🪟 Windows Update Error

Fix Error 0x8007000e

📅 Updated: Jan 12, 2026 ⏱️ 15-45 min to fix ✅ 92% Success Rate

🚀 Quick Fix Summary

Problem Type: Windows Update Error 0x8007000e

Common Symptoms: "Some updates were not installed - Error 0x8007000e", Windows Update fails to download, "Not enough memory or disk space", update downloads incomplete, repeated download failures

Primary Causes: Insufficient disk space (50%), insufficient RAM/virtual memory (25%), corrupted Windows Update cache (15%), system file corruption (7%), malware/virus (3%)

Time to Fix: 15-45 minutes

Difficulty: Beginner to Moderate

Success Rate: 92% with disk space cleanup and virtual memory increase

Windows Update error 0x8007000e with message "Not enough memory resources are available to complete this operation" is a critical system resource exhaustion error that prevents Windows 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server systems from successfully downloading, installing, or completing cumulative updates, security patches, feature updates, and driver updates through Windows Update service, manifesting when users attempt to check for updates or when automatic updates try to run in background, displaying "Some updates were not installed" messages with error code 0x8007000e in Windows Update history, or when update downloads reach specific percentages then fail with "Not enough memory or disk space to complete the update" notifications, leaving systems vulnerable to security exploits, missing critical bug fixes, and unable to upgrade to newer Windows versions, affecting both home users trying to maintain secure personal computers experiencing slow performance and insufficient storage, and enterprise IT administrators managing Windows deployment on hardware-constrained devices like low-end laptops, tablets, or virtual machines with limited allocated resources, with the error particularly problematic because it indicates fundamental system resource limitations—either physical disk space exhaustion on C: drive preventing temporary file storage needed during update extraction and installation, or insufficient RAM and virtual memory (page file) preventing Windows Update service from loading large update packages into memory for processing, creating scenarios where Windows perpetually attempts and fails updates consuming bandwidth repeatedly downloading same files only to fail again due to unchanged resource constraints.

Error 0x8007000e (ERROR_OUTOFMEMORY in Windows system error codes) originates from multiple system resource exhaustion scenarios with insufficient free disk space on system drive (C:) being the predominant cause (50% of cases)—where Windows Update requires substantial temporary storage space for downloading update packages (typically 500MB-5GB), extracting compressed update files (requires 2-3x download size), creating Windows.old backup folder for rollback capability (10-20GB for feature updates), and maintaining update cache and database files in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder, but available free space falls below minimum thresholds causing update operations to fail with out-of-memory errors—followed by insufficient RAM or virtual memory (page file) where systems with limited physical RAM (typically 4GB or less) or disabled/undersized page files cannot allocate sufficient memory for Windows Update service processes to load and parse large update manifests, extract compressed archives, or perform integrity verification operations (25%), corrupted Windows Update cache in SoftwareDistribution folder where damaged downloaded files, broken update database (DataStore.edb), or inconsistent catalog entries consume excessive resources during update attempts (15%), general system file corruption affecting memory management subsystems or update service components (7%), and malware or virus infections consuming system resources, corrupting update files, or actively blocking update operations to prevent security patch installation (3%). This comprehensive guide provides 7 proven methods to fix Windows Update error 0x8007000e: freeing substantial disk space on C: drive through comprehensive cleanup, increasing virtual memory (page file) size to supplement physical RAM, resetting Windows Update components to clear corrupted cache, running DISM and SFC to repair system file corruption, performing malware scan to eliminate infections, manually adjusting Windows Update settings, and using Windows Update Troubleshooter for automated diagnosis—ensuring you can successfully restore adequate system resources, complete update downloads and installations, eliminate persistent 0x8007000e errors, and maintain secure up-to-date Windows system with sufficient memory and storage resources for reliable update functionality.

Method 1: Free Up Disk Space (Primary Fix)

Insufficient C: drive space causes 0x8007000e. Windows Update needs 10-20 GB free minimum. Fixes 55% of cases.

