Windows & BSOD · medium

How to fixWU-0x80070020

Windows Update Error 0x80070020

What this error means

Windows Update Error 0x80070020 is a medium-severity Windows operating system issue. The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process. This occurs when Windows Update attempts to modify or copy critical system files that are locked by a background program or third-party security software. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Restart your PC in a Clean Boot state to disable third-party startup program locks.

Restart your PC in a Clean Boot state to disable third-party startup program locks..

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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02Temporarily disable real-time protection shields of your third-party antivirus client.

Temporarily disable real-time protection shields of your third-party antivirus client..

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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03Stop background update installer services and restart the update process.

Stop background update installer services and restart the update process..

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

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Possible causes

  • Third-party antivirus or real-time protection suites locking temporary update folder components.
  • Stale update installation processes still running in the background and locking log directories.
  • Disk indexing services or search assistants actively locking system folders during the installation phase.