Windows Update error 0x80070020: The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What the code means
Numerous causes. CBS log analysis required. (Windows Update common errors and mitigation)
The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process. (System Error Codes (0-499))
Code facts for 0x80070020
| Code as Windows shows it | 0x80070020 |
|---|---|
| Type | Win32 error code |
| Symbolic name | ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x80070020 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 2147942432 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -2147024864 |
| Severity | failure |
| Facility | 7 FACILITY_WIN32 |
| Windows error number inside this code | 32 ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION: The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process. |
| Group | Windows Update errors |
Code facts: Windows Update common errors and mitigation (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Code facts: System Error Codes (0-499) (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Where this error shows up
This code shows up while Windows Update or a Windows upgrade is downloading, installing or setting up.
Applies to
Windows 11 (upgrade help page, Windows 11 tab) and Windows 10 (Windows Update troubleshooting page, Windows 10 tab); Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025.
Try these first
These steps carry no risk flag in the data. They keep the order of the full list below, which is not reordered. A step without a flag is not a promise that it is safe for your computer.
4 steps to try, in order
Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of 0x80070020 are not covered. 2 steps are flagged.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
Microsoft also gives general steps that cover this code: see the general steps in the Windows Update errors group. Each block there says which codes its Microsoft page gives the steps for.
From: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors
Source: Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
Microsoft lists this code only in the Windows 11 tab of its upgrade and installation errors page.
Restart
Restart the PC and try again.
Close background apps
Close apps you don't need that are running in the background.
From: Windows Update common errors and mitigation
Source: Windows Update common errors and mitigation (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Microsoft's common Windows Update errors table (written for IT professionals; applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11).
Clean restart and retry
Written for IT administrators.
Changes boot or startupThis error is caused by non-Microsoft filter drivers, such as antivirus. Perform a clean restart, and retry the installation.
Microsoft advises: Keep track of what you change so you can undo it, and return the PC to a normal startup when you are done. (How to perform a clean boot in Windows)
Find the locking process with Process Monitor (IT)
Written for IT administrators.
Uninstalls softwareDownload the Sysinternals tool Process Monitor and run Procmon.exe (it starts capturing automatically). Install the update package again, then stop the capture (CTRL+E) and save all events as a .PML file.
Open the last Cbs.log in %windir%\logs\cbs, find the error line and the file that causes the sharing violation, then filter Process Monitor for that path.
Try to stop or uninstall the process that's causing the error.
Microsoft advises: If you plan to reinstall the program later, make sure you have its installation media and all required activation information before you remove it. (Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors)
Stop and get help
If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.
Dates and review
| Automated checks | first check: ; second check: ; third check: ; fourth check: |
|---|---|
| Microsoft pages read |
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| Review status | Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on . |