0x800701aa
Easy Fix
Microsoft · Windows
Insufficient system resources exist to complete the requested service. The system ran out of disk space, memory, or other resources needed to process the update.
Quick Answer
Error code 0x800701AA on your Microsoft Windows means: Insufficient system resources exist to complete the requested service. The system ran out of disk space, memory, or other resources needed to process the update.. This is usually fixable — see the step-by-step guide below.
Affected Models
Applies to all models
Likely Causes
How to Fix It
1
Free up disk space: Run Disk Cleanup (cleanmgr) as Administrator, click 'Clean up system files', select Windows Update Cleanup, Previous Windows installations, Temporary files, and Recycle Bin. You need at least 10 GB free for updates.
2
Check available disk space: Open File Explorer, right-click C: drive, select Properties. If less than 15 GB free, move large files to another drive or uninstall unused programs.
3
Clear the Windows Update cache manually: net stop wuauserv, delete C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download contents, net start wuauserv.
4
Increase virtual memory: Open System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual memory > Change. Uncheck 'Automatically manage', set Initial size to 1.5x your RAM and Maximum to 3x your RAM.
5
Close unnecessary programs before running Windows Update to free up memory.
6
Move the Windows Update download location: If your system drive is small (e.g., 128 GB SSD), use a symbolic link (mklink /j) to redirect C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download to a folder on a larger drive. Stop the wuauserv service first.
7
Consider using Storage Sense: Settings > System > Storage > Storage Sense to automatically free up space.
Pro Tip
This is a common issue that most users can resolve without specialized tools. Try the first step before moving on to more complex solutions.
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