How To Fix Windows Upgrade Error 0x800700B7- 0x2000A?

Summary: If you are seeing the 0x800700B7 error, it means that your Windows device is not being able to update itself. The easiest workaround to this is to clean boot your device and retry the update. We show you how to do that, and four other fixes to error 0x800700B7 as well. Also, if you are among the few who happen to lose data during the recovery process, use data recovery software to get your files back in a jiffy.

If you’re facing the upgrade error 0x800700B7- 0x2000A during a Windows upgrade, don’t worry. You’re at the right place for solutions. This guide will help you fix Windows upgrade error 0x800700B7 and get your system updated smoothly.

Table of Content:

• What is Error 0x800700B7-0x2000A?
• What are the Causes of Error 0x800700B7-0x2000A?
• How to Resolve Error 0x800700B7-0x2000A?
• How to Avoid Data Loss during and after Error 0x800700B7-0x2000A?

What is Error 0x800700B7-0x2000A?

The error 0x800700B7-0x2000A typically occurs during the Windows upgrade process. It signifies that the installation failed in the SAFE_OS phase. That happens due to an error during the PREPARE_FIRST_BOOT operation. This suggests an unexpected halt caused by background processes interfering with the upgrade.

That was the official Microsoft jargon. In simple terms, your Windows upgrade stopped unexpectedly because another program was running. It happened early on, while preparing to start for the first time with the new update.

It can be fixed by making sure no other programs interfere with the upgrade process.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error 0xc1900223?

What are the Causes of Error 0x800700B7-0x2000A?

The 0x800700B7 error can usually be attributed to one of the following six causes.

Cause	Explanation
Background Processes	Programs running in the background can stop updates from downloading/ saving properly.
System File Corruption	Damaged or missing system files can prevent a successful upgrade.
Insufficient Drive Space	Not having enough space on your drive can halt the update process and corrupt your storage media.
Outdated Drivers	Older drivers may not be compatible with the new Windows version, and prevent the update.
Disabled Update Services	Essential Windows Update services being turned off can cause issues.

These causes indicate various reasons why the upgrade error 0x800700B7- 0x2000A might occur, impacting the upgrade’s success.

Also Read: Windows 11 PC Keeps Crashing

How to Resolve Error 0x800700B7-0x2000A?

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If you’re facing an upgrade error 0x800700B7- 0x2000A, the Windows Update Troubleshooter might help. It’s a tool designed to find and fix common update issues. Here’s how to use it.

1. First, click on the Start menu and choose Settings (the gear icon).

2. Next, navigate to “Update & Security” and select the “Troubleshoot” option.

3. Click on “Additional Troubleshooters”. Look for ‘Windows Update’ and click on “Run the troubleshooter”.

4. The tool will start checking for issues.

5. If it finds any, it will ask for permission to fix them. Please allow it to make the necessary changes.

After these steps, try the upgrade again. This tool can solve many update-related issues without needing more complex solutions.

Also Read: How to Fix Error 0xC1900101 on Windows 11?

Fix 2: Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Scans

Upgrade error 0x800700B7 can be due to corrupt system files. Luckily, Windows provides tools like SFC and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) to repair them.

Here’s how to get started.

1. First, type “cmd” in the search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and choose “Run as administrator”.

2. In the Command Prompt window, type in “sfc /scannow” without the quotation marks and press Enter.

3. This will start the System File Checker process, which scans and fixes any corrupted system files.

4. Next, for the DISM scan, type “DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth” without the quotes and hit Enter. This tool helps fix Windows corruption errors on your storage devices.

5. Allow these scans to complete. They might take some time, but it’s important not to interrupt them.

Once both scans are finished, restart your computer and attempt the upgrade again. These tools can resolve issues blocking your system’s upgrade process, making the error 0x800700b7 a thing of the past.

Also Read: How to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x80070002?

Fix 3: Ensure that the User Account Profile you’re using is not Corrupted

If you’re dealing with the upgrade error 0x800700B7- 0x2000A, there could be a problem with your user account or profile. Sometimes, these get damaged and can stop an upgrade. Here’s a straightforward approach to handle this.

1. First, try signing in with another account if you have one.

2. If the upgrade works with a different account, your original profile might be the issue. In this case, back up the data from that user, and then delete the problematic account.

3. To fix a corrupt user account, you can create a new one. Go to Settings, then Accounts, and choose “Family & other users”. Click “Add someone else to this PC” and follow the steps.

4. After setting up a new account, try the upgrade again. Make sure to transfer your files to the new account if it works.

Creating a new user account will bypass the 0x800700B7 issues tied to your current profile. This makes it easy to update Windows, hassle-free.

Fix 4: Disable Legacy USB Support

Sometimes, the upgrade error 0x800700B7- 0x2000A can be due to Legacy USB support in your computer’s BIOS settings. This feature, while useful for older devices, might interfere with the Windows upgrade process. Here’s a clear way to address this.

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup.

2. You usually do this by pressing a key like F2, F12, Delete, or Esc immediately after you start the computer. For instance, this is what the MSI BIOS screen looks like.

