How to fix Windows update error 0x80070008?

What causes How to fix Windows update error 0x80070008?

Lack of available disk space
Problems with the update service
Issues with the system's network connectivity
Corrupted system files
SoftwareDistribution folder issues

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Hello. I tried to install the most recent update on my Windows 10 computer but I received the 0x80070008 error. What should I do to fix this?

Error 0x80070008 is a common error that can occur when trying to install updates on a Windows operating system. This error can be caused by a variety of factors, including a lack of available disk space, problems with the update service, or issues with the system's network connectivity.

If the issue is related to network connectivity, you may be able to resolve it by checking your internet connection and ensuring that it is stable. You can also try resetting your network settings or restarting your router. One possible resolution for this error is to ensure that the system has enough available disk space to install the updates. To do this, you can try deleting unnecessary files or programs or moving large files to an external hard drive or cloud storage.

If the issue is related to the update service, you may be able to resolve it by stopping the update service and then restarting it. Since it is unknown why exactly this error occurs, you will find 7 possible solutions in this guide. However, the manual troubleshooting process can be lengthy.

If you want to avoid it, you can try using a maintenance tool like [d1]. It can automatically fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-1] corrupted files, registry[ref en-2] issues, or clear cookies and cache.[ref en-3] Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

How to fix windows update error 0x80070008

Solution 1. Repair Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

Open Command Prompt as administrator
Use the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

Reboot your system
If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 2. Run the Update Troubleshooter

Press the Windows + X keys and go to Settings
Go to Update and Security
Click Troubleshooter

Select Additional troubleshooters
Run the Update troubleshooter
Restart

Solution 3. Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run command box
Type services.msc and click OK
In the Services control panel locate the Windows Update service
Right-click on the Windows Update service and select Stop

Now open Windows Explorer and navigate to: C:\Windows folder
Find the SoftwareDistribution folder and Delete its contents

Solution 4. Restart Windows Update Service

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run window
Type services.msc and press Enter
Find the Windows Update service
Right-click on it and select Properties
Change the Startup type to Automatic

Click on Apply button to save the changes
Start the Windows Update service by clicking on the Start button
If your service is already enabled then click on Restart
Reboot your computer and check if the issue is fixed

Solution 5. Reset Windows Update Components

Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box
Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open up an elevated Command Prompt
Type the following commands in order and press Enter after each one:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptSvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

net start wuauserv

net start cryptSvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

Restart your computer

Solution 6. Install the Update Manually

Whenever Windows updates fail to install automatically, you can always try doing it manually. First, you need to find out which KB number is relevant to you.

Right-click Start button and pick Settings
Go to Update & Security
On the right, locate and click View update history
From the list, note the KB number that fails to install with the error code

Go to Microsoft Update Catalog page, type in the KB number and press Search
Download the update and install it manually

Solution 7. Update via Media Creation Tool

Download Windows 10 installation media from the official website
Open the tool once it installed
Agree to license terms
Choose Upgrade this PC now

Wait for the update to be installed

Bottom line

To fix the Windows update error 0x80070008, you can repair corrupted system files using Command Prompt, run the update troubleshooter, and clear the SoftwareDistribution folder. If these solutions do not resolve the issue, consider using a maintenance tool to automatically fix system errors.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Windows update error 0x80070008 mean?

The error 0x80070008 indicates that there is not enough storage space available to complete the Windows update process on Windows 10 or Windows 11.

How can I free up space to resolve error 0x80070008?

You can free up space by using the Disk Cleanup tool, uninstalling unnecessary applications, or deleting temporary files on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system.

Is there a way to reset Windows Update components to fix error 0x80070008?

Yes, you can reset Windows Update components by running specific commands in Command Prompt, which can help resolve the error on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Did this fix work for you?

Written & verified by

Sarah Chen

Cybersecurity Analyst

Cybersecurity Threat detection Security hardening Data protection Vulnerability assessment

Sarah Chen is a cybersecurity analyst focused on protecting Windows systems from emerging threats and preventing data breaches. She covers security hardening, vulnerability assessments, and post-infection cleanup for home and small business users. Sarah translates complex security concepts into practical hardening steps — firewall configuration, exploit mitigations, secure boot settings, and defence-in-depth practices that meaningfully reduce attack surface. She stays current with the threat landscape and contributes security advisories to the uGetFix news section when new vulnerabilities affect Windows users.

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