Windows Update not updating. Low disk space.

Question

When I run Windows Update it gets to about 8% and then stops.

I tried running Windows Diagnostic, but it fails.

Additionally, I keep getting a "Low disk space" notification.

In storage it says I have 318 MB of free space on C: drive and the update needs 86 MB.

I recently got the black screen after logging in.

Taskbar is not showing all my icons.

And my image icons are not displaying in my photos folder.

I got ahold of a Microsoft assistant who took over my screen, ran scans, and did a bunch of other stuff. Restarted my computer, and that was it. I went to the windows update again to see if it was working. No change. "Low disk space" still popping up.

Send help!

Answer 1

Hi,

318 MB is simply not enough seeing the downloaded package size and Windows update cache. If you have a D drive, the best approach, in this case, is moving the user folders, like Desktop, documents, downloads, etc. Here is a guide from our MVPs on how to do it the correct way:

Move Location of Desktop Folder in Windows 10 | Tutorials (tenforums.com)

https://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/74971-move-location-desktop-folder-windows-10-a.html

At the end of the article, you can see the tutorials for other folders too, like Downloads and Documents. You would be prompted to move the existing contents for which you need to press yes.

Treesize should tell you which files and folders are taking up space. You can move any individual files if any outside the Windows installation.

https://www.jam-software.com/treesize_free/

It is worth checking the Users folder and its subfolders with it.

I hope that helps.

Standard 3rd party link disclaimer:

There may be links to non-Microsoft websites that provide accurate and safe information. Watch out for ads on websites frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). There is no need to buy paid products to fix your computers, as they sometimes do more harm than good.

Answer 2

Windows Update requires more working space than the size of the update itself. With only ~318 MB free on C:, the update and other system processes cannot complete, which also explains the repeated “Low disk space” notifications and general instability.

Freeing space on C: is required before Windows Update and other features will work reliably. For Windows 10 and 11, at least several GB of free space is recommended; Windows update troubleshooting guidance calls out that low storage can block updates.

For Windows 10 specifically, if the Low Disk Space error is caused by a full Temp folder (often filled with Microsoft Store .appx files), use these steps:

1. Reset Microsoft Store
   1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
   2. Select Windows Store Apps and choose Run the troubleshooter.
2. Clear the Microsoft Store cache
   1. Press Windows logo key + R.
   2. Type wsreset.exe and select OK.
   3. A blank Command Prompt opens for a few seconds, then closes and Microsoft Store opens automatically.
3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
   1. Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
   2. Scroll down, select Windows Update, then Run the troubleshooter.
4. Restart the PC and try Windows Update again after freeing space.

In addition, use built‑in cleanup to reclaim more space:

• Use Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense to remove temporary files, previous Windows installations, and items in Recycle Bin.
• Storage Sense can automatically free up space by deleting temporary files and Recycle Bin contents. For configuration details, see Manage drive space with Storage Sense in the referenced article.

If, after following the above and using the free‑space techniques, there is still not enough room to update, the Windows update troubleshooting guidance recommends continuing with more aggressive free‑space steps or, if necessary, resetting or reinstalling Windows once data is backed up.

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References:

• Free up drive space in Windows
• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows