Windows Update error 0x80070008: ERROR_NOT_ENOUGH_MEMORY
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What the code means
Not enough memory resources are available to process this command. (System Error Codes (0-499))
Code facts for 0x80070008
| Code as Windows shows it | 0x80070008 |
|---|---|
| Type | Win32 error code |
| Symbolic name | ERROR_NOT_ENOUGH_MEMORY |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x80070008 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 2147942408 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -2147024888 |
| Severity | failure |
| Facility | 7 FACILITY_WIN32 |
| Windows error number inside this code | 8 ERROR_NOT_ENOUGH_MEMORY: Not enough memory resources are available to process this command. |
| Group | Windows Update errors |
Code facts: System Error Codes (0-499) (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Where this error shows up
This code shows up while Windows Update or a Windows upgrade is downloading, installing or setting up.
Applies to
Windows client, Windows Server and Azure virtual machines (as the summary of the Microsoft page says).
These steps come from a Microsoft page written for IT administrators.
4 steps to try, in order
Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of 0x80070008 are not covered. 2 steps are flagged.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
From: Troubleshoot Windows Update error 0x80070008
Source: Troubleshoot Windows Update error 0x80070008 (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Back up first
Written for IT administrators.
Before you troubleshoot, back up the operating system disk; the Microsoft page asks for this first.
Free up memory
Written for IT administrators.
Changes services or policyStop all unnecessary services and applications before installing updates.
Then restart the Windows Update service from a Command Prompt:
net stop wuauserv
net start wuauserv
Try the update again.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Increase the page file (virtual memory)
Written for IT administrators.
Changes system memory settingsUse this if you can't add physical memory. Open Settings > System > Related links > Advanced system settings.
On the Advanced tab, under Performance select Settings, then Advanced, then Change under Virtual memory.
If Automatically manage paging file size for all drives is selected, clear it. Select Custom size and type initial and maximum sizes greater than 1.5 times the physical RAM.
Restart and try the update again.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Install updates one at a time
Written for IT administrators.
At a PowerShell prompt run: Get-WindowsUpdate -MicrosoftUpdate
Then for one update run: Install-WindowsUpdate -KBArticleID "KB5XXXXXX" -AcceptAll
(XXXXXX is the update's number).
Microsoft's page doesn't say which PowerShell module these two cmdlets need: they are not in Windows' own WindowsUpdate module, which has only Get-WindowsUpdateLog (Microsoft's WindowsUpdate Module reference).
The Microsoft page also has two steps for Azure virtual machines only; they are not listed here.
Stop and get help
If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.
Dates and review
| Automated checks | first check: ; second check: ; third check: ; fourth check: |
|---|---|
| Microsoft pages read |
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| Review status | Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on . |