Note: This article has been updated to clarify its applicability to quality updates and to direct users to the most current resolution guidelines.
Symptoms
On Microsoft Windows 10 systems that have limited storage space (often, thin clients or embedded systems), when you run Windows Update, the update process may display an error message due to insufficient storage space.
Cause
Windows Update requires storage space to download quality updates (such as monthly cumulative updates). Windows Update regularly attempts to install the latest quality updates applicable to the device. If there is not enough storage space on the device, it will display an error message to inform the user to free up additional storage space.
Resolution
We recommend a regular regimen of system maintenance to help ensure that quality updates are successfully installed. This includes deleting unnecessary and temporary files. It also includes maintaining awareness of available and allocated storage on systems. To learn more about how to free up storage space in Windows 10, see the following Windows article: Free up space in Windows 10.
