Fix Error 0x8007000e: Out of Memory

Error 0x8007000e is a Windows error that means the system ran out of memory while performing an operation, commonly during Windows Update, file transfers, or app installations. The fix is to free up RAM and virtual memory, close memory-heavy programs, and in some cases, expand your page file or repair system files.

What Causes Error 0x8007000e

The error code 0x8007000e translates to E_OUTOFMEMORY in Windows. It appears when the operating system or an application cannot allocate the memory it needs to complete a task. This is not a hard drive space issue—it’s about RAM and the virtual memory page file.

Common triggers include:

• Running Windows Update with too many background processes consuming RAM.
• Large file copies (especially over a network) that buffer heavily in memory.
• Installing or updating a program that requests a large contiguous block of memory.
• A page file that is set too small or disabled entirely.
• Memory leaks in a driver or a third-party application that gradually consumes all available RAM.

The error can also appear in event logs as 0x8007000E alongside the text “Not enough storage is available to complete this operation.” That phrasing is misleading—it refers to memory, not disk storage.

How to Fix It: Step-by-Step

Work through these steps in order. Most users resolve the error with the first two steps; the later steps address deeper causes.

1. Close memory-heavy applications. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager. Under the Processes tab, sort by the Memory column and end tasks that are using more than 1 GB each, especially web browsers with many tabs, video editors, or virtual machines.
2. Restart Windows Update services. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop cryptSvc
   net stop bits
   net stop msiserver

   Then restart them with net start wuauserv, net start cryptSvc, net start bits, and net start msiserver. This clears any stuck update processes that may hold memory.

3. Increase the page file size. Go to Settings > System > About > Advanced system settings. Under Performance, click Settings, then the Advanced tab. In the Virtual memory section, click Change. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size, select your system drive (usually C:), choose Custom size, and set both Initial and Maximum size to 1.5 times your RAM (e.g., 16384 MB for 16 GB RAM). Click Set, then OK, and restart.
4. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter. Open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, select Windows Update, and run it. It will automatically detect and fix common update-related memory issues.
5. Repair system files. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. After it finishes, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This can fix corrupted system files that cause memory allocation failures.
6. Check for driver updates. Outdated or buggy drivers—especially graphics and network drivers—can leak memory. Visit your device manufacturer’s website or use Windows Update to install the latest drivers.

If the error occurs during a specific operation like a Windows Update, try the Windows Update Assistant or the Media Creation Tool to update Windows outside the normal update channel.

Understanding Virtual Memory and the Page File

Windows uses a combination of physical RAM and a file on disk called the page file (or swap file) to manage memory. When RAM is full, Windows moves less-used data to the page file. If the page file is too small or disabled, Windows cannot allocate additional memory, causing error 0x8007000e.

By default, Windows manages the page file automatically. However, some users disable it to save disk space, or set it to a fixed small size. This often triggers the error. The recommended setting is System managed size, or a custom size at least 1.5 times your RAM. Note that the page file cannot be disabled entirely if you want stable system performance.

You can check your current page file usage in Task Manager under the Performance tab, then Memory. The bottom graph shows Committed memory—if it’s near the Commit limit, your page file is too small.

Common Misconceptions About This Error

Misconception 1: It means you need more RAM. While adding RAM can help, the error often occurs even with plenty of free RAM because Windows cannot allocate a large contiguous block due to fragmentation or a memory leak. Fixing the page file or restarting the offending process usually resolves it.

Misconception 2: It means your hard drive is full. The error text mentions “storage,” but it refers to memory storage, not disk space. Check your RAM and page file first.

Misconception 3: You need to reinstall Windows. Reinstalling is rarely necessary. The steps above resolve the vast majority of cases.

When the Error Appears During Specific Tasks

Different tasks have slightly different fixes:

• Windows Update: The error often appears when updating to a new feature version. Besides the steps above, try resetting the Windows Update components using the wuauclt or the Reset Windows Update script from Microsoft’s support site.
• File Explorer copy/paste: If the error appears during large file transfers, try using robocopy from the command line with the /J flag, which uses unbuffered I/O and reduces memory usage.
• Installing Microsoft Office or Visual Studio: These installers are memory-hungry. Close all other applications and temporarily disable your antivirus real-time scanning during installation.
• Running a virtual machine: If the error appears in Hyper-V or VMware, reduce the VM’s allocated RAM or increase the host’s page file.

How to Prevent It from Recurring

Prevention focuses on keeping memory usage healthy:

• Keep Windows and drivers updated to avoid memory leaks.
• Restart your PC periodically—Windows does not always fully release memory from closed apps.
• Use Task Manager to identify programs that consume excessive RAM over time and consider alternatives or updates.
• Keep at least 10-15% of your RAM free for system operations.
• If you have 8 GB or less RAM, consider upgrading to 16 GB, especially if you multitask heavily.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is error 0x8007000e the same as 0x8007000E?

Yes, Windows error codes are case-insensitive. The trailing E is the hexadecimal digit for 14, not a letter. You may see it written as 0x8007000E or 0x8007000e—both are identical.

Can I ignore this error if it only happens occasionally?

If it happens rarely and you simply restart the failed operation, you can ignore it. But if it recurs, it indicates a memory management problem that will likely worsen. Address the underlying cause promptly.

Does increasing the page file size slow down my PC?

Using a page file is slower than RAM, but Windows only uses it when RAM is full. A properly sized page file prevents crashes and errors. If your PC is constantly using the page file, you need more RAM, not a larger page file.

Will this error damage my files or system?

No, the error itself does not cause data loss. However, if it occurs during a Windows Update, the update may fail and leave the system in an inconsistent state. Running the steps above will fix that without losing your files.

What if none of the steps work?

If you’ve tried all steps and the error persists, you may be dealing with faulty RAM. Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool (search for “Windows Memory Diagnostic” in Start) to test your RAM. If it finds errors, replace the faulty module. Also check the Windows Event Viewer for more detailed error logs.

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