Error 0x80070020 typically appears after a device driver update, signaling a conflict or issue that can hinder your computer's performance. To resolve this error, you can follow a systematic approach that involves diagnosing potential causes and applying corrective steps. This guide outlines how to identify the symptoms, check for issues, fix the error, verify the resolution, and prevent future occurrences.
What does error 0x80070020 mean?
Error 0x80070020 usually indicates a problem with device drivers, often following an update. Symptoms may include system crashes, boot failures, or malfunctioning devices. Essentially, this error suggests that the system cannot access a necessary resource due to conflicts or corruption in the driver files.
How to safely check for driver issues
Before attempting any fixes, it's crucial to identify potential driver issues safely. Here’s how:
- Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting it.
- Look for devices with a yellow triangle icon, which signifies issues.
- Check for Windows updates by navigating to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and selecting Check for updates.
These checks will help determine if the recent driver update caused the error or if there are other underlying issues.
Step-by-step guide to fix error 0x80070020
To fix error 0x80070020, follow these steps:
- Open Device Manager.
- Locate the device that recently had an update, such as a graphics card or network adapter.
Right-click on the device and select Uninstall device.
Confirm the uninstallation when prompted.
- After the device is uninstalled, reboot your computer.
- Upon reboot, Windows should automatically reinstall the driver for the device. If the driver does not reinstall automatically, return to Device Manager, right-click the device, and select Update driver.
Following these steps should resolve the conflict causing the error.
How to verify the error is fixed
After carrying out the fix, ensure that the error has been resolved by:
- Restarting your computer and checking if it boots correctly without issues.
- Opening Device Manager again to confirm there are no warning icons next to your devices.
- Running any applications or processes that previously triggered the error to ensure they function normally.
Tips to prevent future driver issues
To reduce the likelihood of encountering error 0x80070020 again, consider these practices:
- Regularly update your device drivers through Device Manager or from the manufacturer's website.
- Create system restore points before applying significant updates or changes.
- Use reliable driver management software that monitors and alerts you about outdated drivers.
Conclusion
If you continue to experience issues after following these steps, consider seeking help from a professional technician or the device manufacturer. Keeping your system updated and monitoring driver health can help prevent these errors in the future.