Fix Windows update error 0x80070032 in Windows 11/10

Quick and easy solutions to error code 0x80070032 failing the Windows update process in Windows 11 and 10.

The 0x80070032 error sometimes appears while updating Windows due to corrupted system files and interference from third-party services. Low storage can also be the reason for facing the issue because the PC may not be able to save files in this case.

There are plenty of methods such as disabling Antivirus software temporarily, configuring the Windows Update related Services, and more to fix the error code. Some users are facing Sysprep error 0x80070032. if you are in them follow Fix Sysprep Error 0x80073cf2 in Windows 10 22H2 using official workaround.

Windows update error 0x80070032

Here is how to fix Windows update error 0x80070032 in Windows 11/10:

Restart Windows Update Service

Windows Update Service is responsible for managing the connection between PC (client) and the Microsoft servers. So, restarting this can build a fresh connection between them, which might help in fixing update error 0x80070032:

  • Press the “Windows + R” key and type “services.msc”, and press “Enter”.
  • Find and Right-click the “Windows Update” service. Choose “Properties”.
  • Select “Automatic” in the drop-down menu of Startup type.
  • Click “Start”. If it’s greyed, click “Stop” and “Start”. Just make sure that the Service status is Running.
  • Click “Apply”, and then “OK”.
0x80070032
  • Restart the computer and check the error.

See: 2 Ways to Restart Windows Update Service in Windows 11 or 10

Set Windows Update related Services to run Automatically

You can set Windows Update Services to run Automatically which can update your Windows upon restart. To do this, follow these steps:

  • Open the Start menu and Type CMD. Right-click on the result and choose “Run as administrator”.
  • Write the following commands one by one and Press “Enter” after typing each:
SC config cryptsvc start= auto
SC config bits start= auto
SC config trustedinstaller start= auto
  • You will get messages in return for every command saying “[SC] ChangeServiceConfig SUCCESS”.
  • Close the Command Prompt and Restart your computer.

Reset the Windows Update Components

Resetting the Windows Update Components can clear the temporary data and fix the corrupted cache, which is the most effective method to resolve error 0x80070032. Although the reset process is a bit complicated, you can do it by carefully following these steps:

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
how to fix Windows update error 0x80070032 in Windows 11 and 10
  • Exit Command Prompt.
  • Right-click on “Start” and select “Terminal (Admin)”.
  • Write the following command and Press ‘Enter’:

wuauclt.exe /updatenow

  • Close the PowerShell and then Restart your Computer.

Delete the Windows Update temporary cache folder

The Folder “SoftwareDistribution” stores temporary files that are needed for Windows Update and it may contain corrupted ones, which might cause 0x80070032 error.

  • Press the Windows + R key.
  • Type “C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution” and press Enter.
  • Press “Ctrl + A” to select all.
  • Choose “Shift + Delete” and then “Yes” to permanently remove these files.
softwaredownload folder all items select delete
  • Restart the device, go to Settings > Wiindows update and click “Check for updates”.

Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Antivirus Protection safeguards Windows from harmful files, which may misidentify the Windows update files as malicious. If the Antivirus is blocking the files from being downloaded you may encounter error 0x80070032, so temporarily disable it and check the issue.

  • Press the “Windows Key” from your keyboard.
  • Type “Security” and click “Windows Security” from the search results.
  • Select “Virus & threat protection”.
  • Click “Manage settings”.
  • Turn off “Real-time protection”.
Windows update error 0x80070032
  • For third-party antivirus, go to the right on taskbar and click on “Up arrow”.
  • Once the Antivirus icon is showing, right-click on it.
  • Select the “Pause” or “Disable” option whichever is available and set a time frame if possible.
  • Keep in mind to

Enable Windows Modules Installer service

The Windows Modules Installer service is responsible for installation, modification, and removal of Windows updates, if it’s disabled, then the Windows Update might fail. To enable this, follow these steps:

  • Press the “Winkey + R”, type “services.msc” and hit  “Enter”.
  • Locate and right-click the “Windows Modules Installer” service and choose “Properties”.
  • Click on “Start” from the Running status section.
  • Choose “OK” to close the Window.
  • Restart your system and see if the update error is fixed.

Free Up Drive Space

When updating Windows, some files are stored on hard drive and if it runs out you may confront error code 0x80070032.

Sometimes, local disk shows a red bar, particularly “C” or where Windows is Installed. You can go through Windows 10 C Drive Full Without Reason. Discover and delete unimportant files from the drive to free up space.

In case, there is free space on other drives like “D” or “E”, then shrink the Volume from these and extend “C” or where Windows is Installed.

If all data is important and can’t evacuate space, then try Disk Cleanup:

  • Click on “Search”, type “cleanmgr”, and press “Enter”.
  • Choose “C” or where the Windows is installed and click “OK”.
  • When the tool calculates the files to delete and shows up a wizard, click “Cleanup system files”.
cleanup system files disk cleanup
  • Again select “C” drive and click “OK”.
  • In the “Files to delete” section, tick those files that you want to remove such as Recycle Bin, Temporary Files, etc.
  • Click OK and then “Delete Files”.

SFC and DISM Scan

Commands like SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan can help to repair the corrupted or missing files that may trigger Windows update error 0x80070032.

  • Launch the elevated Command Prompt.
  • Type the following command and press Enter: SFC /SCANNOW
  • Wait for the SFC scan to be 100% complete and reboot the device.
  • If the error still occurs, write the following commands and Press “Enter”:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  • Wait for the DISM scan to be 100 percent complete.
  • Close the Command Prompt and Restart your computer.

Manually Update Windows via In-Place upgrade (100% Working)

In-Place upgrade will install the latest Windows update including upgrading the OS, most of all, this procedure never affects personal data. Therefore, follow the steps:

  • Head to the official software download page of Windows 11.
  • Move down to “Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices” heading.
  • The “Select Download” dropdown provides to choose the version; click on this and select “Windows 11 (multi-edition ISO for x64 devices)”.
  • Now it is time to click “Download Now”.
  • Select the language that suits you using “Choose one” drop-down.
  • Then click “Confirm” for validation.
  • Click the button “64-bit Download”.
  • Guide to the folder where ISO file is kept, right-click on “Win11_23H2_Language_x64.iso”, and pick “Mount”.
  • From the folder that automatically appears, right-click on the “setup.exe” and choose “Open”.
  • Click “Yes” from the dialog.
  • Select “Next”on  “Install Windows 11” wizard,
  • Choose “Accept” to agree to the license agreement.
  • Finally, the “Ready to Install” window will open; check the box for “Keep personal files and apps” and select “Install”.

Methods:
Restart Windows Update Service
Set Windows Update related Services to run Automatically
Reset the Windows Update Components
Delete the Windows Update temporary cache folder
Disable Antivirus Temporarily
Enable Windows Modules Installer service
Free Up Drive Space
SFC and DISM Scan
Manually Update Windows via In-Place upgrade (100% Working)

That’s all!!

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Topics:  Windows
  
About Maaz Bashir
A tech teenager who love to play with Windows. Having a Keen Interest on writing about Windows, error fixing, and registry techniques.