How to Fix Windows Error 0x80070004 – 0x2000D?

Why Does Windows Error 0x80070004 – 0x2000D Keep Ruining Your Upgrade Experience?

I’ve been helping people fix computer problems for years. Today, I want to talk about one error that makes many users pull their hair out. The Windows upgrade error 0x80070004 – 0x2000D stops your computer from updating properly.

This error hits during the migration phase. Your computer starts upgrading, then suddenly stops. You see this long error code on your screen. It’s maddening.

What Makes This Error So Terrible?

Let me tell you what causes this problem. Your computer has several weak spots where this error can strike:

• Bad user profiles – Sometimes your user account gets messed up
• Old leftover files – Previous failed upgrades leave junk behind
• Third-party programs – Other software fights with Windows
• USB devices – External gadgets can interfere
• Hidden system problems – Files get corrupted without you knowing

The error happens because Windows can’t move your files and settings properly. Think of it like trying to move houses when some boxes are broken.

My Proven Methods to Fix This Error

I’ve tested these solutions many times. They work. Start with the easy ones first.

Solution 1: Unplug Everything

This sounds too simple, but it works often.

Disconnect all USB devices from your computer. Remove:

• External hard drives
• Printers
• Cameras
• Gaming controllers
• USB hubs

Restart your computer. Try the upgrade again. Sometimes Windows gets confused by too many devices.

Solution 2: Use the Built-in Troubleshooter

Windows has a tool that finds and fixes update problems automatically.

Here’s how to use it:

1. Press Win + S keys together
2. Type “troubleshoot” and press Enter
3. Click “Additional troubleshooter“
4. Choose “Windows Update“
5. Click “Run the Troubleshooter“
6. Follow the steps it shows you
7. Restart your computer when done

Solution 3: Reset Windows Update Parts

Sometimes the update system itself breaks. You need to reset it completely.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type these commands one by one:

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop cryptSvc
   net stop bits
   net stop msiserver

2. Then rename some folders:

   ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

3. Start the services again:

   net start wuauserv
   net start cryptSvc
   net start bits
   net start msiserver

4. Restart your computer. This gives Windows a fresh start.

Solution 4: Clean Boot Your System

Third-party programs often cause conflicts. A clean boot starts Windows with minimal programs running.

1. Press Win + X and select “Run“
2. Type “msconfig” and click OK
3. Go to the “Services” tab
4. Check “Hide all Microsoft services“
5. Click “Disable all“
6. Click “Apply“
7. Go to “Startup” tab
8. Click “Open Task Manager“
9. Disable all startup items
10. Close Task Manager
11. Go to “Boot” tab
12. Check “Safe boot“
13. Click OK and restart

Try your upgrade in this clean state.

Solution 5: Fix Corrupted System Files

Windows has built-in tools to repair damaged files. Run these commands in Command Prompt as administrator:

sfc /scannow
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Checkhealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

These tools scan your system and fix problems automatically.

Solution 6: Delete Old Installation Files

Failed upgrades leave behind files that cause conflicts. Clean them out:

1. Press Win + R
2. Type “%windir%\SoftwareDistribution\Download“
3. Press Enter
4. Select all files (Ctrl + A)
5. Delete them
6. Go to C:\WINDOWS.~BT
7. Delete this folder if it exists
8. Restart your computer

Solution 7: Remove Old User Accounts

Unused accounts sometimes have corrupted files. Remove them:

1. Press Win + R
2. Type “netplwiz“
3. Press Enter
4. Look at the user list
5. Select unused accounts
6. Click “Remove“
7. Confirm by clicking “Yes“
8. Restart your system

Solution 8: Create a Fresh User Profile

If your current user profile is corrupted, make a new one. This often solves the migration phase problems.

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users. Add a new user account. Log into this new account and try the upgrade.

What to Do If Nothing Works

Sometimes the error persists despite trying everything. In these cases, consider:

• In-place upgrade – Reinstall Windows while keeping your files
• Professional help – Contact a computer technician
• Clean installation – Start fresh with a new Windows installation

Don’t give up. This error is fixable. I’ve seen it resolved countless times using these methods.

The key is patience and trying each solution systematically. Start with the simple fixes first. Work your way up to the more complex ones.

Most people find success with the first few methods. The troubleshooter alone fixes many cases. Disconnecting USB devices solves others.

Remember to restart your computer after each attempt. This ensures changes take effect properly.

Your Windows upgrade will work. These methods have helped thousands of users overcome this stubborn error. Follow them step by step, and you’ll get past this roadblock.