The error essentially tells you that you don’t have the necessary permissions to perform a certain action. Unfortunately, you don’t get much information on what’s exactly wrong so you have to troubleshoot to find the issue yourself.
Why Does Error Code 0x80070005 Pop Up?
If you’re logged in with a standard account with limited or no admin privileges, Windows can restrict updates with Error Code 0x800070005 as only the administrator is allowed to make changes to the computer. This is often the most common reason behind this error. If you’ve recently downloaded or installed a file and encountered the error afterwards, it could be infected with malware, causing Error Code 0x80070005 to pop out of nowhere.
How to Fix Error Code 0x80070005
Whatever caused the error, there are various ways to patch it up. Carefully follow along each step until you find a solution that works for you. But, before that, please back up your data immediately in a secure storage just to be safe. Also,make sure you’ve gone through the basic troubleshooting steps of restarting your computer and disabling third-party internet security in order to circumvent the error.
Switch to an Administrator Account
You can simply log out of the standard user account and log in into the Admin account to install the Windows update.
Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete key simultaneously Select the “Sign out” option.
On the login screen, select the admin account and log in. Try updating Windows from there and see if the issue persists. To give yourself admin access, you must be logged into an admin account first. Then:
Press the Windows keyType “Control Panel” and open itClick on “User Accounts”Click on User Accounts once againSelect your account and click “Change your account type”Select AdministratorFollow on-screen instructions to complete the change
You may need to input the admin’s password when changing your account type. Afterwards, restart your computer. Install the Windows update and Error Code 0x80070005 should now be fixed.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The Windows Update Troubleshooter is another built-in utility that runs through an extensive database of known issues to detect the problem and provide an adequate solution.
Press the Windows keyType “troubleshoot” and select “Troubleshoot settings”. It should be the first option.Select “Windows Update”Click on “Run the troubleshooter”Follow on-screen instructions to complete the process
You’ll need to grant administrator access for the repairs. After the repairs have been applied restart your computer and have a go at the update once again.
Check Windows Firewall Settings
Sometimes, strict Windows Firewall settings can interfere with Windows Update resulting in the Access Denied error. To ease them up:
Press the Windows keySearch “firewall” and open “Windows Defender Firewall”Select “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall” on the left panelClick “Change setting”Click “Allow another app”Click “Browse”Search for the “svchost.exe” executable and click “Open” Select “Add”Click OK to save the changes
Now, a new program called Host Process for Windows Services should appear on the exclusion list. This should alleviate Error Code 0x8007005.
Scan for Malware
Viruses can cause lots of issues behind the scenes, including interfering with Windows updates. Even without any apparent symptoms, you should always scan for malware just to stay on the safe side. You can use any antivirus program you like or just stick with Windows Defender, for which:
Press the Windows keyType and search “virus” Click on the first option to open Windows DefenderUnder Current threats, click “Quick scan”Remove any quarantined files instantly and do not go for repairs, especially if the file is not particularly important
If you just recently installed a program and started encountering Error Code 0x80070005 afterwards, immediately delete that app and scan its root folder to spoof out any left-behind infected files. To scan the root folder, just right-click on it and select “Scan with Windows Defender”. Follow on-screen instructions from there. Try to install the Windows update now to see if the error is fixed.
Change Permissions With SubInACL
SubInACL is a command-line tool from Microsoft that is used to maneuver security permissions in Windows. It can help you change permissions for various system files which can fix Error Code 0x80070005. Download SubInAcl from Microsoft’s website and complete the installation following on-screen instructions. Then:
Open NotepadCopy and paste the following into the notepad file:
Click on “File”Click on “Save as”Type “reset.cmd” in the file nameSelect “Allfiles” in “Save as type” and save the file in an easily location place
Run the SFC Scan
System File Checker (SFC) Scan is a Windows utility that checks all system files on your computer to find, and then repair, any corrupt or damaged ones. The scan runs on its own to identify issues and fixes them automatically; you just have to initiate it.
Press Windows keyType “cmd”Right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as Administrator”Type “sfc /scannow”Press Enter
The scan takes a while to complete so let it do its thing and restart the computer after it’s done. Check to see if the issue still persists.
Microsoft Office and Other Apps
If you’re encountering Error Code 0x8007005 outside of Windows Update in other apps, such as Microsoft Office, you need to similarly change permissions to fix the error. In Office, this error pops up when there’s an issue with the activation process. To fix this:
Press the Windows keyType “regedit” and press Enter, then click Yes, to open the Registry Editor Click on “HKEY_USERS” to expand itRight-click on “S-1-5-20” and select “Permissions”Click “Add”Type the name of the user that is currently logged inClick “Check Names” and then select “OK”Now, click “Advanced”Select the user you just added and click “Edit”Check the “Full control” checkbox under “Basic permissions” and click “OK”Select “NETWORK SERVICE” and click “Edit”Check the “Full control” checkbox under “Basic permissions” and click “OK”Lastly, check “Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries form this object” checkbox in the bottom of the window and click “OK”Restart your computer
Try activating Office now. Make sure you have ample storage space, your device’s data and time settings are accurate, and you are running Office as an administrator. As for any other app, you should have full control over the Packages folder in order to avoid Error Code 0x80070005.
Press Windows + R to open RunType C:\Users\YourName\AppData\Local – replace “YourName” with your actual usernameFind the “Packages” folder, Right-click on it and select “Properties”Go the Security tab and select “Advanced”Click “Add”Click “Select a principal”Click “Object Types…”Uncheck everything except “Users” and click “OK”
I Have Tried Everything but Error Code 0x80070005 Still Keeps Popping Up, What Should I Do?
If you don’t want to reset your PC, try resetting the Windows Update components. Microsoft also recommends performing a repair upgrade via an ISO file in this case. You can also try rebooting into Safe Mode to install the update, or the absolute last solution would be to back up your data and just perform a clean boot.
How Do I Reset My PC Without Losing My Data?
First, to reset your PC search “reset” in Start after pressing the Windows key. Select the “Reset this PC” option. Click “Get Started” and follow the on-screen instructions from there. You will be asked what type of reset you want to do before, select “Keep my files”. However, keep in mind some data might still get lost in the process.
How to Fix Error Code 0x80070005 in Microsoft Store?
Reset the Microsoft Store settings. Go to Microsoft Store > Applications and Features > Advanced Settings > Reset. Ensure that your time zone and date is accurate and there is ample storage space available. You can try running the Windows Troubleshooter in case nothing else works.
