Fix Error code 0x80070005 Windows update installing failed

Are you puzzled when trying to install a cumulative, preview LCU, .Net Framework, or other updates in Windows 11? If you are getting error code 0x80070005 this post will help rescue the issue. This error might occur because of corrupted system files, broken Windows update cache, not enough permission, malware, interference of third-party programs, and others.

To settle this Windows Update Error, you need to address the underlying permission issues. Adjusting user permissions, ensuring administrative privileges, or troubleshooting specific files and folders may resolve the issue. Here we will discuss all the possible procedures with detailed and concise steps to troubleshoot and rectify the update installation problems and ensure a smooth updating process.

Windows Update Error 0x80070005

Here is how to fix error code 0x80070005 Windows update installing failed:

Run Your Windows update Troubleshooter

As the error is associated with Windows Update, you first need to run your Windows update troubleshooter to identify and resolve the error.

• Press “Win+X” and select “Settings”.
• Navigate to “System”.
• Click on “Troubleshoot”.
• Now, choose “Other troubleshooters”.
• Click on “Run” located beside “Windows Updates”.

• It will identify the reason behind the error and guide you to solve it. If it does not work, move to the next method.

Provide Full Permissions

Granting full permissions to the relevant files and folders can potentially fix the Windows Update Error 0x80070005. This error is often associated with inadequate access permissions, and ensuring that the user account has the necessary rights can resolve the issue. Follow the steps below to provide permissions:

• Open Windows Run with “Win+R”, enter C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData (replace “C:” with your Windows drive and “USERNAME” with your username), then hit “OK”.
• Right-click on “App Data” and select “Properties”.
• Go to “Security” and click “Edit”.
• Now, click “Add”.
• Then, write “Everyone”, select “Check Names”, and hit “OK”.
• Select “Everyone”, enable “Full control” from Permissions, then click “OK”.
• Reboot your computer and your update error should be gone.

Scan for Malware Attack

A malware attack can potentially trigger the Windows Update Error as malware can interfere with system files and permissions which ultimately lead to issues such as restricted access to certain files or corruption of essential components required for Windows Update.

It’s important to regularly scan for and remove malware to maintain system integrity and prevent such errors. Here is how you can scan malware:

• Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security.
• Click on “Virus & threat protection”.
• On the new window, click on “Scan options”.
• Now, choose “Quick scan” and select “Scan now”.

Update Your Windows

Sometimes outdated Windows may cause the 0x80070005 error on your computer. Therefore, make sure that you have the latest version of Windows in operation. Execute the steps below to check and update your Windows:

• Click on the “Start” menu, then select “Settings” (gear icon).
• Inside Settings, find and click on “Windows update”.
• Then, click on “Check for updates”.

• If updates are available, click “Install now” to begin the update process.
• Some updates may require a restart to complete the installation. Restart your computer when prompted and check whether the error is gone.

Check Your Hard Disk

The Windows update error may stem from file system problems which causes corruption in hard disk sectors. While the drive may not be inherently corrupted, errors in stored files can disrupt the overall functionality of your computer.

Windows offers a solution CHKDSK command line utility which is designed to identify and rectify such file system errors associated with Windows updates. Here is the process for investigating hard disks:

• Press “Windows+E” and when File Explorer opens, go to the left navigation pane and select “This PC”.
• Right-click the desired hard disk, and select “Properties”.
• Now, go to “Tools” and click on “Check” under “Error checking”.
• Then, click on “Scan drive” or “Start” to initiate and repair the issues.

SFC Scan and DISM Execute

When you are facing this update error 0x80070005, you can utilize the Windows System File Checker (SFC), an application designed to scan and rectify corrupt files that may hinder Windows update installations.

Execute the following commands to effectively operate this utility tool:

• Open “Start” and search for “cmd”.
• Right-click on the result and run “Command Prompt” as an administrator.
• Now, type SFC /scannow and press “Enter” to initiate the scan.
• After finishing, reboot the device. If the error is fixed then perfect otherwise run the below commands sequentially in the same way:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Reset Your Windows Update Components

Resetting Windows Update components involves stopping the services associated with Windows Update, clearing the update cache, and restarting the services.

This process can resolve issues related to corrupted or misconfigured update components including the Windows error. Apply the following steps to reset the components:

• Search for “Command Prompt”, right-click, and choose “Run as administrator”.
• Enter the following commands one by one and press “Enter” after each:

net stop wuauserv
rd /s /q %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution
net start wuauserv

• Now, restart your PC and check if you can install Windows Updates without the error.

See: SFC /Scannow, DISM.Exe, CHKDSK Windows 11 or 10

Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot in Windows is a diagnostic method to pinpoint problematic applications that may be responsible for causing this Windows update error 0x80070005.

By initiating a startup with minimal programs and drivers, this process assists in identifying specific programs causing the error to address and resolve any difficulties encountered on your PC. Apply the steps below to perform a clean boot:

• Open the search bar, type ‘msconfig’, and select the best match.
• Now, go to “Services”, check “Hide all Microsoft Services” and click “Disable All”.
• Then, go to “Start-up” and hit “Open Task Manager”.
• When you are in Task Manager, disable any of the programs that you may think are the culprit for the error.
• Click “OK”, close the box, and restart your PC for a clean boot.
• After the restart, now try to install the update or run the application you have faced issues with. If the issue persists, it’s not due to the disabled programs.
• Repeat the process for all startup programs to identify the culprit behind the Windows update error on your Windows PC.

That’s all!!