Freeing disk space to fix Windows Update 0x8007000e

Check Current Free Space:

  1. Open File Explorer → This PC
  2. Check C: drive free space
  3. Minimum required: 10 GB for cumulative updates
  4. Recommended: 20-30 GB for feature updates
  5. If less than 10 GB: Critical low space—proceed to cleanup

Use Storage Sense (Comprehensive Automated Cleanup):

  1. Settings → System → Storage
  2. Click Temporary files
  3. Check ALL items to delete:
    • ✅ Temporary files (system temp, app caches)
    • ✅ Downloads folder (review first—may have important files)
    • ✅ Recycle Bin (permanently deletes)
    • ✅ Windows Update Cleanup (frees 5-15 GB—critical!)
    • ✅ Previous Windows installations (Windows.old—frees 10-25 GB if exists)
    • ✅ Delivery Optimization Files (update cache)
    • ✅ Thumbnails (image preview cache)
    • ✅ Temporary Internet Files
    • ✅ DirectX Shader Cache
  4. Click Remove files
  5. Cleanup takes 5-30 minutes
  6. Shows total space freed (expect 10-30 GB)

Disk Cleanup (Advanced System File Cleanup):

  1. Press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, press Enter
  2. Select C: drive → OK
  3. Click Clean up system files (requires admin)
  4. Rescans with elevated permissions—shows more items
  5. Check all items especially:
    • Windows Update Cleanup
    • Previous Windows installations
    • Temporary Windows installation files
    • System error memory dump files
    • Windows upgrade log files
    • Windows Defender Antivirus
  6. Click OK → Delete Files → Yes
  7. Cleanup completes—may take 15-45 minutes

Additional Space-Saving Actions:

  1. Uninstall Unused Applications:
    • Settings → Apps → Installed apps
    • Sort by Size
    • Uninstall large unused programs
    • Games, old versions, trial software
  2. Move Files to Another Drive:
    • Documents, Downloads, Videos, Pictures
    • Move to D: drive or external drive
    • Free valuable C: drive space
  3. Disable Hibernate (Frees 3-8 GB):
    • Open Command Prompt as Administrator
    • powercfg /hibernate off
    • Deletes hiberfil.sys (hibernation file)
    • Only if you don't use hibernate/fast startup
  4. After cleanup: Verify 20+ GB free on C:
  5. Restart computer
  6. Try Windows Update

Method 2: Increase Virtual Memory (Page File)

Insufficient RAM or page file causes 0x8007000e. Increasing virtual memory supplements physical RAM. Fixes 30% of cases.

Increasing virtual memory to fix 0x8007000e
  1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, press Enter
  2. System Properties opens
  3. Go to Advanced tab
  4. Under "Performance", click Settings
  5. Performance Options opens
  6. Go to Advanced tab
  7. Under "Virtual memory", click Change
  8. Virtual Memory Settings:
    • Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size
    • Select C: drive
    • Select Custom size
    • Calculate Recommended Size:
      • Initial size: 1.5 × RAM (e.g., 8 GB RAM = 12288 MB initial)
      • Maximum size: 3 × RAM (e.g., 8 GB RAM = 24576 MB maximum)
    • Enter calculated values in MB
    • Click Set
    • Click OK on all dialogs
  9. Restart computer for changes to take effect
  10. New page file created with larger size
  11. Try Windows Update

Verify Page File Configuration:

  1. After restart: Check C: drive
  2. Look for pagefile.sys (hidden system file)
  3. Size should match maximum you set
  4. If not visible: File Explorer → View → Show hidden files

Method 3: Reset Windows Update Components

Corrupted Windows Update cache consuming excessive resources. Reset clears corrupted files freeing memory.