3. Once in the BIOS menu, look for settings related to USB. This might be under sections like “Advanced”, “Peripherals”, or “Configuration”.

4. Find the option for “Legacy USB Support” or similar wording and disable it. The exact steps can vary, so if you’re not sure, check your computer or motherboard’s manual.

5. Save your changes and exit the BIOS setup. This usually involves pressing the F10 key and selecting “Yes” to confirm.

With Legacy USB support turned off, try the upgrade again. This simple change can help clear the way for a successful upgrade, moving past the error 0x800700b7 hurdle.

Fix 5: Clean Boot your Computer

Encountering the 0x800700B7 error might mean a software conflict is blocking the upgrade. A Clean Boot state starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, reducing software conflicts. Here’s how to perform a Clean Boot.

1. First, hit the Windows key + R to bring up the Run dialog box. There, key in “msconfig” without the quote marks.

2. Next, navigate to the tab labeled “General”. Then, you want to select “Selective startup”. After that, uncheck the box next to the list item that reads “Load startup items”.

3. Once that is done, head on over to the tab labeled “Services”. Enable the option that reads “Hide all Microsoft services”. It is in the bottom left, as shown under.

4. Lastly then click “Disable all” to turn off unnecessary services.

5. Apply the changes and restart your computer.

Now, your PC is in a Clean Boot state. Try running the Windows upgrade again. This environment minimizes software conflicts that could cause the error 0x800700b7. After the upgrade, remember to undo these changes to return to normal startup.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Boot Error 0xc0000098?

How to Avoid Data Loss During and after Error 0x800700B7-0x2000A?

In fixing error 0x800700B7, there’s a chance you might lose important data. If that happens, don’t panic. Our fixes will help you solve the error message. However, you can still lose data after the error. Here are XX tips that will prevent data loss during and after the error.

1.  Leverage File History

Enable File History, a built-in Windows feature that automatically backs up your files to a designated location (external drive or network share) at regular intervals. This ensures you have a recent copy of your files in case of data loss due to the error.

2. Create Restore Points

Before attempting any fixes for the 0x800700B7 error, create a system restore point. This creates a snapshot of your system’s state, allowing you to revert to a stable point if the fix introduces new issues or data loss.

3. Employ Shadow Copies (Previous Versions)

Windows automatically creates shadow copies of your files at regular intervals. If you encounter data loss after the error, you can try recovering these shadow copies. Right-click on the affected folder, select “Properties” > “Previous Versions”, and choose the relevant shadow copy to restore your files.

4. Invest in a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Data loss can also occur due to sudden power outages during the troubleshooting process. Consider investing in a UPS, which provides temporary battery power to your computer in case of a power cut. This allows you to safely shut down your system and avoid potential data corruption caused by an unexpected power outage.

5. Employ Data Recovery Software (Last Resort)

As a last resort, if you experience data loss after the error and have exhausted other options, consider using data recovery tool. However, data recovery success depends on the severity of the data loss and how the drive was overwritten after the error. Choose reputable data recovery software and ideally, use it on a secondary copy of the drive to avoid further damaging the original data.

Data recovery software is often very user-friendly and requires little technical experience. Most providers also have dedicated support teams to help you navigate any roadblocks.

And with that, we come to the end of this article on how to solve the 0x800700B7 error in Windows 10 and 11. We hope you found it useful, and we’ll see you in the next one. In the meantime, if there is anything that you’d like to know about this or any other Windows errors, let us know in the comment section below. Also, if there is any topic that you’d like covered in a future article, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Also Read: Download Free Data Recovery Software Full Version

FAQs

1. Does using the Windows Update Troubleshooter put my personal files at risk?

No, it doesn’t. The Windows Update Troubleshooter is designed to identify and resolve issues related to Windows updates specifically. It operates without altering or deleting your personal files, making it a safe tool to use when encountering update issues.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error 0xc1900401?

2. What steps should I take if I’ve tried all fixes for error 0x800700B7 without success?

In cases where none of the suggested fixes resolve the issue, it’s wise to back up all your important files externally. After securing your data, a clean installation of Windows might be the most effective solution. This approach starts your system fresh, eliminating persistent errors.

3. Can my antivirus software be the cause of error 0x800700B7 during Windows updates?

Yes, it’s possible. Antivirus programs, especially third-party ones, can occasionally interfere with the normal process of Windows updates. If you suspect your antivirus might be causing an issue, try temporarily disabling it during the update process. Remember to enable it again afterward to keep your system protected.

4. If error 0x800700B7 persists, could there be an issue with my hardware?

While it’s less common, hardware issues can occasionally cause update errors. Running a diagnostic test on your memory and hard drive can help rule out or confirm hardware faults. Most computers come with built-in diagnostic tools that you can access from the boot menu.

5. Can changes in system settings or registry edits cause error 0x800700B7?

Yes, incorrect system settings or registry edits can cause various Windows errors, including 0x800700B7. To safely revert changes, use System Restore to roll back your computer to a point before the changes were made. This can often resolve the error without affecting personal files.

Also Read: How to Fix the Pink Screen of Death on Windows 11?