What is Windows Update Error Code 0x80070005? How to Fix It?
by Abinaya
Updated Apr 15, 2023
What is Windows Update?
Windows Update is a Microsoft service that automates the downloading and setup of Microsoft Windows software updates via the Internet for the Windows 9x and Windows NT operating system families. The service provides Windows software updates as well as Microsoft antivirus programs such as Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials. Microsoft has added two more features to the service since its inception: Microsoft Update and Windows Update for Business. The former expands the basic service to incorporate other Microsoft products such as Microsoft Office and Expression Studio. The latter is available in Windows 10 business editions and allows you to delay or receive updates only after they have been thoroughly tested. On the majority of machines, Windows Update runs automatically, but users can also manually check for and apply updates as needed. The service is vital for maintaining a Windows computer's health and security, and it is critical to keep the system up to date to avoid security breaches and other problems.
What is Windows Update Error Code 0x80070005?
To fix the 0x80070005 error, there are several steps that can be taken. One of the simplest solutions is to ensure that the user account attempting to install the update has administrative privileges. This can be done by checking the account settings in the Control Panel or by creating a new user account with administrative privileges. Another solution is to repair any corrupted system files. Windows includes a built-in System File Checker tool that can scan for and repair corrupted files. To run the tool, open a command prompt as an administrator and type "sfc /scannow" and hit enter. This will scan the system files and attempt to repair any issues it finds. If the error persists, disabling any third-party applications that may be interfering with the update process may help. This can be done by temporarily disabling any antivirus or firewall software and then attempting to install the update again. Once the update is installed, the software can be re-enabled.
How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070005?
You can attempt the following solutions to fix this error:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Perform a clean boot: A clean boot can assist in determining whether third-party software is causing the problem. Follow these steps to conduct a clean boot:
How to Prevent the Windows Update Error Code 0x80070005
What is Windows Update error code 0x80070005 - FAQs
The Windows Update error number 0x80070005 arises when the operating system is unable to access specific files or system resources required for the installation of Windows updates.
A number of things can cause the Windows Update error code 0x80070005, including corrupted system files, antivirus software, third-party software conflicts, and erroneous user account permissions.
You can try running the Microsoft Windows Update troubleshooter, evaluating your account privileges, temporarily disabling antivirus software, resetting the Windows Update components, or doing a clean boot to try to resolve the error.
You can avoid the issue by using the most recent version of your operating system, keeping the system clean, inspecting your account privileges, disabling third-party applications, performing regular maintenance such as disc defragmentation and disc cleanup, and employing a good antivirus program.
Windows Update is a Microsoft service that automates the downloading and setup of Microsoft Windows software updates via the Internet for the Windows 9x and Windows NT operating system families.