While updating or upgrading a Windows computer, your current OS version is replaced with a new one. This process is often seamless, even though it takes a while. However, in some cases, users experience hiccups. Some people have complained of a 0x800700b7 0x2000a error code.
Sometimes, this error comes with the error message Windows setup terminated unexpectedly due to another process running in the background. You may face the problem because of conflicting apps, corrupted system files, or apps and services. Let us show you the best solutions.
Pre-solution
If you get the Windows Upgrade error 0x800700B7- 0x2000A, before going through complex fixes, you should double-check your computer to verify it meets the minimum system requirements for running the Windows setup.
While there are workarounds to install a new OS like Windows 11 on a system that may not meet the requirements, you should note that this will entail making some delicate tweaks on the computer before starting the installation.
You should also make sure that every connected peripheral is unplugged. This is because some of these devices may have drivers that will conflict with the setup.
1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows comes with a built-in update troubleshooter. This tool can be used to scan for update problems and fix them. In some cases, after running the tool, it provides a list of steps you may take to resolve an update issue. The troubleshooter helps fix problems with the Windows Update service and the Windows Update database. Here is how to run it.
Step 1: Launch the Settings app by Pressing the Windows + I keys.
Step 2: Click Troubleshoot on the right pane.
Step 3: Click Other Troubleshooters.
Step 4: Click the Run button for Windows Update.
2. Run the DISM Scan
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management or DISM is a command line utility on Windows. It scans the operating system for corrupted or bad system files. This tool will replace or fix the corruption and any errors on your OS image. It is a valid fix of the 0x800700B7 0x2000a error if it is caused by corruption.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to Launch the run dialog.
Step 2: Type cmd, then hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch an elevated Command Prompt.
Step 3: Type the script below and hit Enter to scan the OS image for errors.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Step 4: Type the script below and hit Enter to repair any detected errors.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 5: Restart the computer and try the upgrade or update again.
3. Run the SFC Scan
Like the DISM scan, the SFC or System File Checker scan fixes damaged or corrupted system files. It is also a command line tool and a great option if the 0x800700B7 0x2000a Upgrade or update error persists after running a DISM scan. Here is how to use the utility.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to Launch the run dialog.
Step 2: Type cmd, then hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch an elevated Command Prompt.
Step 3: Type the script below and hit Enter.
sfc /scannow
Step 4: Follow any onscreen command and restart your computer after the scan completes.
4. Disable your Antivirus or Firewall
It is important always to use a robust and reliable antivirus program. While this holds, there are rare occasions when your security software may conflict with sensitive processes on your computer.
Some antivirus applications may be very restrictive and trigger the 0x800700B7 0x2000a update error. In such a situation, you must disable the application for the program to run properly. The steps to disable the program will differ by manufacturer.
5. Reset Windows Update Components
You may encounter the 0x800700B7 0x2000a error due to Windows Update service and database issues. Resetting the update components will be a good fix if this is the case. This is because when these components are reset, they clear out any corrupted files and return the Windows Update service and database to their defaults.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to Launch the run dialog.
Step 2: Type cmd, then hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch an elevated Command Prompt.
Step 3: Type the scripts below, hitting enter after each to stop essential update services.
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptsvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Step 4: Type the scripts below, hitting enter after each to rename update folders.
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Step 5: Restart the update services by running the scripts below.
net start wuauserv
net start cryptsvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
6. Perform the Upgrade in a Clean Boot
On Windows, a clean boot is a troubleshooting mode. When a computer is started in this mode, it boots with only a minimal and essential set of services. It is easy to avoid app or service conflicts that may trigger the 0x800700B7 0x2000a upgrade error on Windows. You should follow the steps below to perform a clean boot, then retry the upgrade.
Step 1: Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Click the Services tab, tick the Hide all Microsoft services checkbox, and click the Disable all button.
Step 3: Select the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
Step 4: Select a startup app, and click the Disable button. Repeat this process for as many startup apps as you need to disable.
Step 5: Return to the System Configuration screen and click OK.
Step 6: Finally, you may enable apps one after the other to discover which app is triggering the error.
FAQ on the 0x800700B7 0x2000a Error
1. How do I prevent the Windows Update error 0x800700B7 – 0x2000a?
You should ensure that update services are running and always keep your system updated.
2. What are the common causes of the 0x800700B7 – 0x2000a error?
It is mainly caused by corrupted system files, problems with the Windows Update service, and conflicting third-party applications.
Final Thoughts
The steps in this guide should help you resolve any problems around the 0x800700B7 0x2000a error. We have not written them in any particular order and expect you to start with what seems most applicable to you.
Let us know in the comment section below if you were able to resolve the error successfully.