0x80070020

Quick Fix

Close all programs, restart your PC, then run the Windows Update troubleshooter. If the error persists, open an elevated Command Prompt and run DISM and SFC commands to repair system files.

What it Means

The 0x80070020 error means Windows cannot access a file or registry key because it is locked by another process. It commonly appears during Windows Update, driver installs, or when a background service holds a file.

Possible Causes

• 1
  File or registry lock by another process
• 2
  Background services like Windows Update or antivirus
• 3
  Pending updates in SoftwareDistribution folder
• 4
  Corrupted system files
• 5
  Misconfigured permissions

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Identify the locked file

   Open Process Explorer (procexp.exe) and use Find > Find Handle or DLL to locate the file name reported in the error. Close the application or service using it.

2. Restart the computer

   A simple reboot clears most file locks and stops background services that might be holding the file.

3. Run DISM repair

   DISM fixes Windows image corruption that can cause file locks.

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4. Run SFC scan

   SFC checks and replaces corrupted system files that may be locked.

   sfc /scannow
5. Stop Windows Update service

   Temporarily stop the service to free the SoftwareDistribution folder.

   net stop wuauserv
6. Delete SoftwareDistribution folder

   Clear pending updates that might be locked.

   del /s /q %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\*
7. Restart Windows Update service

   Restart the service to allow updates to resume.

   net start wuauserv
8. Reboot the computer

   Apply all changes and ensure no locks remain.

Commands You Can Try