Windows Update Error 0x80070020

What is WU-0x80070020?

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.

Common 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.

Step-by-Step Fix Guide

• 1
  Restart your PC in a Clean Boot state to disable third-party startup program locks.
• 2
  Temporarily disable real-time protection shields of your third-party antivirus client.
• 3
  Stop background update installer services and restart the update process.

Commands & Diagnostics