Windows Update error 0x80070005: E_ACCESSDENIED
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What the code means
File system or registry key permissions have been changed and the servicing stack doesn't have the required level of access. (Windows Update common errors and mitigation)
General access denied error. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT Values)
Access is denied. (System Error Codes (0-499))
Code facts for 0x80070005
| Code as Windows shows it | 0x80070005 |
|---|---|
| Type | Win32 error code |
| Symbolic name | E_ACCESSDENIED |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x80070005 |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 2147942405 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -2147024891 |
| Severity | failure |
| Facility | 7 FACILITY_WIN32 |
| Windows error number inside this code | 5 ERROR_ACCESS_DENIED: Access is denied. |
| Group | Windows Update errors |
Code facts: Windows Update common errors and mitigation (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Code facts: [MS-ERREF]: HRESULT Values (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Code facts: System Error Codes (0-499) (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Where this error shows up
This code shows up while Windows Update or a Windows upgrade is downloading, installing or setting up.
Applies to
Windows client, Windows Server and Azure virtual machines (as the summary of the Learn page for this code says). The step for home users comes from the Windows 11 tab of the update troubleshooting page; that tab's other step for this code (pause antivirus or firewall for a short time) is with the general steps of the Windows Update errors group.
These steps come from a Microsoft page written for IT administrators.
Try these first
These steps carry no risk flag in the data. They keep the order of the full list below, which is not reordered. A step without a flag is not a promise that it is safe for your computer.
8 steps to try, in order
Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of 0x80070005 are not covered. 4 steps are flagged.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
Microsoft also gives general steps that cover this code: see the general steps in the Windows Update errors group. Each block there says which codes its Microsoft page gives the steps for.
From: Troubleshoot problems updating Windows
Source: Troubleshoot problems updating Windows (Microsoft Support), checked Nov 14, 2026. Summary in our own words; Microsoft's page has the full steps.
Microsoft's Windows Update troubleshooting page (Windows 11 tab). It asks you to back up your personal files before trying its fixes.
Make sure you have administrator access
Some updates need an administrator account. If yours isn't one, Microsoft's 'Create a local user or administrator account in Windows' page explains how, or ask someone at home or work who has an administrator account on the device to install the updates.
From: Troubleshoot Windows Update error 0x80070005
Source: Troubleshoot Windows Update error 0x80070005 (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Microsoft's Learn page for this code (written for IT professionals; applies to Windows client, Windows Server and Azure VMs).
Back up first
Written for IT administrators.
Before you troubleshoot, back up the operating system disk; the Microsoft page asks for this first.
Reset permissions on the component store
Written for IT administrators.
Changes permissions on system foldersIn an administrative Command Prompt run:
icacls "%windir%\WinSxS" /reset /t /c /q
icacls "%windir%\SoftwareDistribution" /reset /t /c /q
Restart, and try the update again.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Make TrustedInstaller own WinSxS
Written for IT administrators.
Changes permissions on system foldersIf it still fails, run:
icacls "%windir%\WinSxS" /setowner "NT SERVICE\TrustedInstaller" /t /c /q
Restart, and try the update again.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Reset Windows Update components
Written for IT administrators.
Changes services or policyRenames system files or foldersIf it still fails, run these commands in order:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %windir%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start wuauserv
Restart, and try again.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Microsoft advises: Only try this if you're comfortable working in the command line, and back up your personal files first. (Troubleshoot problems updating Windows)
Repair the component store
Written for IT administrators.
If it still fails, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart, and try again.
Check system files
Written for IT administrators.
If it still fails, run:
sfc /scannow
If it finds problems, see the page's link on using System File Checker. After it finishes without errors, restart and try again.
Check for third-party interference
Written for IT administrators.
Changes security settingsDisables or removes driversTemporarily disable real-time antivirus protection.
List file system filter drivers with: fltmc
If a non-Microsoft filter driver is listed, temporarily unload it with: fltmc unload <DriverName>
Restart, and try again. If it still fails, contact Microsoft Support.
Microsoft advises: If you remove security software, first make sure you know how to reinstall it and that any product keys are on hand. Windows Defender helps protect the device in the meantime. (Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors)
Microsoft advises: Save your work and close all apps first. If Windows doesn't reinstall the driver after the restart, update the driver from Device Manager. (Update drivers through Device Manager in Windows)
The Learn page for this code also has two steps for Azure virtual machines only; they are not listed here.
Stop and get help
If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.
Dates and review
| Automated checks | first check: ; second check: ; third check: ; fourth check: |
|---|---|
| Microsoft pages read |
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| Review status | Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on . |