How to fix “0x80070020” (Sharing Violation). Step-by-Step Guide

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How to fix “0x80070020” (Sharing Violation). Step-by-Step Guide






How to Fix Error 0x80070020 (Sharing Violation)

Error 0x80070020 typically arises during Windows Updates due to issues like antivirus conflicts, corrupt system files, or disk errors. This guide offers simple steps such as running the Windows Update troubleshooter, temporarily disabling antivirus software, restarting update services, and checking for hard disk errors. Always back up critical data before troubleshooting, and if needed, adjust permissions for affected folders. Use our free chatbot to troubleshoot technical issues efficiently.

Key Takeaways: Fix for Error 0x80070020 (Sharing Violation)

  • Error 0x80070020 typically occurs during Windows Update due to interference by third-party software or system file issues.
  • Common Causes: Antivirus conflicts, corrupt system files, file sharing violations, or hard disk errors.
  • Solution Path: Involves running diagnostic tools, checking disk health, and ensuring software/services don’t interfere with Windows Update. Tools like MiniTool Partition Wizard and MiniTool ShadowMaker can help diagnose disk issues and back up critical data before troubleshooting.
  • Important Note: Always back up any critical data before proceeding with advanced troubleshooting steps like disk checks or permission changes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Error 0x80070020 (Sharing Violation)

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows comes equipped with a dedicated update troubleshooter, designed to automatically detect and attempt to fix issues with Windows Update.

  1. Step 1: Press Win + I to open “Settings”.
  2. Step 2: Navigate to Update & Security.
  3. Step 3: Select Troubleshoot from the left-side menu, then click on Windows Update and click Run the Troubleshooter.
  4. Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.
  5. Step 5: Once complete, restart your PC and attempt the Windows update again.

Expert Tip: While the troubleshooter is useful, it’s not always the final fix. If Error 0x80070020 persists, continue with the other steps.

2. Temporarily Disable Your Antivirus Software

Conflicts between Windows Update and third-party antivirus software can lead to the 0x80070020 error.

  1. Step 1: Right-click your antivirus software icon in the system tray.
  2. Step 2: Choose the option to Disable Protection or Turn off Antivirus temporarily (usually this is under settings or protection options).
  3. Step 3: Reattempt Windows Update after turning off the antivirus.
  4. Step 4: If the update succeeds, you have identified the antivirus as the cause. Consider changing your antivirus software or adjusting its settings (specifically scanning limitations during updates).
  5. Step 5: Don’t forget to re-enable your antivirus after troubleshooting.

Expert Advice: Uninstalling and reinstalling antiviruses can also help resolve more deeply rooted conflicts between your antivirus and Windows.

3. Restart Windows Update Services

Stopping and restarting Windows Update-related services can help resolve the 0x80070020 issue, as it will reinitialize the configuration.

  1. Step 1: Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter (to open Command Prompt as Administrator).

  2. Step 2: One by one, enter the following commands and hit Enter after each:

    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

  3. Step 3: Close the command prompt and attempt your Windows Update again.

Insight: The SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders store temporary update files which can sometimes get corrupt. Renaming these folders forces Windows to re-download fresh files.

4. Check and Fix Hard Disk Errors

Sometimes hard disk errors or bad sectors can cause file sharing violations leading to update issues. Here’s how you can check your disk health:

  1. Step 1: Download and open MiniTool Partition Wizard.
  2. Step 2: Select your system drive (commonly C:).
  3. Step 3: Click Check File System from the left pane.
  4. Step 4: Choose Check & fix detected errors and then click Start.
  5. Step 5: If prompted, request a check at the next system restart. Reboot your system when you’re ready.
  6. Step 6: Once complete, perform the Windows Update again.

Tip for Experts: If you’re familiar with the chkdsk command, you can also run it directly through the command prompt.

5. Check for Bad Sectors on Your Hard Disk

To further diagnose potential disk issues, you can scan for bad sectors:

  1. Step 1: Download a tool like HDDScan or use tools within MiniTool Partition Wizard.
  2. Step 2: Select Surface Test and initiate the scan.
  3. Step 3: Wait for the tool to finish checking the disk.
  4. Step 4: If bad sectors show up, consider backing up data immediately and replacing the hard drive, as bad sectors often indicate impending hardware failure.

6. Disable Specific Antivirus Services (if applicable)

If you’re receiving alerts regarding Sharing Violations, the issue could be your antivirus locking necessary system files.

  1. Step 1: Identify if any antivirus services are actively scanning.
  2. Step 2: Disable specific services or processes by opening Task Manager and stopping them.
  3. Step 3: Retry the Windows Update or file-sharing operation.

Expert Insight: Many corporate antivirus solutions, like Symantec or McAfee, provide advanced controls. In managed environments, engaging IT support to temporarily loosen protections might be required.

7. Grant Full Access Permissions to Folders

Sometimes folder/permission conflicts cause errors. Try granting full permissions:

  1. Step 1: Navigate to the folder causing the error. Right-click and select Properties.
  2. Step 2: Go to the Security tab and click Edit.
  3. Step 3: Click Add, then type Everyone and assign Full Control.
  4. Step 4: Apply the changes and retry your update.

Pro Tip: Folder sharing violations are common in software development environments or VMs where permissions are required across multiple users or groups.

Additional Tips

  • Perform a System File Check (SFC):
    Run sfc /scannow via an elevated command prompt to scan and repair system integrity issues.

  • Perform a Clean Boot:
    A clean boot minimizes system services, often identifying third-party applications causing conflicts.

  • Update Essential System Drivers:

Use Windows Device Manager or tools like EaseUS DriverHandy to ensure all drivers are up-to-date. This tool provides automated scanning and updating of outdated or missing drivers.

FAQs on Error 0x80070020

1. What causes the Error 0x80070020 during Windows Updates?

Antivirus software is the most common culprit, interfering with update downloads. Disk errors or corrupted system files also trigger this error.

2. Can I fix Error 0x80070020 without disabling my antivirus?

While disabling antivirus often works, adjusting scan settings or temporarily disabling real-time protection may suffice.

3. Will changing permissions on folders fix this issue?

If file-sharing violations cause the error, granting full control to the affected folders can fix it.

Hard disk errors, specifically faulty sectors or file corruption, can prevent system files from being accessed, resulting in the error.

5. How can I check hard drive health efficiently?

Tools like MiniTool Partition Wizard or CrystalDiskInfo provide detailed reports about the health of your disk drives.

By following these expert steps, you should be able to resolve the 0x80070020 error and complete your Windows update without further issues.

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