Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070020 (File In Use)

How to Fix Windows Update Installation Blocked Error 0x80070020
The 0x80070020 error is a common Windows Update issue that often appears when the update process fails to install new files because they are currently in use by another process. The error message typically means “The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.” This issue can prevent updates from completing, leaving your system vulnerable and out of date.

This guide provides a series of solutions to identify and close the conflicting processes, allowing the update to proceed.

Understanding the Error 0x80070020
This error code is a clear signal that a file needed for the update is locked and cannot be modified. The primary causes are:

Background Processes: A program running in the background is using a system file that Windows Update needs to replace.

Corrupted Update Cache: The temporary files for the update are damaged, which can lead to file-in-use conflicts.

Third-Party Software Interference: An antivirus program or a background service might be locking the files.

Пошаговые решения
Solution 1: Restart Your Computer
The simplest and most effective solution is to restart your PC. This closes all running processes and releases any file locks, allowing the update to run on a clean slate. After restarting, try running Windows Update again.

Solution 2: Temporarily Stop Conflicting Services
If a simple restart doesn’t work, a specific service might be causing the conflict. You can temporarily stop key services to see if it fixes the problem.

Press the Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Windows Update Service with these commands, pressing Enter after each:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv

Try running Windows Update again.

After the update is complete, you can restart these services with the commands:
net start bits
net start wuauserv

Solution 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The built-in troubleshooter can automatically detect and fix common update issues, including file-in-use conflicts.

Нажмите сочетание клавиш Windows + I, чтобы открыть «Параметры».

Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

Find “Windows Update” in the list and click “Run”.

Follow the on-screen instructions.

Solution 4: Perform a Clean Boot
If you suspect a third-party application is causing the issue, a clean boot can help you identify and disable it.

Press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

Go to the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and click “Disable all.”

Go to the Startup tab, click “Open Task Manager,” and disable all startup items.

Restart your computer and try running Windows Update.

If the update works, you can re-enable services and startup items one by one to find the culprit.

Часто задаваемые вопросы
Q: Could my antivirus software be causing this error?
A: Yes. An overly aggressive antivirus can lock system files. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus and firewall, and then run Windows Update. Remember to re-enable them afterward.

Q: I still can’t update, even after a clean boot. What’s wrong?
A: This points to a deeper issue. The update cache itself might be corrupted. Try manually resetting the Windows Update components by renaming the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders, as detailed in other guides.

Q: Is it safe to stop those services?
A: Yes, it is safe to temporarily stop the BITS and Windows Update services. They will restart automatically when you reboot your computer or you can start them manually using the commands provided.

Заключение
The 0x80070020 error is typically a temporary issue caused by a file lock. By restarting your computer, stopping conflicting services, or using the built-in troubleshooter, you can often resolve the problem quickly. If the issue is persistent, performing a clean boot to identify a third-party software conflict is the next logical step.