Windows Update error codes
When Windows Update fails, it usually shows an 8-digit hex code like 0x80070002. This page lists every Windows Update code we have a full answer for. Pick yours, try the first fix, then open the full page for the rest of the steps.
How to find your error code
- Open Settings → Windows Update (or search “Windows Update” in the Start menu).
- If an update failed, the code is on that failure line. Or open View update history and check the failed items.
- You can also press Win+I, go to Windows Update, and look for the
0x…code next to the failed update.
Error code table
| Code | What it means | First fix to try | Full page |
|---|---|---|---|
0x80070002 | This error occurs when Windows Update cannot locate a needed file during the update process, often due to missing or corrupted update… | Restart your computer | 0x80070002 → |
0x80070005 | This error means Windows could not install an update because it was denied access to necessary files or settings on the computer. | Restart the computer | 0x80070005 → |
0x8007000d | This error means Windows Update ran into invalid or corrupted data while trying to download or install an update, so the process fails. | Run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter | 0x8007000d → |
0x80070020 | This error means Windows Update cannot access a needed file because another program is using it, most often an antivirus scan or a… | Restart your computer | 0x80070020 → |
0x80070422 | This error occurs when Windows Update cannot start because a required background service is stopped or disabled, preventing updates from… | Check Windows Update service status | 0x80070422 → |
0x800705b4 | This error means Windows Update timed out while checking for or installing updates. The process waited too long for a response from a… | Run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter | 0x800705b4 → |
0x80070643 | This error means Windows Update hit a fatal problem during an update installation, often stopping the process from completing. | Run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter | 0x80070643 → |
0x80073712 | This error means Windows Update cannot finish because part of the system files or update components appear damaged or incomplete. | Run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter | 0x80073712 → |
0x800f081f | This error usually appears when Windows Update cannot locate the files needed to install an update, often because system components are… | Run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter | 0x800f081f → |
0x800f0922 | This error means Windows Update could not finish installing an update, often because of damaged system files or problems with the… | Check available disk space | 0x800f0922 → |
0x8024a105 | This error means Windows Update could not complete because it ran into a problem connecting to or downloading from the update service… | Restart your computer and try the update again | 0x8024a105 → |
Quick answers
- How do I find my Windows Update error code?
- Open Settings → Windows Update. Failed updates show an 8-digit hex code (0x…). You can also check View update history for failed items.
- What does a Windows Update 0x code mean?
- It is Windows' machine-readable reason the update failed — missing files, locked files, a stopped service, damaged components, or a network problem. Match your code in the table above for the plain-English meaning and first fix.
- What should I try first when Windows Update fails?
- Restart the PC, run the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter (Settings → System → Troubleshoot), then open the full page for your code for the remaining safe-first steps.
Don't see your code? Paste the full error on the home page, or browse all Windows/PC errors.