Solutions to error 0x80070005 include: 1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter tool to automatically fix the problem; 2. Obtain ownership of the SoftwareDistribution folder and reset permissions; 3. Run SFC and DISM commands as administrator to repair system files; 4. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software; 5. Check UAC settings and ensure that you use the administrator account; 6. Manually reset the Windows Update Component Service and clear the cache folder, restart the computer and try the update after completing these steps, which can usually resolve the error.
Windows 10 update error 0x80070005 typically means "Access is denied." It's a common issue during Windows updates and often stems from permission problems, corrupted system files, or interference from third-party software. Here's how you can fix it step by step.

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Microsoft provides a built-in tool to automatically detect and fix common update issues.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot .
- Click on Additional troubleshooters .
- Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter .
- Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes.
This tool often resolves permission or service-related issues behind error 0x80070005.

2. Take Ownership of the SoftwareDistribution Folder
The error can occur if Windows Update doesn't have proper access to its temporary files.
?? Warning : Editing system folders can be risky. Proceed carefully.
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- Press Win R , type
services.msc
, and press Enter. - Locate Windows Update , right-click it, and choose Stop .
- Open File Explorer and go to:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
- Right-click the SoftwareDistribution folder > Properties > Security tab > Advanced .
- Next to "Owner", click Change .
- Type your username, click Check Names , then OK .
- Check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects , then click Apply .
- Go back to services and restart the Windows Update service.
- Try updating again.
This gives your user account full control over update files.
3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupted system files can trigger access denied errors.
Step 1: Run SFC
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator .
- Type:
sfc /scannow
- Wait for the scan to complete (can take 15–20 mins). If issues are found, it will attempt to fix them.
Step 2: Run DISM After SFC, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This repairs the Windows image itself.
Restart your PC and try updating again.
4. Disable Antivirus or Third-Party Security Software Temporarily
Sometimes third-party antivirus programs block Windows Update processes.
- Temporarily disable your antivirus (eg, McAfee, Norton, Avast).
- Try running the update again.
- Re-enable the antivirus once the update completes.
If the update works, consider adjusting your antivirus settings or switching to Windows Defender.
5. Check User Account Control (UAC) and Permissions
Ensure your account has administrative privileges.
- Go to Control Panel > User Accounts > Change User Account Control settings .
- Make sure the slider is not set to the highest level (may block legitimate access).
- Confirm you're signed in as an Administrator :
- Press Win R , type
net user
, and check if your account has "Admin" in the group list.
- Press Win R , type
If not, enable the built-in Administrator account via Command Prompt (admin):
net user administrator /active:yes
Then log in and try the update.
6. Reset Windows Update Components Manually
If the above doesn't work, reset the update components.
Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run these commands one by one:
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msserver
Then:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Then:
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msserver
This clears the update cache and resets key services.
Now try checking for updates again.
Final Notes
- Make sure your system clock and time zone are correct—incorrect time can cause authentication issues.
- If you're on a domain, contact your network administrator; group policies might restrict updates.
Most cases of 0x80070005 are resolved by resetting permissions or clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder. It's not complicated, but easy to miss a step.
Basically, start with the troubleshooter, then move to folder permissions and system scans. That covers 90% of cases.
The above is the detailed content of how to fix win 10 update error 0x80070005. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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