How to Completely Fix Windows 11 Update Failed 0x80070005

The 0x80070005 (Access Denied) error is one of the most common Windows 11 update failures experienced by users. This issue usually appears during the download or installation phase of an update, causing Windows to fail in applying system updates. It commonly occurs due to permission problems, corrupted system files, or antivirus conflicts.

This guide is designed based on user needs and search trends, providing a complete and effective set of solutions for resolving the 0x80070005 error.

What Is the 0x80070005 Error in Windows 11?

The 0x80070005 error indicates that the system does not have sufficient permissions or access to continue the Windows Update process. This is widely known as an Access Denied error.

Common symptoms include:

• Updates fail with the message: “There were problems installing updates”

• The update process stops at a certain percentage

• Windows Update cannot download files

• A pop-up error 0x80070005 appears during restart

Although the issue may seem minor, leaving it unresolved can prevent your system from receiving important security patches from Microsoft.

Main Causes of the 0x80070005 Error

Here are the most common triggers of Windows Update failure:

1. Permission issues (Access Denied)

Important folders such as SoftwareDistribution or Catroot2 cannot be accessed.

2. Corrupted Windows Update services

Services like WUAUSERV and BITS are not running correctly.

3. Corrupted system files

Tools like SFC and DISM are often required to fix them.

4. Third-party antivirus blocking the update

This includes Avast, AVG, McAfee, and similar tools.

5. SoftwareDistribution folder full or corrupted

This update cache can interrupt the update process.

6. Registry problems

Damaged registry permissions can trigger the error.

7. Corrupted user profile

Windows cannot authorize updates through that user account.

How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070005 in Windows 11

The following steps are arranged from the simplest to the most effective solutions.

✅ 1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Before trying technical fixes:

1. Open Settings

2. Select System

3. Choose Troubleshoot

4. Click Other troubleshooters

5. Run Windows Update

The troubleshooter will automatically repair necessary services and components.

✅ 2. Reset Windows Update Components (Most Effective Method)

This is one of the most successful fixes for error 0x80070005.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt (Administrator)

2. Enter these commands one by one:

Stop services:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc

Delete update cache:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Restart services:

net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc

Restart your computer and try updating again.

✅ 3. Repair System Files with SFC and DISM

If system files are corrupted, updates will fail.

Run SFC:

sfc /scannow

Run DISM:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These tools are very effective at resolving Access Denied issues caused by corrupted Windows files.

✅ 4. Reset Windows Update Folder Permissions

If permissions change, Windows cannot write update files.

Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:

icacls C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution /reset /t /c

This restores the folder to its default permission settings.

✅ 5. Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Many antivirus programs block Windows Update.

Try:

• Disabling real-time protection

• Temporarily uninstalling third-party antivirus

• Using built-in Windows Defender

Then attempt the update again.

✅ 6. Clear Temporary Files and Update Cache

Use Disk Cleanup:

1. Press Windows + R

2. Type:

cleanmgr

3. Select Windows Update Cleanup

4. Remove temporary and cached update files

This removes leftover files that may interrupt updates.

✅ 7. Create a New User Account

A corrupted user profile can prevent updates from installing.

1. Open Settings

2. Select Accounts

3. Add New User

4. Sign in using the new account

5. Try running Windows Update

If the update works, the issue lies in the previous user profile.

✅ 8. Install the Update Manually (Powerful Alternative)

If updates continue to fail, use one of these manual methods:

A. Microsoft Update Catalog

1. Visit catalog.update.microsoft.com

2. Search the update code (e.g., KBxxxxx)

3. Download the correct version for your system

4. Run the installer

B. Windows 11 Installation Assistant

Updates the system without reinstalling.

C. Media Creation Tool

Reinstalls Windows without deleting personal files.

Quick Cause & Solution Table

Cause	Solution
Permission error	Reset Windows Update Components
Corrupted system files	Run SFC + DISM
Antivirus interference	Disable/uninstall antivirus
Corrupted update cache	Delete SoftwareDistribution
User profile issues	Create a new user account
Registry problems	Reset components
Low storage	Clean up the drive

FAQ: Windows 11 Error 0x80070005

1. Is error 0x80070005 dangerous?

No, but it prevents your system from receiving critical security updates.

2. Can this error damage Windows?

Not directly, but missing updates can expose your system to vulnerabilities.

3. Is reinstalling Windows necessary?

Only if all other solutions fail.

Conclusion

The Windows 11 Update Failed 0x80070005 error usually occurs due to:

• Damaged permissions or system files

• Issues with Windows Update services

• Antivirus conflicts

• Corrupted update cache

The most effective solutions include:

• Resetting Windows Update Components

• Running SFC + DISM

• Fixing permissions

• Disabling antivirus

• Installing updates manually

By following these steps, you can restore normal update functionality and completely resolve error 0x80070005 in Windows 11.

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