Windows 10 Update Error 0x80070020: When Another Program Is Holding the Files
The update downloads and appears to install, then fails with 0x80070020. Windows 10 update error 0x80070020 has a fairly specific meaning that points straight at its usual YYPAUS cause.
The code means “the process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.” In other words, something else on the PC had a file open that the update needed to change.
The other process is very often antivirus or backup software, although any program that scans or locks files can be responsible.
Users often see it on the same update several times in a row, because the program causing the conflict starts again with Windows and locks the same files each time an installation is attempted.
Possible Causes
The file conflict usually comes from one of these:
- Real-time antivirus scanning is locking files during installation.
- Backup, sync, or disk-cleaning software is working at the same moment.
- A background program has files open in the Windows folder.
- Damaged update files are causing repeated retries.
The error is more common on PCs with several security or utility programs installed.
Quick Fixes to Try First
Free up the files before trying again.
- Restart the PC so that all programs release their files.
- Close everything you can, including sync apps such as OneDrive or Dropbox.
- Temporarily turn off real-time protection in any third-party antivirus.
- Check for updates and install straight away.
- Run the Windows Update troubleshooter if the error returns.
Installing immediately after a restart gives other programs less time to grab the files.
Advanced Steps for Stubborn Cases
A clean boot stops third-party programs from loading at all.
- Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
- On the Services tab, tick “Hide all Microsoft services” and select Disable all.
- Open Task Manager from the Startup tab and disable every startup item.
- Restart, then install the update.
- Return to msconfig afterwards, select Normal startup, and restart.
If the update installs during the clean boot, one of the disabled programs was the culprit, and updating it should prevent the conflict next month. Resetting the SoftwareDistribution folder is a good extra step if the failure persists.
Safety and Data Warning
Remember to undo the clean boot, or some programs will stop working. Turn antivirus protection back on as soon as the update is installed. Do not uninstall security software without having Windows Security ready to take over.
Conclusion
Error 0x80070020 tells you that another program got in the way. Restarting, pausing antivirus, and installing during a clean boot usually let the update through. Identifying the program responsible stops the same clash from happening with future updates.
Making a habit of restarting before installing large updates reduces the chance of a repeat, since freshly started programs have had less time to open files that Windows needs.