How to fix
Windows upgrade error 0x80070004 – 0x2000D
on Windows

I'm trying to upgrade my Windows 10 PC to the latest version, but I keep encountering error code 0x80070004 - 0x2000D. The installation fails during the MIGRATE_DATA phase. I've checked my internet connection and disabled antivirus software, but the issue persists. Is there any solution for this?

Smooth transition is what one gets when they upgrade Windows to a newer version, but some see the recurring issue: error code 0x80070004 - 0x2000D. The error usually occurs at the MIGRATE_DATA phase of the installation process, the phase that is responsible for copying personal files and user settings to the new system. Where that doesn't work, the upgrade will not work at all and users must try the process again.

One of the most frequent causes of 0x80070004 - 0x2000D is either a user profile corrupted or set up incorrectly. When the operating system fails to read or relocate a subset of the user directory files, the migration process will fail. In a number of reported cases, relocation of the Documents or Desktop folders to another partition will also induce this problem.

The second probable reason for Windows upgrade problem 0x80070004 - 0x2000D is leftover system files from earlier failed installations. These types of files may also interfere with the upgrade process going on now and cause undue problems. Similarly, some third-party software (most notably anti-malware software or system tools) can interrupt critical system processes in the process of upgrading.

There is also a chance that the hidden files or permission issues in the user directories might be stopping the migration. Ugrading from the clean boot state has solved the problem for many users.

If all other usual methods prove useless, such a mistake can be a sign of deeper system corruption. In that case, using a tool like [d1] can help to detect and repair corrupted files, registry entries, or other root causes that might be leading to recurrence of error 0x80070004 - 0x2000D repeatedly.

Fix 1. Run Windows Update troubleshooter

This tool is designed to detect and fix problems related to updates and upgrade installations.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update from the list.
• Click it and select Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• The troubleshooter will automatically scan your system for potential problems and display any issues it finds.

Fix 2. Perform a clean boot before upgrading

A clean boot helps isolate third-party software that might block the migration phase.

• Type msconfig in Windows Search and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
• Click on the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft Services box.
• Click Disable all to disable non-Microsoft services, then click the Startup tab.
• Open the Task Manager, disable all startup items, and close the Task Manager.
• Go to the Boot tab and mark the Safe boot option.
• Click OK on the System Configuration window and restart your computer.
• Try upgrading again.

Fix 3. Disconnect external devices

USB drives, external hard disks, and other peripherals can interfere with installation steps.

• Disconnect all unnecessary USB devices and peripherals.
• Keep only keyboard and mouse connected.
• Restart your computer and begin the upgrade again.

Fix 4. Run SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files can disrupt the upgrade process. These tools scan and repair essential components.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• When User Account Control shows up, click Yes.
• In the Command Prompt window, paste the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow
• Wait for the scan to complete.
• Once the SFC scan is finished, run the following set of DISM commands, pressing Enter after each one:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  (Note: if you get an error executing this last command, add /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess to it and try again).
• After completing the DISM commands, restart your device.

Fix 5. Clean up leftover installation files

Files from previous failed upgrades can cause conflicts. Removing them gives the new upgrade a clean slate.

• Press Win + R and type %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
• Press Enter and delete all contents of the folder.
• Then go to C:$WINDOWS.~BT and delete that folder if it exists.
• Restart your computer and try upgrading again.

Fix 6.  Remove unnecessary user profiles

Old or unused accounts may contain corrupted files that interfere with the upgrade process.

• Press Win + R, type netplwiz, and press Enter.
• Check the list of user accounts.
• Select any unused profile and click Remove.
• Confirm the action and restart your system.

Fix 7. Create a new user profile

A corrupted or misconfigured user profile can prevent the migration phase from completing during a Windows upgrade. Creating a new profile avoids these issues and allows the system to proceed without conflicting data.

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to Accounts, then select Family/Family & other users.
• Under Other users, click Add account/Add someone else to this PC.
• Follow the prompts to create a new user account. If you don't have Microsoft account details, you can choose I don't have this person's sign-in information followed by Add a user without a Microsoft account.
• Assign a username and password for the new account and complete the setup.
• Then go back to the Accounts section. Under Family/Family & other users, select the newly created account and click Change account type.
• Under Account type, pick Administrator and click OK.
• Try upgrading Windows again.