/ How to

How To Fix Windows 10 Update Error Code 0xc190020e

Key Takeaways:

  • Error code 0xc190020e usually indicates insufficient disk space for Windows updates
  • Free up disk space using built-in Windows tools like Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense
  • Disable hibernation and extend the system partition if needed
  • Create a Windows 10 installation media for a clean install as a last resort

Windows 10 is known for its regular updates that bring new features, performance improvements, and security patches. However, sometimes these updates can run into issues, preventing them from installing successfully. One such error is the 0xc190020e code, which typically occurs when there isn’t enough free disk space to download and install the update.

In this article, we’ll explore several methods to fix the Windows 10 update error code 0xc190020e and get your system running smoothly again.

Check Available Disk Space

The first step in resolving the 0xc190020e error is to check how much free space you have on your system drive (usually the C: drive). Here’s how:

  1. Right-click on the Windows Start button and select “System”
  2. Click on “Storage” in the left pane
  3. Check the “Local Storage” section to see the available free space on your drives

If you notice that your system drive is running low on space, it’s time to take action and free up some room.

Use Disk Cleanup Utility

Windows 10 comes with a built-in tool called Disk Cleanup that can help you remove unnecessary files and free up valuable disk space. To use it:

  1. Press the Windows key and type “Disk Cleanup”
  2. Click on the Disk Cleanup tool and select the system drive you want to clean
  3. Click “OK” to proceed
  4. Select the files you want to remove and click “OK”

Disk Cleanup will remove temporary files, system files, and other items that are no longer needed, giving you more free space to work with.

Enable Storage Sense

Storage Sense is a feature in Windows 10 that automatically frees up disk space by removing unnecessary files. To enable it:

  1. Right-click on the Windows Start button and select “System”
  2. Click on “Storage” in the left pane
  3. Toggle “Storage Sense” to “On”
  4. Choose the desired settings for automatic cleanup

With Storage Sense enabled, Windows will regularly remove files that are no longer needed, helping to prevent low disk space issues.

Disable Hibernation

Hibernation is a power-saving feature that saves the contents of your RAM to your hard drive when you turn off your computer. However, the hibernation file can take up several gigabytes of space. If you don’t use hibernation, you can disable it to free up space:

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Command Prompt (Admin)”
  2. Type powercfg /hibernate off and press Enter

This will disable hibernation and remove the hibernation file, freeing up some additional disk space.

Extend System Partition

If your system partition (usually the C: drive) is running low on space, you can try extending it using unallocated space from another partition. This process can be a bit technical, so it’s recommended to create a backup of your data before proceeding.

  1. Press the Windows key + X and select “Disk Management”
  2. Right-click on the system partition and select “Extend Volume”
  3. Follow the wizard to extend the partition using unallocated space from another drive

Extending the system partition can provide more space for Windows updates and other system files.

Perform a Clean Install

If none of the above methods work, or if you’re still encountering the 0xc190020e error, you may need to perform a clean install of Windows 10. This process will erase all data on your system drive, so make sure to backup your important files before proceeding.

  1. Create a Windows 10 installation media using the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website
  2. Boot from the installation media and follow the prompts to perform a clean install
  3. Reinstall your applications and restore your backed-up data

A clean install can resolve many issues, including the 0xc190020e error, by starting with a fresh copy of Windows 10.

FAQ

What causes the 0xc190020e error?

The 0xc190020e error typically occurs when there isn’t enough free disk space to download and install a Windows 10 update. This can happen if your system drive is running low on space or if there are many temporary files and other unnecessary data taking up room.

Can I prevent the 0xc190020e error from happening?

Yes, you can take steps to prevent the 0xc190020e error by regularly cleaning up your disk space, enabling Storage Sense, and ensuring that your system drive has enough free space before attempting to install updates. It’s also a good idea to keep your system maintained and remove any unnecessary programs or files.

What if I can’t free up enough disk space?

If you’ve tried all the methods to free up disk space and still don’t have enough room for the update, you may need to consider upgrading your hard drive to a larger capacity or adding an additional drive to your system. Alternatively, you can use an external drive to store some of your files and free up space on your system drive.

Will a clean install of Windows 10 delete my personal files?

Yes, a clean install of Windows 10 will erase all data on your system drive, including your personal files, applications, and settings. It’s crucial to create a backup of your important data before proceeding with a clean install to avoid losing valuable information.

By following these methods and staying proactive about disk space management, you can fix the Windows 10 update error code 0xc190020e and keep your system running smoothly. Remember to regularly clean up your drives, enable Storage Sense, and ensure that you have enough free space before attempting to install updates.

Related Posts