Understanding Error Code 0x80070153

Error code 0x80070153 is a common Windows error that can be frustrating to encounter. It typically indicates a problem with accessing or updating system files, preventing you from installing updates, running programs, or completing other essential tasks.

What Does the Error Look Like?

The error message often appears as: "Error code: 0x80070153. The directory is not empty."

This message indicates that Windows encountered an issue while trying to modify a directory, likely because it's not empty or contains files/folders in use.

What Causes Error Code 0x80070153?

Several factors can contribute to this error:

Incomplete Downloads: Interrupted downloads of system updates or software installations can leave incomplete files, leading to directory access problems.
Corrupted System Files: Damaged or corrupted system files essential for Windows functionality can trigger the error.
Antivirus Interference: Overly aggressive antivirus software might block necessary file changes during updates or installations.
Disk Space Issues: Insufficient free space on your hard drive can hinder Windows' ability to update or modify files.

Affected Operating Systems

Error code 0x80070153 typically affects various versions of the Windows operating system, including:

Windows 10
Windows 8/8.1
Windows 7

Programs Commonly Affected

While this error can occur in different scenarios, it's frequently encountered during:

Windows Updates: Installing or updating Windows components often triggers this error if file access issues arise.
Software Installations: Installing new programs might encounter the error due to incomplete downloads or directory conflicts.

How to Solve Errors

There are several methods you can try to resolve error code 0x80070153:

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

This built-in tool helps diagnose and fix common Windows update issues.

Open Settings by pressing Windows key + I.
Go to Update & Security.
Select Troubleshoot from the left sidebar.
Choose "Windows Update" and click "Run the troubleshooter".

Check Disk Space

Ensure you have sufficient free space on your hard drive for Windows updates and installations.

Open File Explorer by pressing Windows key + E.
Right-click on your system drive (usually C:) and select "Properties".
Review the available free space.

Run System File Checker (SFC)

This tool scans and repairs corrupted system files that might be causing the error.

Open Command Prompt as administrator:
- Press Windows key + X, then select "Command Prompt (Admin)".
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Temporarily disabling your antivirus software can help determine if it's interfering with file access. Remember to re-enable it afterward.

Restart Windows Update Services

Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Locate "Windows Update", right-click, and select "Stop".
Repeat the process for "Cryptographic Services" and "Background Intelligent Transfer Service".

After stopping these services:

Restart your computer.
Once Windows restarts, repeat the steps above to start the services again.

Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, helping isolate potential conflicts.

Search for "System Configuration" in the Start menu and open it.
Go to the "Services" tab, check "Hide all Microsoft services", then click "Disable All".
Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager".
Disable all startup items in the Task Manager, then close it.
Click "Apply" and "OK" in System Configuration.

Restart your computer and check if the error persists. Remember to reverse these steps after troubleshooting.

Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If all else fails, reinstalling Windows might be necessary to resolve deeply rooted file system issues.Remember to back up your important data before proceeding. You can download a fresh copy of Windows from Microsoft's website: Download Windows