The Windows update error 0x80070032 often occurs due to lack of drive space, interference caused by Windows Defender, corrupted system files, and outdated system drivers. The error message takes its route while pending update is successfully installed and users restart their device for the changes to take effect.
Below, we have provided different possible fixes that would help you in resolving the issue. Before that, we recommend you use PC Repair Tool- an automatic tool to check for Windows related problems to get their automatic fixes. Here is its direct download link for you.
Possible fixes for Windows update error 0x80070032
Fix 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
To initiate with, you should use the built-in Windows utility, Windows Update Troubleshooter to fix the issues regarding Windows Update. Most Windows Update related issues are fixed by running the Windows Update Troubleshooter:
- Press Win+ I to open Settings,
- Navigate to Update & Security,
- Select Troubleshoot,
- Click on View Additional Troubleshooter,
- Select Windows Update and then click on Run the Troubleshooter,
It will automatically check for the issue and fix the problem. Once done, try updating the device and see if the Windows throw the error message again.
Fix 2: Reset Windows Update Components
If the problem continues, we recommend you reset the Windows Update components. This will clear the temporary files, restart the Windows services and replace the corrupted ones with the default. Here are the complete steps how to reset Windows Update Components:
- From the Start menu, type Command Prompt,
- Press Ctrl+ Shift+ Enter to launch it as Administrator,
- Now, type the below commands and hit Enter on each time:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
netsh winsock reset
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc
- Next, press Win + R to open Run program,
- Go to the below path:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
- Press Ctrl+ A to sell all files there in, right-click on the mouse and select Delete option,
- Check now if the problem persists.
Fix 3: Update Windows Update Services
If Windows update error 0x80070032 still appears, you should set up the Windows update services to start automatically. This would allow you to update Windows install while restarting. Here are the steps how to setup Windows Update service to run automatically:
- Open Command Prompt as Admin,
- Type the below commands and hit Enter:
SC config cryptsvc start= auto
SC config trustedinstaller start= auto
SC config wuauserv start= auto
- Once done, restart the device and see if your Windows is updating.
Fix 4: Uninstall latest Update
The problem could occur because the Windows Update is corrupt or problematic. In this scenario, you should consider uninstalling it:
- Press Win+ X and click Settings,
- Go to Update & Security,
- Pick View Update History and then click on Uninstall Updates,
- Select the update you want to uninstall,
- Right-click on it and then click Uninstall.
Fix 5: Disable Windows Defender Temporarily
There could be an interference caused by the antivirus solution you are using. Therefore, we would advise you to disable the antivirus tool temporarily and see if this helps you in resolving the problem:
- To disable Windows Defender, click on Start Menu, select settings,
- Under Update & Security, pick Windows security> Virus and Threat Protection,
- Go to Manager Settings and navigate to advanced security settings,
- Turn off Real Time protection,
- Click Yes to confirm and see the next if the problem is resolved.
Fix 6: Restart Windows Update Services
As said before, the problem could be caused by Windows services. These services are necessary to complete the installation of regular updates. As per the affected users, restarting Windows services help them in resolving Windows update error 0x80070032:
- Press Win +R. type in services.msc and hit Enter,
- Find and navigate to Windows Update, right-click on it and select Properties,
- Change the Startup type from Manual to Automatic, and then click Apply,
- If the service is stopped, click on start button under Service status.
Fix 7: Perform a Clean Boot
If the problem is caused due interference from any third party app, clean booting system would help you in resolving the problem. It is a process of starting Windows with minimal set of drivers and services. It also disables the third party items that load at the startup because they can interfere with Windows Services and other required components:
- Press Win+ R, type MSConfig and hit Enter,
- Click on Selective Startup and go to the Services tab,
- Click on Hide All Microsoft Services and then select Disable All,
- Click Apply and select Ok to confirm,
- Finally, restart your device and see the next if the problem is gone.
Fix 8: Free UP Drive Space
Another problem that could cause the problem is the lack of drive space. You should check there is enough space in your drive for every upcoming Windows Update. You can free up some space by deleting temporary files or cleaning the recycle bin.
Fix 9: Run SFC and DISM
These built-in utilities are helpful in repairing any corrupted system files. Here are the steps how to run these utilities:
- Open Command Prompt as Admin,
- Type the below command and hit Enter on each time:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannow
- After executing these commands, go to the Windows Update and see if the error is resolved.
Fix 10: Check for Drivers Update
At some point of time, outdated drivers from a third party may trigger this error. If you have any hardware that needs a driver update, you should update the driver. Additionally, you can disconnect the peripheral devices to see if the problem is resolved. To update the driver, you can use automatic driver updating tool.
Conclusion
That’s all! We are now rounding off this article on how to fix Windows update error 0x80070032. Hopefully, these fixes are helpful for you in resolving the problem. Comment down below in case of any queries, questions and suggestions regarding the post.
