- The error message says—Windows cannot install the required files. The file may be corrupt or missing.
- Changing the installation drive can fix the issue.
- Recreate the Windows Bootable media if the earlier installation had issues.
Fix 1: Re-Download Windows ISO
Finding the correct Windows ISO for your PC is crucial for proper installation. Windows 11 is not available for 32-bit systems, so if you were planning to install it on a 32-bit system, you may have faced this error.
While you can still download the Windows 11 ISO from the Microsoft website , you must use the Windows media creation tool for the Windows 10 ISO. Before downloading an ISO, ensure you meet all the necessary system requirements, which can be found on the download page itself.
Fix 2: Recreate Windows Bootable Drive
Seemingly obvious of an issue, a faulty Windows bootable drive can also be behind the File or Directory is Corrupted Error 0x80070570. The bootable Windows drive holds all the files required for smooth Windows installation on your PC. If you have faced this error, try recreating the Windows bootable drive. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download the Windows media creation tool from Microsoft’s website for the respective Windows version.
Step 2: Open the EXE file and allow it to run as administrator once downloaded.
Step 3: Click the Accept button to accept the User Agreement and select Create Installation media on the next page.
Step 4: Select the Windows language, edition, and architecture .
Step 5: Once selected, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the Windows bootable drive creation.
Alternatively, you can use third-party bootable drive creators like Rufus to create a Windows bootable drive. These drives allow room for more customization in the installation and ISO.
Fix 3: Run the CHKDSK Tool to Check for Drive Errors
As displayed in the error message, the error 0x80070570 is a file or directory error, indicating the possibility of an error with your drive.
Step 1: Start the installation. When you see the Windows Setup screen, press the Shift + F10 keys on your keyboard to open Command Prompt.
Step 2: In Command Prompt, paste the following command and press Enter .
chkdsk [driveletter]: /f /r
Replace the [driveletter] with the drive letter of the drive you wish to check for errors.
Step 3: CHKDSK will look for and try to fix drive errors. If no errors are found, but you encounter the 0x80070570 error during installation, consider changing the drive.
Fix 4: Change the Installation Directory During Windows Setup
If nothing works, install Windows on a different partition. Once installation is complete, you can always recheck the drive or partition for issues.
Step 1: Boot using the USB installation media and go to the Drive selection page .
Step 2: Select another drive from the list and click on Format .
Step 3: Click on OK to delete everything on the drive.
Step 4: Then click Next to proceed with the installation.
Step 5: Check whether the error disappears.
How Do You Split and Merge the Primary Drive During Installation?
During the Windows installation, users can select the drive partitions on which they wish to install Windows. The same tool can create new partitions (split) or combine existing ones (merge). The tool also allows you to fix some minor drive errors.
Can You Use a Secondary Drive to Install Windows?
Yes, you can use a secondary drive to install Windows. The process is straightforward, like installing it on the primary drive. However, it would be best to exercise caution, as the drive must be plugged throughout the installation. Also, the bootloader registers the path to the OS installation. So, if the secondary drive is absent, it can cause issues for your PC. Remember to back up all the essential files during this procedure.
Was this helpful?
- Set the connected printer as default from Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners > Set as default, and retry printing your file.
- Rollback the recently installed Windows Update from Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.
Basic Fixes
- Reconnect printer : If you’re using a wired printer, its loose USB connection to your PC may result in ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’. Replug the printer and replace its cable if it is worn out.
- Update the USB drivers : Obsolete USB drivers can create printer connectivity issues. Head to the Device Manager app, expand ‘Universal Serial Bus controllers’, right-click the buggy USB port, and select Update driver.
- Use the HP Smart app to connect the printer : If your Windows 11 PC doesn’t detect your HP printer , install the HP Smart app from the Microsoft Store, and use it to configure printer settings.
- Update Windows : Press the Windows + I shortcut to open Settings, select Windows Update from the left sidebar, and install available system updates.
Fix 1: Set the Connected Printer as Default
If your preferred printer isn’t set as default, you may run into the ‘Printer not activated, error code-30’ issue on Windows. Ensure your printer has adequate paper and ink and use the following steps to set it as a default printer:
Step 1: Open Windows Settings using the Windows + I shortcut, select Bluetooth & devices from the left sidebar, and click Printers & scanners .
Step 2: Select your preferred office or home printer.
Step 3: Ensure the Printer status isn’t Offline and click Set as default to assign it as a default printer for all printing operations.
Tip: If the Printer status is labeled ‘Offline’, check its power source and try reconnecting it to your PC.
Fix 2: Reinstall Printer Drivers
Corrupt printer drivers can cause unusual printing errors. To fix this, first remove the printer from Windows Settings > Bluetooth & devices > Printers & scanners, and re-plug the printer. Then, reinstall the printer drivers using the Device Manager app to restore normalcy.
Step 1: Press the Windows + X shortcut to open the Power User Menu, and select Device Manager .
Step 2: Expand Software devices , right-click your printer, and select Uninstall device . Restart your PC and let Windows 11 automatically install compatible printer drivers.
Fix 3: Run the Printer Troubleshooter
Do you still face the ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’ message while printing a PDF on Windows 11? Running the in-built printer troubleshooter should fix it in no time.
Step 1: Select Printers & scanners under Windows settings (check the above steps), and click your connected printer.
Step 2: Select Run the troubleshooter and wait a few seconds to let it resolve the issue.
Fix 4: Tweak Permission Settings on a Program
If you face the ‘Printer not activated, error code-30’ in a specific app, give it full control over your PC to print files and documents seamlessly.
Step 1: Right-click the app icon and select Show more options .
Step 2: Select Properties from the right-click context menu to open it.
Step 3: Open the Security tab and click Edit .
Step 4: Enable the Allow checkmark beside Full control and click Apply followed by OK to save changes.
Fix 5: Rollback the Recent Windows Update
Lastly, a buggy Windows Update can malfunction your connected printer showing the ‘Printer not activated (Error Code 30)’ message while initiating a new print. To fix it, rollback the recent Windows Update using these easy steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key, search Uninstall updates , and click it to open the system settings.
Step 2: Locate the recently installed Windows Update using the ‘Installed on’ timestamp, and click Uninstall to remove it. Select Uninstall when prompted to confirm the action.
