Windows Update components

Fix it now! Fix it now!
To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

To perform Windows update components reset, you will have to access Command Prompt with administrator's permissions:

  • Type in cmd into Windows search
  • From the search results, right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
  • In the new window, type in the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
    ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver Reset Windows update componentsReset Windows update components

Solution 6. Uninstall latest Windows updates

Fix it now! Fix it now!
To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

0x80070020 error might sometimes be caused by incorrectly installed updates from before (e.g., power cut). Thus, you can try to uninstall the latest updates as follows:

  • Type in Control Panel into Windows search and hit Enter
  • Select Program > Uninstall a program
  • On the left side, pick View installed updates
  • Select the most recent Windows updates
  • Right-click and pick Uninstall Error 0x80070020 - uninstall Windows updatesUninstall the latest Windows updates
  • Reboot your PC

Solution 7. Scan the system for malware

Fix it now! Fix it now!
To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect Mac Washing Machine X9.

If none of the fixes helped, the last thing you should try is to check the system for malware.[4] It might be that a malicious program is hiding in the depth of the operating system and causing its malfunctions. To verify system’s condition, we would highly recommend using FortectMac Washing Machine X9.

Repair your Errors automatically

ugetfix.com team is trying to do its best to help users find the best solutions for eliminating their errors. If you don't want to struggle with manual repair techniques, please use the automatic software. All recommended products have been tested and approved by our professionals. Tools that you can use to fix your error are listed bellow:

Offer
do it now!
Download Fix
  Happiness
Guarantee
do it now!
Download Fix
  Happiness
Guarantee
Compatible with Microsoft Windows Compatible with OS X
Still having problems?
If you failed to fix your error using FortectMac Washing Machine X9, reach our support team for help. Please, let us know all details that you think we should know about your problem.
Fortect - a patented specialized Windows repair program. It will diagnose your damaged PC. It will scan all System Files, DLLs and Registry Keys that have been damaged by security threats.Mac Washing Machine X9 - a patented specialized Mac OS X repair program. It will diagnose your damaged computer. It will scan all System Files and Registry Keys that have been damaged by security threats.
This patented repair process uses a database of 25 million components that can replace any damaged or missing file on user's computer.
To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Fortect malware removal tool.To repair damaged system, you have to purchase the licensed version of Mac Washing Machine X9 malware removal tool.

Protect your online privacy with a VPN client

A VPN is crucial when it comes to user privacy. Online trackers such as cookies can not only be used by social media platforms and other websites but also your Internet Service Provider and the government. Even if you apply the most secure settings via your web browser, you can still be tracked via apps that are connected to the internet. Besides, privacy-focused browsers like Tor is are not an optimal choice due to diminished connection speeds. The best solution for your ultimate privacy is Private Internet Access – be anonymous and secure online.

 

Data recovery tools can prevent permanent file loss

Data recovery software is one of the options that could help you recover your files. Once you delete a file, it does not vanish into thin air – it remains on your system as long as no new data is written on top of it. Data Recovery Pro is recovery software that searchers for working copies of deleted files within your hard drive. By using the tool, you can prevent loss of valuable documents, school work, personal pictures, and other crucial files.

About the author
Julie Splinters - Computer optimization specialist

When it comes to computer optimization, Julie Splinters is the expert. Whether it is a slow smartphone, Windows, Mac or Linux operating system, she will find a solution within minutes.

Contact Julie Splinters
About the company Esolutions

References

What you can add more about the problem: "How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020?"