How to Fix the Windows Error Code 0x80070070

Installing a new Windows program can be tricky. This process can simply stop all of a sudden. And all you’re left with is an error message. If you’re currently going through this, and the error code you see is 0x80070070, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will teach you how to fix Windows error code 0x80070070 and what this code is in the first place.

What Is the Windows Error Code 0x80070070?

Windows error code 0x80070070 appears when you lack the disc space to download and install any new addition to your system.

For example, many users have encountered this error code when trying to upgrade their system to Windows 11. Sure, the ISO file alone occupies only a few gigabytes of disc space. However, this file isn’t the only thing you must install. Temporary files, backups, system updates… and before you know it, you need 20 gigabytes of space.

The same goes for any other program you want to install, such as a Steam video game. You’ll always need enough space for the program itself and all the additional files. If you lack this space, you’ll likely be met with the 0x80070070 error code.

How to Fix Windows Error Code 0x80070070

Error code 0x80070070 appears due to a lack of disc space. So, the solution is quite simple. You need to free up space. Here the best ways to do this.

#1 – Empty Your Recycle Bin

Some people empty their recycle bins regularly. Others treat it like that one drawer in the kitchen where new stuff just keeps coming in. Now, it’s time to declutter.

Step 1: Right-click on the “Recycle Bin” icon on your desktop.

Step 2: Select “Empty Recycle Bin.”

This might seem too simple to work. However, the bin can quickly overflow with gigabytes on gigabytes of data that you thought were gone for good. Getting rid of its contents might just give you the space you need for your installation.

#2 – Free Up Disc Space Manually

Your recycle bin isn’t the only place storing files you no longer need. There’s probably a whole host of unused programs, old downloads, and forgotten files lurking in other corners of your hard drive. Removing these will help you free up the space you need for your installation. Most of them can simply be deleted, but you’ll need to uninstall programs. Here’s how.

Step 1: Type “Control panel” into your search box and launch the app that appears.

Step 2: Click on the “Programs and Features” tab.

The full list of all the programs installed on your computer will appear.

Step 3: Uninstall programs you no longer use or need. You can do so by right-clicking on a program and choosing “Uninstall.”

#3 – Free Up Disc Space Automatically

The files taking up space on your Windows PC aren’t always visible to you. Some are running in the background or hidden as temporary files. That’s why Windows offers a built-in cleaner that can take care of these files. Here’s how to use Disc Cleanup.

Step 1: Type “Disc cleanup” in your search box and press “Enter.”

Step 2: Choose the drive you want to clean up and hit “OK.”

Step 3: Check the boxes next to the types of files you want to delete. Some boxes will be checked by default. However, you can uncheck them.

Step 4: Click “Delete Files” to confirm your selection.

#4 – Move Your Files From Your Computer

You keep removing files and yet, the error code 0x80070070 is back. Now, this doesn’t mean you’ll have to delete files that you need. You just have to find the bigger ones among them a new home. And that new home can be a USB flash drive, an external hard disc, or a cloud storage service.

#5 – Upgrade Your Hard Drive

Freeing up space one time might be easy. However, it will get more challenging in time. So, the best solution might be to upgrade your hard drive and get more space for all your needs.