There can hardly be anything more frustrating than when an error pops up during the middle of an essential update of Windows. Error 0x80070005 Windows Update generally speaks to some form of permissions that will zap your productivity and have you running up and down looking for solutions. As someone who has passed through so many tech hurdles, I'm jotting down this simple guide to ensure you get it sorted out ASAP.
What is Windows Update Error 0x80070005?
Error code 0x80070005 sometimes comes with an error message similar to "Access Denied" or "Permission Denied." That is to say, the Windows Update client does not have access permission to access some files and services. The causes include, in this regard:
1. Insufficient User Permissions: If your account does not contain enough administrative privilege, then probably Windows will be unable to install updates.
2. Broken System Files: System files become corrupted or have gone missing, and, as such, the updating process is disrupted to show these kinds of errors.
3. Issues with the Windows Update Service: These are because of outdated or disabled services.
4. Interference by Antivirus/ Firewall: Severe kinds of Antivirus or firewall blocking prevents the Windows Update completion process.
5. Group Policy Restrictions: An organization's Group Policy settings may restrict the update to certain users or computers.
I encountered this error when performing the update for my client's PC. After hours of troubleshooting, it appeared their Antivirus was blocking the update. That really taught me how to isolate third-party applications when the system is being maintained.
How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070005: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Run the Update Troubleshooter in the Window Update
Before we go ahead and apply the manual fixes, let Windows take an auto tour of troubleshooting and fixing the problem. Windows includes an inbuilt Update Troubleshooter that can detect common issues regarding updates and apply fixes.
1. Launch Settings: Use the Windows Key + I to launch the Settings window.
2. Update & Security: In the Settings Window, highlight Update & Security and then click on Troubleshoot from the left-hand menu.
3. Run the Troubleshooter: Under the heading "Get up and running," click Windows Update, then Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the Prompts: Allow the troubleshooter to scan and detect issues with your system; it will make recommendations and, where possible, automatically fix any such problems.
If the troubleshooter detects and fixes the problem, restart your computer and try rerunning Windows Update. Otherwise, if it does not work, proceed with the steps below.
Step 2: Check for User Account Permissions
Permission issues of the user account are among the major causes of this 0x80070005 error. If your account does not have administrative privileges, it may be unable to install updates. Here is how to ensure that your account has the right permissions:
1. Check the Type of Your User Account:
Press Windows Key + X and click on Computer Management.
On the left side, click on Local Users and Groups, then click on Users.
Find your user account on the list and double-click it.
Click on the Member Of tab. Administrators should appear in the list in the field. If that is not the case, you will want to add your account to the administrator group.
2. Change User Account Type if needed:
If it is not listed as an administrator, click Add and type Administrators in the box. Then click OK.
Try rebooting your PC and running Windows Update once you have switched account types. If this error is thrown up when these privileges are already given to the account, try running the upgrade process as an administrator. Let it help resolve this error.
Step 3: Running SFC
That may be because some corrupted system files did not allow the proper update of Windows and hence show up as a 0x80070005 error.
Run the SFC utility to repair corrupted files.
Run Command Prompt as an administrator.
To do this, press Windows Key + X and then choose either Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Type into the input space below at the open Command Prompt window command:
SFC /scannow and then press Enter:
The SFC utility automatically replaces the corrupted and missing files by scanning your system. It will take some time, so be patient.
Restart Your PC: After the scan is completed, restart your computer and check whether the error is fixed. If the problem continues, you can run the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool, aka DISM, for deep OS repairs with detailed steps, as shown in the following step.
Step 4: Running the Utility DISM
If the System File Checker is unable to resolve the issue, you will need to run the DISM utility to repair the Windows image. It will fix problems in the Windows Update components that could be causing the error.
Open elevated Command Prompt:
Press the Windows Key + X and click on Command Prompt (A) or Windows PowerShell (A).
DISM Command Run:
Run all the listed commands one by one in sequence in the Command Prompt that has been opened as an administrator, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /restorehealth
When that is done, a few minutes on your computer, and then try doing the Windows Update.
Step 5: Temporarily Disable Antivirus or Firewall
Sometimes, third-party antivirus software or firewalls block Windows updates and create the 0x80070005 error. You can temporarily disable your Antivirus and firewall to check if one of them is preventing Windows Update from running.
Disable Antivirus: Open your software and turn the Antivirus off for some time. Check whether it allows Windows Update to run smoothly.
Disable Windows Defender Firewall: You can even disable the Windows Defender Firewall native in your system. To do so,
open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall. On the left panel, select Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off. Perform the turning off in both private and public networks. Remember to turn your Antivirus and firewall back on at the end.
Step 6: Reset Windows Update Components
If the above steps are not helpful, try one manual way to reset all the Windows Update components. This process will delete temporary files and update caches that could have been an issue.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
Press Windows Key + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
Stop Windows Update Services:
Type the following commands and press Enter after each
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
Delete Update Cache:
Type the following commands for deleting the Windows Update cache files:
Ren C:\\Windows\\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\\Windows\\System32\\catroot2 catroot2.old
Restart Services:
Restart the stopped services using the following commands:
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
Finally, reboot your computer and then rerun Windows Update.
Why is WPS Office a better alternative to traditional suites?
While this troubleshooting process continues regarding Windows updates, take good care of your productivity with WPS. It is office-free and light and designed for the modern user.
Core Features
Fully Compatible: Open and edit Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files without losing any format.
Cloud Integration: Save files to WPS Cloud (1GB free) and access them across devices.
PDF Tools: Easily merge, convert, or annotate PDFs.
Ad-Free: Of the other free suites, WPS puts the user first.
How to Download and Use WPS Office
Step 1: Download WPS Office
Browse to the WPS Office website: wps.com.
Click Download; install the app.
Step 2: Discover the Features
Create/Edit Document: Access WPS Writer, Spreadsheet, or Presentation.
Edit, convert, or compress PDF: Integrated PDF editor.
Step 3: Save and Share Files
Save the files in.docx ,.xlsx, and.pptx formats, respectively.
One can directly share files over the cloud or via email.
Built with AI-powered tools, WPS Office makes editing documents easy by automating your workload and saving time if your computer crashes due to faulty updates.
FAQ
Will Error 0x80070005 damage my files?
Of course, it will not; however, it could expose your system when an update isn't fixed. Always use backup software like WPS Office Cloud.
Is the WPS Office safe?
Of course. WPS Office is GDPR compliant and trusted by over 500 million users from all across the world.
How do I avoid errors while updating?
Keep your operating system and drivers updated, and shift to licensed software such as WPS Office. Regularly scan the system.
Summary
Though elusive, Windows Update Error 0x80070005 can be fixed with the proper steps. Once fixed, enhance your work level with WPS Office, which is mighty yet simple and efficient. Download WPS Office today and bid farewell to document management hassles!
