Fix Windows Update error 0x80070005 (Access Denied)

Problem overview

Error code 0x80070005 means Access Denied. Windows Update lacks the necessary file or registry permissions to install updates.

Common causes

• Overzealous third-party antivirus software blocking system file modifications
• Corrupted update cache in the SoftwareDistribution folder
• Incorrect permissions on system folders
• Damaged Windows system files

Solution 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to Update & Security, then click Troubleshoot.
3. Select Additional troubleshooters.
4. Click Windows Update and choose Run the troubleshooter.
5. Follow the prompts and reboot your computer.

Solution 2: Reset Windows Update components

1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Stop the update services by typing the following commands and pressing Enter after each:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

3. Rename the update folders to force Windows to create new ones:

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

4. Restart the services:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Solution 3: Fix system files and permissions

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the System File Checker to repair damaged files:

sfc /scannow

3. Take ownership of the System Volume Information folder if permissions are severely broken:

takeown /f "C:\System Volume Information" /a /r /d y
icacls "C:\System Volume Information" /grant:r Administrators:F /t