‘The trick is to fix the problem you have,
rather than the problem you want.’
Bram Cohen
Despite being the most polished of all Microsoft’s operating systems, Windows 10 is notorious for an unprecedented number of update errors that come up out of the blue and interfere with its normal operations. The error 0x80070652 is a case in point: this issue prevents you from installing the updates your system needs to run smoothly on your computer.
If you are looking how to fix the error code 0x80070652 in Windows 10, you are on the right track: we have prepared a rundown of proven and easy-to-implement tips how to fix the error 80070652 when installing Windows updates. Since there are plenty of underlying issues that are capable of triggering the error in question, we recommend that you start with the first pointer on our list and move on until you come across the one that is helpful in your scenario. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully to achieve the best possible result when troubleshooting your update problem.
Tip 1. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Fortunately, the latest Microsoft’s OS is packed with helpful troubleshooters designed to resolve the most common problems and complications that users encounter. Using such tools is often enough to get rid of the issues that occur with the components of Windows 10. Hopefully, this method will prove useful to you:
- Press the Windows logo key + I shortcut to open the Settings app.
- Open Update & security and navigate to the left pane.
- Select Troubleshoot and click on Windows Update.
- Run the troubleshooter.
The tool will start scanning your system. It will resolve your update issues along the way or provide you with recommendations on what measures should be taken.
Tip 2. Run System File Checker
Corrupt system files often trigger errors like the one defined by the 0x80070652 error code. In such a case, it is advisable to run System File Checker (SFC), which is a built-in tool designed to fix system file issues on the Windows OS. To perform an SFC scan, follow the instructions below:
- Open the Search box (Windows logo key + S).
- Type cmd and press Enter.
- Locate and right-click Command Prompt.
- Select Run as administrator.
- Type sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
Wait for the scan to finish. Then exit Command Prompt and restart your computer. This should fix your corrupt system files.
Tip 3. Uninstall the latest updates
In some cases, updates do more harm than good. For instance, they can cause your Windows Update center to malfunction. In a situation like this, you are justified in doing away with the problematic update. Here is how you can do that:
- Open the Settings app (Windows logo key + I).
- Click Update & Security.
- Navigate to the left pane.
- Select Windows Update.
- Click on Advanced Options.
- Select View your update history.
- Click Uninstall updates.
- Select the update that you consider to be the culprit and then proceed to uninstall it.
Finally, check if the 0x80070652 error code is here no more.
Tip 4. Update your drivers
If your drivers are over the hill, it should come as no surprise that the 0x80070652 update issue is causing you headaches. The point is, you should always keep your drivers updated to prevent your system from acting up.
You can update your drivers manually, but this method is so taxing that we won’t go over it in detail. Just make sure you know what software your system needs to work properly and update drivers for each of your devices.
Another option is to configure Device Manager to carry out the search. This method is not an easy task though:
- Right-click on your Windows logo icon (it is always on your taskbar).
- Select Device Manager.
- You will see a list of your devices. One by one, right-click them and select Update driver. You should choose the option ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’.
The easiest way to go about the task is updating all your drivers in bulk. This can be achieved with the help of a special tool such as Auslogics Driver Updater. This reliable program will provide you with the latest manufacturer-recommended versions your Windows 10 needs to offer maximum performance.
After updating your drivers, no matter which method you used, proceed to restart your computer – your new drivers may fail to settle down and become effective otherwise. Finally, see if you can update your Windows 10.
Tip 5. Reset the Software Distribution folder
Another manoeuvre that is reportedly effective in getting rid of the 0x80070652 error code implies resetting the Software Distribution folder. This may sound a bit complicated, but it is quite a straightforward procedure in practice:
- Open your Command Prompt with administrative privileges (see the second tip for more detailed instructions).
- Then type of the following commands:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
- Exit Command Prompt.
Check if your Windows Update is up and running again.
Tip 6. Use Media Creation Tool
Media Creation Tool is designed to help you with installation and upgrade procedures. So, now is the time to make use of the tool in question:
- Launch your browser. Search for Media Creation Tool.
- Download it from Microsoft’s official website.
- Install the tool on your computer.
- Run the tool.
- Click Upgrade PC now.
The tool is supposed to provide you with all the available updates for your Windows 10.
Tip 7. Install the update manually
If you encounter the error code 0x80070652 when trying to install a particular update via the Windows Update center, you can circumvent the issue by reinstalling the update file. Here is what you should do:
- Launch your browser and go to the Microsoft Update catalog.
- Search for the update file you need.
- Download it. Then run the file.
Restart your PC when the process is over. If everything is OK, you are good to go.
Tip 8. Run the batch script
All to no avail? Then it may be time to create and run the following batch script:
- Launch Notepad.
- Paste the following:
@CHECH OFF
echo Simple Script to Reset / Clear Windows Update
echo.
PAUSE
echo.
attrib -h -r-% windir% \ system32 \ catroot2
attrib -h -r-% windir% \ system32 \ catroot2 \ *. *
net stop wuauserv
net stop CryptSvc
net stop BITS
ren% windir% \ system32 \ catroot2 catroot2 .reg
ren% windir% \ SoftwareDistribution sold.old
ren “% ALLUSERSPROFILE% \ application data \ Microsoft \ Network \ downloader” downloader.old
net Start BITS
net start CryptSvc
net start wuauserv
echo.
echo Task completed successfully …
echo.
PAUSE
- Save the file as “WUReset.bat” (those quotes are part of the name).
- Right-click on the file.
- Select Run as administrator.
Get the all-clear to go on and restart your machine.
Have our tips on how to fix the error code 0x80070652 in Windows 10 proved useful? We are looking forward to your feedback!