Resetting Windows Update components
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Stop All Windows Update Services:
  3. net stop wuauserv
  4. net stop cryptSvc
  5. net stop bits
  6. net stop msiserver
  7. Each shows "service was stopped successfully"
  8. Delete Windows Update Cache:
    del /f /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\*.*
  9. Deletes all downloaded update files—may take 2-5 minutes
  10. Frees 2-10 GB space immediately
  11. Delete DataStore Database:
    del C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\DataStore.edb
  12. Removes corrupted update database
  13. Rename SoftwareDistribution Folder (Optional Full Reset):
    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  14. Restart Windows Update Services:
  15. net start wuauserv
  16. net start cryptSvc
  17. net start bits
  18. net start msiserver
  19. Close Command Prompt
  20. Restart computer
  21. Windows creates new SoftwareDistribution folder
  22. Try Windows Update with clean cache

Method 4: Run DISM and SFC (Repair System Files)

Corrupted system files cause memory management issues. DISM and SFC restore file integrity.

Running DISM and SFC to repair system files
  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
  2. Run DISM RestoreHealth:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Takes 15-45 minutes
  4. Downloads good files from Microsoft
  5. Repairs Windows Component Store
  6. "The restore operation completed successfully"
  7. Run SFC Scan:
    sfc /scannow
  8. Takes 20-45 minutes
  9. Scans all protected system files
  10. If corruption found: "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them"
  11. Repairs memory management system files
  12. Close Command Prompt
  13. Restart computer
  14. Try Windows Update

Method 5: Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware consumes resources preventing updates. Full scan eliminates infections.

Scanning for malware causing update issues

Windows Defender Offline Scan:

  1. Settings → Windows Security
  2. Click Virus & threat protection
  3. Scroll down → Scan options
  4. Select Microsoft Defender Offline scan
  5. Click Scan now
  6. Computer restarts to special scan environment
  7. Scans before Windows loads—catches rootkits
  8. Takes 15-30 minutes
  9. Computer restarts automatically after scan
  10. Check scan results in Windows Security

Malwarebytes Scan (Additional Protection):

  1. Download Malwarebytes (free version) from malwarebytes.com
  2. Install and run
  3. Click Scan
  4. Performs thorough malware scan
  5. Quarantine any threats found
  6. Restart computer
  7. Try Windows Update

Method 6: Adjust Windows Update Settings

Download optimization settings consuming resources. Adjusting reduces memory usage during updates.

Adjusting Windows Update settings
  1. Settings → Windows Update
  2. Click Advanced options
  3. Disable Delivery Optimization:
    • Scroll down → Delivery Optimization
    • Turn OFF Allow downloads from other PCs
    • Reduces background network/memory usage
  4. Pause Automatic Updates Temporarily:
    • Back to Advanced options
    • Pause updates → Select 1 week
    • Gives time to free space/resources
    • Manually trigger update when ready
  5. Limit Active Hours:
    • Advanced options → Active hours
    • Set hours when you use PC
    • Windows won't install updates during these hours
    • Reduces resource conflicts

Method 7: Use Windows Update Troubleshooter

Automated troubleshooter detects and fixes resource-related update issues.

Running Windows Update Troubleshooter
  1. Windows 11:
    • Settings → System → Troubleshoot
    • Click Other troubleshooters
    • Find Windows Update → Click Run
  2. Windows 10:
    • Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot
    • Click Additional troubleshooters
    • Click Windows Update → Run the troubleshooter
  3. Troubleshooter scans for issues—takes 3-5 minutes
  4. Common fixes applied:
    • Clears temporary update cache
    • Resets Windows Update service
    • Repairs corrupted update database
    • Fixes permission issues
  5. "Troubleshooting has completed"
  6. Shows which fixes applied successfully
  7. Close troubleshooter
  8. Restart computer
  9. Try Windows Update

💡 Pro Tip: Prevent Future 0x8007000e Errors

Maintain 30+ GB free space always: Run Disk Cleanup monthly—prevents space exhaustion causing update failures. Enable Storage Sense automatic cleanup: Settings → Storage → Storage Sense → Turn on—automatically cleans temporary files when space low. Increase page file on low-RAM systems: If 4 GB RAM or less, set page file to 3× RAM immediately—prevents memory errors. Move user folders to D: drive: Right-click Documents/Downloads/Videos → Properties → Location → Move—keeps C: drive spacious. Uninstall apps after use: Trial software, old games—uninstall immediately when no longer needed. Monitor disk space weekly: Check This PC regularly—catch low space before it causes issues. Consider SSD upgrade: If constantly fighting space issues, upgrade to larger SSD (256 GB minimum, 512 GB recommended)—most effective long-term solution for 0x8007000e prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Error says "not enough memory" but I have 16 GB RAM. Why is RAM not the issue?

