Windows Update Error 0x80070008 — Fix Guide

What Does This Error Mean?

Windows Update error 0x80070008 means the system does not have enough memory to complete the update. This error is similar to 0x8007000E — both are memory-related. It usually happens on older PCs with limited RAM or when too many programs are running.

Affected Models

Windows 10
Windows 11
Windows 8.1

Common Causes

The PC has 4 GB RAM or less and other processes are consuming most of it
Windows Update itself is consuming too much memory due to a corrupted update cache
Many background programs and startup items are eating up available RAM
The Windows page file (virtual memory) is too small or disabled
A memory leak in Windows Update Agent is consuming all available RAM over time

How to Fix It

Restart your PC and immediately try Windows Update before any other programs open. This maximizes free RAM available for the update process.

A freshly restarted PC has the most free RAM. Trying updates first — before browsers, apps, or games open — gives Windows Update the best chance of success.
Disable startup programs that run automatically. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager, go to the Startup tab, right-click unnecessary programs, and choose 'Disable'.

Many programs quietly start with Windows and consume RAM before you even open them. Disabling them frees up memory for updates.
Increase virtual memory. Right-click This PC > Properties > Advanced system settings > Performance > Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory > Change. Uncheck 'Automatically manage' and set it to at least 4096 MB.

Virtual memory uses your hard drive as extra RAM. It is slower than real RAM but gives Windows Update more breathing room on low-memory PCs.
Reset the Windows Update components to clear any corrupted cache. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: 'net stop wuauserv', delete C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download contents, then 'net start wuauserv'.

A large or corrupted update cache makes Windows Update consume more memory than necessary. Clearing it often resolves this error.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other Troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.

The troubleshooter can identify and fix memory-related issues in the Windows Update service automatically.

When to Call a Professional

If your PC has 4 GB RAM and constantly struggles with updates, upgrading to 8 GB is the most effective fix. A technician can check if your PC supports a RAM upgrade and install it. RAM upgrades are usually affordable and make a dramatic difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is 0x80070008 different from 0x8007000E?

Both errors mean there is not enough memory. The difference is subtle: 0x80070008 typically means the system ran out of memory allocations (handles or blocks). 0x8007000E means the system ran out of raw RAM. The fixes for both are essentially the same — free up RAM and clear the update cache.

Will adding more RAM permanently fix this?

In most cases, yes. If your PC has only 4 GB of RAM and consistently fails updates with memory errors, upgrading to 8 GB usually eliminates the problem entirely. Check your PC's manual or the manufacturer's website to confirm what RAM it supports and the maximum amount.

Can I install Windows updates manually to avoid this error?

Yes. You can download individual updates directly from the Microsoft Update Catalog at catalog.update.microsoft.com. Search for the update by its KB number (shown in Windows Update). Manually installing one update at a time uses less memory than the automatic batch update process.