Xbox Error Code 0x8007013E — What It Means & How to Fix It

What Does This Error Mean?

Error 0x8007013E means your Xbox encountered a problem with its storage while installing or updating a game. The console could not write data to the internal hard drive or external storage correctly. This is typically a storage space, corrupted storage, or failing drive issue.

Affected Models

Xbox One
Xbox One S
Xbox One X
Xbox Series S
Xbox Series X

Common Causes

The internal hard drive or SSD is running out of free storage space
An external USB drive used for game storage has been disconnected or is failing
The storage device has developed bad sectors that prevent data from being written
The external drive was not safely ejected and has file system corruption
The game or update file downloaded correctly but cannot be written to the storage device

How to Fix It

Check your available storage space. Press the Xbox button > Profile & system > Settings > System > Storage. Make sure you have at least 10 to 20 GB free. Delete games or content you no longer use.

Even if a game only needs 5 GB, the Xbox needs extra working space during installation. Low storage is a common cause of 0x8007013E.
If you are using an external USB drive, check its connection. Unplug and firmly reconnect the drive. Try a different USB port on the console.

A loose external drive connection causes storage errors. If the drive is old, try a different drive.
Move the game to a different storage location. Go to My Games & Apps, find the affected game, press Menu > Manage game > Move or copy, and move it to the other storage device.

If one storage location is having issues, moving the game to the other often lets it work normally.
Power cycle your Xbox. Hold the power button for 10 seconds to fully shut it down. Unplug the power cable for 30 seconds, then reconnect and restart.

A full power cycle clears storage caches and can resolve temporary write errors.
If using an external drive, format it. Go to Settings > System > Storage > External drive, select the drive, and choose Format for Xbox. Note: this will delete all games on that drive — reinstall them afterward.

Formatting clears file system corruption on external drives. Only do this if other steps have not worked.

When to Call a Professional

If you hear clicking or grinding from your Xbox while this error appears, the internal drive may be failing. A failing internal drive requires professional repair — internal Xbox storage is not user-replaceable. Contact Xbox Support at support.xbox.com to arrange a repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much free space should I keep on my Xbox?

Microsoft recommends keeping at least 10 GB free for system operations and game updates. For the Xbox Series X|S internal SSD, aim for 20 to 50 GB free if possible. Running constantly near full capacity slows downloads and increases the chance of storage errors.

Can I use any USB drive as external storage for Xbox?

You can use any USB 3.0 drive with at least 128 GB capacity. For the best performance, use a USB 3.0 drive — USB 2.0 drives are too slow for modern games. Xbox Series X|S games that use speed-dependent features must be stored on the internal SSD or an official Xbox Expansion Card.

Will I lose my game saves if I format my external drive?

Formatting the external drive deletes the game installations on that drive, but not your save data. Save data is stored in the cloud via Xbox Cloud Saves (as long as you have Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Live). Your games will need to be reinstalled, but your progress will sync back from the cloud automatically.