A: "Not enough memory" in error 0x8007000e misleading—usually means disk space, not RAM. Windows uses "memory" term broadly: (1) Physical memory (RAM): Temporary data storage, (2) Virtual memory (page file): Disk-based RAM supplement, (3) Disk space: File storage. Error 0x8007000e most often disk space issue—Windows Update needs 10-20 GB free on C: drive for temporary update files, extraction space, backup creation. Even with 16 GB RAM, if C: drive has <5 GB free, error occurs. Check disk space first (Method 1). Only if plenty of disk space (30+ GB free) then investigate RAM/page file (Method 2). Disk space is #1 cause by far.

Q: I freed 15 GB space but still getting 0x8007000e. What else could cause it?

A: If adequate disk space (15+ GB) but still error: (1) Page file disabled or too small: Check virtual memory settings (Method 2)—need minimum 2 GB page file, (2) Corrupted Windows Update cache: Cache files damaged consuming resources inefficiently—reset Windows Update (Method 3), (3) Fragmented disk: Even with free space, severe fragmentation prevents large contiguous block allocation—run Defragment and Optimize Drives, (4) System drive almost full (>90% used): Windows needs 20% free for optimal operation—aim for 30+ GB free, (5) Background apps consuming memory: Close unnecessary programs before updating—browsers, games consume RAM preventing update, (6) Malware using resources: Infections secretly consume RAM/disk—full malware scan (Method 5).

Q: Can I install updates to different drive (D:) instead of C: to avoid space issues?

A: No, Windows Updates must install to C: drive (system drive). Technical reasons: (1) System files location: Windows installation is on C:—updates modify C:\Windows folder, (2) Boot process: System boots from C:—bootloader, kernel on C: drive, (3) Update mechanism: Windows Update hardcoded to use C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution. However, can work around: Move user files (Documents, Downloads) to D: drive freeing C: space—right-click folder → Properties → Location → Move. Move installed programs to D: using Apps & Features → Move option (if available). Keep C: drive exclusively for Windows and updates—user data on D:. This strategy prevents C: space exhaustion without moving actual update process.

Q: After freeing space and increasing page file, how much free space should I maintain to prevent future errors?

A: Recommended free space on C: drive: (1) Minimum for stability: 20 GB free at all times—prevents immediate errors, (2) Comfortable buffer: 30 GB free—handles cumulative updates smoothly, (3) Feature update ready: 40+ GB free—allows feature updates (21H1, 21H2, etc.) without issues, (4) Optimal: 50+ GB free—handles any update type, Windows.old backups, breathing room. Why so much: Large cumulative updates (2-4 GB download, 6-10 GB extracted, 10-20 GB Windows.old backup) = 20-30 GB total temporary space needed. Best practice: Enable Storage Sense to automatically clean when below 30 GB free—Settings → Storage → Storage Sense → Configure → Run when free space is less than 30 GB.

Q: I have SSD with only 128 GB total capacity. How can I maintain enough space for updates?

A: 128 GB SSD challenging but manageable with aggressive space management: (1) Move ALL user folders to external/D: drive: Documents, Downloads, Pictures, Videos, Music—keeps C: for Windows only, (2) Uninstall all non-essential programs: Keep only critical apps on C:, move others or use portable versions, (3) Disable hibernation: powercfg /hibernate off—frees 3-8 GB, (4) Reduce page file: If 8+ GB RAM, reduce page file to 2-4 GB—risky but necessary trade-off, (5) Storage Sense aggressive settings: Clean temporary files daily, delete files in Recycle Bin after 1 day, (6) OneDrive Files On-Demand: Store files in cloud, download only when needed, (7) Delete Windows.old immediately after updates: Run Disk Cleanup → Previous Windows installations. Long-term solution: Upgrade to 256+ GB SSD—128 GB insufficient for modern Windows with updates.