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Error code
0x80070005

Windows Update · E_ACCESSDENIED

Windows Update error 0x80070005

During Windows Update, 0x80070005 means access is denied to a resource the update process needs. The restriction may involve system files, folders or permissions, rather than just the account you are signed in with.

Try this first

2 quick checks · ~7 min

  1. Confirm the Windows Update contextThe same code can appear in other products. Their troubleshooting may be different.
  2. Restart and try the update againA normal restart is an initial check, not a permission repair.

Step-by-step solutions

01

Confirm the Windows Update context

  • Estimated time: 2 min
  • Easy

The same code can appear in other products. Their troubleshooting may be different.

  1. Check that the code appears while installing an update. In Windows 10, open Update & Security first.

    1. Settings
    2. Windows Update
Sources:
02

Restart and try the update again

  • Estimated time: 5 min
  • Easy
  • Restart required

A normal restart is an initial check, not a permission repair.

  1. Save your work, restart Windows and check for updates again. If the code returns, continue with the next checks.

Sources:
03

Check administrator access

  • Estimated time: 3 min
  • Easy

Some updates need administrative access.

  1. Ask the person who manages the PC to install the update if authorization is required. Contact IT support for a managed device.

Sources:
Advanced

Advanced checks

Continue if the earlier steps did not help. Read each procedure’s precautions first.

04

Review permissions and update components with Microsoft guidance

  • Estimated time: 30 min
  • Advanced
  • High risk
  • Administrator required
  • Restart required
  • Data loss: Possible

An advanced administrator procedure covers resource permissions, ownership and resetting Windows Update components.

  1. Use the Microsoft Learn source linked with this solution and follow the procedure appropriate for your system. Avoid trial-and-error changes to system-folder or registry permissions.

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05

Repair components and check system files

  • Estimated time: 30 min
  • Advanced
  • Moderate risk
  • Administrator required
  • Restart required

DISM repairs the component store; SFC checks protected system files. Neither is a guaranteed fix for every cause of this code.

  1. For the advanced Microsoft investigation, open Command Prompt as administrator.

  2. Command Prompt
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

    Repairs the component store. DISM uses Windows Update as the repair source by default; consult Microsoft guidance on an alternative source if needed.

  3. Command Prompt
    sfc /scannow

    Checks system-file integrity. Let each tool finish, review its result, then restart and retry the update.

Sources:
06

Investigate security interference with support

  • Estimated time: 15 min
  • Advanced
  • Moderate risk

Third-party security tools can block resources needed for an update.

  1. Review security-product alerts with the device administrator. Follow product-specific and Microsoft instructions; do not leave protection permanently disabled.

Sources:
Next step

Still not working?

Keep the error code, the failed update and repair results for Microsoft or your IT administrator. If the code appeared outside Windows Update, look for guidance for that product instead.

Sources

Documentation behind this guide. Editorial recommendations are identified separately.

Source review: . A documentation review, not a physical hardware test.