Blog

How to Fix Error 0x80070bc9 on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions That Work

If you are encountering the error code 0x80070bc9 on Windows 11, it usually means there is a problem with Windows Update or system services. This error can stop your computer from updating properly, which might cause security or performance issues.

Fixing this error doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you can resolve the issue and get your system back to normal.

This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow solutions, starting from the most basic checks to more advanced troubleshooting.

By the end, you should be able to fix Error 0x80070bc9 and understand why it happened in the first place.

Quick Note Before You Start

Before diving into the fixes, here are some quick things to check:

  • Make sure your internet connection is stable. Windows Update needs a working connection.
  • Restart your computer once. Sometimes, a simple reboot can clear temporary glitches.
  • Check if your system date and time are correct. Incorrect settings can cause update errors.
  • Ensure you have enough free disk space, at least 10 GB is recommended for updates.

Step 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter designed to find and fix common update problems. This is the easiest place to start.

  1. Click on the Start button and select Settings.
  2. Go to System and then click on Troubleshoot.
  3. Select Other troubleshooters.
  4. Find Windows Update in the list and click Run.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions. The troubleshooter will scan for issues and try to fix them automatically.
  6. After it finishes, restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

This step is important because the troubleshooter can automatically reset update components and repair corrupted files without manual effort.

Step 2: Restart Windows Update Services Manually

Sometimes, the services that handle updates might get stuck or stop working. Restarting these services can clear the error.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run window.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter. This opens the Services window.
  3. Scroll down and find the following services:
    • Windows Update
    • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
    • Cryptographic Services
  4. For each service, do the following:
    1. Right-click the service and choose Stop.
    2. Wait a few seconds, then right-click again and select Start.
  5. After restarting these services, close the Services window.
  6. Try running Windows Update again.

Restarting these services ensures they are running correctly, which is necessary for the update process to work smoothly.

Step 3: Clear the Windows Update Cache

Sometimes, corrupted or incomplete update files cause errors. Clearing the update cache forces Windows to download fresh files.

Follow these steps carefully:

  1. Open the Services window again (services.msc).
  2. Stop the Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) services.
  3. Open File Explorer and navigate to: C:WindowsSoftwareDistributionDownload
  4. Select all files and folders inside the Download folder and delete them.
  5. Go back to the Services window and start the Windows Update and BITS services again.
  6. Restart your PC and check if the update error is fixed.

Deleting these temporary files removes any corrupted downloads that might be causing the problem.

Step 4: Use System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools

Corrupted system files can cause update errors. Windows has built-in tools to scan and repair these files.

Here is how to run them:

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This command will scan your system for corrupted files and fix them automatically. Wait until it completes (it might take some time).

  1. After that finishes, run these two commands one by one to repair the Windows image:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands check the health of your system image and restore any problems found. Once done, restart your PC and try updating again.

Step 5: Reset Windows Update Components Using Command Prompt

If the error persists, resetting Windows Update components manually can help. This resets all related services and clear settings.

Follow these detailed steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
  2. Type each command below and press Enter after each one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

These commands stop update services, rename key folders to force Windows to recreate them, then restart the services.

Restart your PC and check if you can update without error.

Alternative Method: Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes, third-party programs interfere with Windows Update. Performing a clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and programs.

Here’s how to do a clean boot:

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services box.
  4. Click Disable all.
  5. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  6. Disable all startup items.
  7. Close Task Manager and click OK on the System Configuration window.
  8. Restart your computer.
  9. Try running Windows Update again.

If the update works, one of the disabled programs was causing the issue. You can enable them one by one to find the culprit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What exactly does error 0x80070bc9 mean?

This error usually indicates a problem with Windows Update services or corrupted update files preventing successful updates.

Can I ignore this error and still use my PC safely?

Ignoring update errors is not recommended because missing updates can leave your PC vulnerable to security risks and bugs.

Is it safe to delete files from the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Yes, deleting files from the SoftwareDistributionDownload folder is safe. It only removes temporary update files, which Windows will redownload if needed.

Do I need to back up my data before trying these fixes?

While these fixes are generally safe, it’s always a good idea to back up important data before making system changes.

What if I get permission errors when running commands?

Make sure to run Command Prompt as an administrator by right-clicking and selecting “Run as administrator”.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still face the error, consider these final options:

  • Use the official Windows Update Troubleshooter from Microsoft’s website.
  • Perform a system restore to a point before the error started.
  • Reset Windows 11 while keeping your personal files (Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC).
  • Contact Microsoft Support for professional assistance.

Conclusion

Fixing error 0x80070bc9 on Windows 11 is usually straightforward if you follow these steps in order. Starting with the built-in troubleshooter and moving toward more advanced solutions helps avoid unnecessary complexity.

Remember that most update errors are caused by stuck services, corrupted files, or conflicting software. By restarting services, clearing caches, and scanning for system problems, you can resolve these issues efficiently.

If you still have trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to Microsoft Support or consider a system reset as a last resort. Keeping your system updated is important for security and performance, so fixing this error should be a priority.

Leave a Reply