0x80070539 Windows Update Error: How to Fix It

We recommend restarting vital Windows update components

by Afam Onyimadu
Afam Onyimadu
Afam Onyimadu
Editor
Afam is a geek and the go-to among his peers for computer solutions. He has a wealth of experience with Windows operating systems, dating back to his introduction... read more
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Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • The Windows update error 0x80070539 is a general error code that can occur when Windows fails to install or update a program.
  • To fix it, you may try a system restore as a last resort since this may make you lose some installed applications. 
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Windows users often encounter update errors. They come in different error codes, like the 0x80070539 error, but generally mean that the computer has a problem that stops the process from completing correctly.

In this guide, we will help you resolve this update error as we introduce you to some practical solutions.

What is the 0x80070539 Windows update error?

This error means that Windows fails to install or update a program, and any of the following causes it:

  • Corrupted Windows update service files.
  • While rare, hardware problems may trigger the update error.
  • Conflicts triggered by your anti-virus software.

We recommend always using the most reliable and compatible Windows 11 antivirus software, as they reduce the chances of conflicts and errors.

How do I fix error 0x80070539?

We recommend you take the following step before trying other solutions:

  • Temporarily disable your anti-virus software, then try the update.

If this does not work, proceed to the solutions we recommend below.

1. Run the Windows update troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.
  2. On the right pane, click on Troubleshoot.
    0x80070539
  3. Select Other troubleshooters.
    0x80070539
  4. Click the Run button for Windows update.
    0x80070539
  5. Finally, apply any recommendations and, if required, restart your computer, then verify it fixes the 0x80070539 error.

2. Reset update components

  1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
  2. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
  3. Input the scripts below in the Command Prompt and hit Enter after each one to stop vital update components.
    net stop bits
    0x80070539
    net stop wuauserv
    0x80070539
    net stop appidsvc
    net stop cryptsvc
    0x80070539
  4. Open File Explorer by pressing Windows + E.
  5. Navigate to the path below and rename SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old.
    C:\Windows
  6. Navigate to the path below and rename Catroot2 to Catroot2.old.
    C:\Windows\System32\
  7. Once again, open an elevated Command Prompt and restart the vital Windows services by running the scripts below:
    net start bits
    0x80070539
    net start wuauserv
    net start appidsvc

    net start cryptsvc
    0x80070539
  8. Finally, restart your computer and verify it fixes the 0x80070539 update error.

3. Run the System File Checker

  1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
  2. Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
  3. Input the scan script below and hit Enter.
    sfc /scannow
    0x80070539
  4. Finally, follow any prompts given, and restart your computer.

4. Clean the Windows Update temporary cache

  1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
  2. Type the path below and hit Enter.
    %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore
  3. Delete the content of the directory.
    0x80070539
  4. Finally, restart your computer and verify it fixes the 0x80070539 update error.

There you have it; some of the most practical ways of troubleshooting the Windows update error. In rare cases, you may consider a system restore, making you lose some of your recently installed applications.

Please let us know if you have found this article helpful, and tell us the solutions that worked for you.

Still experiencing issues?

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If the above suggestions have not solved your problem, your computer may experience more severe Windows troubles. We suggest choosing an all-in-one solution like Fortect to fix problems efficiently. After installation, just click the View&Fix button and then press Start Repair.

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