Table of Contents
- Why Does Windows Error 0x80070004 – 0x2000D Keep Ruining Your Upgrade Experience?
- What Makes This Error So Terrible?
- My Proven Methods to Fix This Error
- Solution 1: Unplug Everything
- Solution 2: Use the Built-in Troubleshooter
- Solution 3: Reset Windows Update Parts
- Solution 4: Clean Boot Your System
- Solution 5: Fix Corrupted System Files
- Solution 6: Delete Old Installation Files
- Solution 7: Remove Old User Accounts
- Solution 8: Create a Fresh User Profile
- What to Do If Nothing Works
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:
- Press Win + S keys together
- Type "troubleshoot" and press Enter
- Click "Additional troubleshooter"
- Choose "Windows Update"
- Click "Run the Troubleshooter"
- Follow the steps it shows you
- Restart your computer when done
Solution 3: Reset Windows Update Parts
Sometimes the update system itself breaks. You need to reset it completely.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type these commands one by one:
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
- Then rename some folders:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
- Start the services again:
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
- 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.
- Press Win + X and select "Run"
- Type "msconfig" and click OK
- Go to the "Services" tab
- Check "Hide all Microsoft services"
- Click "Disable all"
- Click "Apply"
- Go to "Startup" tab
- Click "Open Task Manager"
- Disable all startup items
- Close Task Manager
- Go to "Boot" tab
- Check "Safe boot"
- 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:
- Press Win + R
- Type "%windir%\SoftwareDistribution\Download"
- Press Enter
- Select all files (Ctrl + A)
- Delete them
- Go to C:\WINDOWS.~BT
- Delete this folder if it exists
- Restart your computer
Solution 7: Remove Old User Accounts
Unused accounts sometimes have corrupted files. Remove them:
- Press Win + R
- Type "netplwiz"
- Press Enter
- Look at the user list
- Select unused accounts
- Click "Remove"
- Confirm by clicking "Yes"
- 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.