Windows Update error 0x80070070: Not enough disk space
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What the code means
There is not enough space on the disk. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT Values)
There is not enough space on the disk. (System Error Codes (0-499))
Worked example on the page: 0x80070070 is read as Win32 ERROR_DISK_FULL, meaning the drive is full and more room is needed for the upgrade. (Windows 10 upgrade error codes)
Setup extended codes for 0x80070070
| Suffix | Phase | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 0x50011 | SP_EXECUTION_UNINSTALL | Error in the UNINSTALL phase during the ENABLE_FEATURE operation (phase 5, operation 11). (Windows 10 upgrade error codes) |
| 0x50012 | SP_EXECUTION_UNINSTALL | Error in the UNINSTALL phase during the DISABLE_FEATURE operation (phase 5, operation 12). (Windows 10 upgrade error codes) |
| 0x60000 | Phase 6 is not in Microsoft's phase table (it lists 0-5); operation SP_EXECUTION_OP_UNKNOWN. (Windows 10 upgrade error codes) |
Code facts for 0x80070070
| Code as Windows shows it | 0x80070070 |
|---|---|
| Type | Win32 error code |
| Symbolic name | ERROR_DISK_FULL |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x80070070 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 2147942512 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -2147024784 |
| Severity | failure |
| Facility | 7 FACILITY_WIN32 |
| Windows error number inside this code | 112 ERROR_DISK_FULL: There is not enough space on the disk. |
| Group | Windows Update errors |
Read with care
- Microsoft says these phase and operation values reflect the Windows 10 upgrade process (version 1607) and might change in later releases. (Windows 10 upgrade error codes)
- At least one extend code has a phase or operation that Microsoft's tables don't list; its meaning is not decoded. (Windows 10 upgrade error codes)
Code facts: [MS-ERREF]: HRESULT Values (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Code facts: System Error Codes (0-499) (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Code facts: Windows 10 upgrade error codes (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 11 and Windows 10 (as listed at the top of the Microsoft page). The page notes Windows 10 support ended 14 Oct 2025.
6 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 0x80070070 are not covered. 4 steps are flagged.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
From: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors
Source: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
Free up space
Can delete dataMake some room on the drive, then try again; Microsoft links its drive-space tips from this row.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files first. If you clean up system files, deleting the previous version of Windows can't be undone. (Free up drive space in Windows)
From: Windows 10 upgrade resolution procedures
Source: Windows 10 upgrade resolution procedures (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Microsoft's Windows 10 upgrade resolution procedures (IT page; applies to Windows 10). The same row also lists 0xC190020E.
Free up drive space
Windows 10 only.
Can delete dataTo upgrade a computer to Windows 10, it requires 16 GB of free hard drive space for a 32-bit OS, and 20 GB for a 64-bit OS. If there isn't enough space, attempt to free up drive space before proceeding with the upgrade.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files first. If you clean up system files, deleting the previous version of Windows can't be undone. (Free up drive space in Windows)
Or use an external USB drive
Windows 10 only.
Changes disksIf your device allows it, you can use an external USB drive for the upgrade; Windows setup backs up the previous version of Windows to it. The drive must be at least 8 GB (16 GB is recommended) and should be formatted using NTFS, because FAT32 drives may run into file size limits. USB drives are preferred over SD cards.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
From: Troubleshoot Windows Update error code 0x80070070
Source: Troubleshoot Windows Update error code 0x80070070 (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Microsoft's page for this code when Windows Update downloads stop (written for IT professionals; applies to Windows client, Windows Server and Azure VMs). It says to back up the operating system disk before you troubleshoot.
Check the free space
Written for IT administrators.
For best results the operating system disk should have at least 20 GB of available space. To check, open File Explorer, right-click Local disk (C:), and then select Properties.
If the computer is a VM, check the disk quota settings so the operating system disk has no quotas.
Free up space
Written for IT administrators.
Can delete dataUninstall unused apps, delete or archive files that you don't need, or move files to another disk or another computer.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files first. If you clean up system files, deleting the previous version of Windows can't be undone. (Free up drive space in Windows)
If that isn't enough
Written for IT administrators.
For a physical computer, use an external drive during the update process (see Updating Windows using an external storage device). For a VM, extend the operating system disk.
If the issue persists, collect data as the page describes and contact Microsoft Support.
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: |
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| Microsoft pages read |
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| Review status | Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on . |