Now you can fix update errors, safeguard your important files, and restore system functionality in just a few steps without having to seek help from a tech expert.
Allowing regular updates on your PC is crucial to maintain its functions. With every Windows update, your computer gets security components, system performance enhancements, software glitch resolution, and more to keep it protected and optimized for best usage. Majorly, updates are seamlessly processed in the background without any user intervention. However, once in a while, there might arise an issue which says “Error Code 0x80070005”.
If you have witnessed this error, it has most likely come up during a windows update. Relax! This is not uncommon and many face similar inconvenience arising from updates. This issue majorly shows up when your PC does not hold the right permissions or when a possible harm has been caused to personal or sensitive information files.
Fortunately, this error can be fixed—and without losing valuable data—if a proper methodical procedure is followed.
This writeup is a guide to a step-by-step process on how you can resolve error code 0x80070005 without having to connect with a technician.
So, What is Error Code 0x80070005?
Error Code 0x80070005 in Windows is synonymous to the term “Access Denied.” This issue takes place when the system does not have enough permissions to proceed with an update. This could be caused by:
- Improper permissions assignment
- Corrupted or missing update files
- Interference from malware or antivirus programs
- Limited disk space
- Conflicts with third-party software
At times but rarely, this might signify more serious problems with your Windows installation, or even your hardware components. Therefore, it’s vital to follow safe methods step-by-step towards resolving the issue to avoid losing valuable data.
Step 1: Backup Your Critical Data
Yes, backing up your files is not a choice, but is mandatory if you don’t want to lose or damage it. Before jumping onto bug fixes in your computer, make it a healthy habit to backup all crucial files in your disposition. Why? Many instances are proof to the fact that Windows update errors can cause you to lose your important files or may lead to severe data corruption, especially when the process asks you to reset or reinstall your system.
Things to Back Up:
- Words documents and other relevant text-based files
- Photos, all types of videos, as well as other personal media contents
- Particular application settings along with their associated data files
- All Files saved in the Desktop and Downloads folders
Best way to back up is you can either copy your files onto an external hard drive or opt for cloud services like OneDrive and Google Drive for faster and safer backups. If you happen to notice some lost files, do not fret— there are still techniques available to recover those files (refer to Step 2).
Step 2: Choose Stellar Data Recovery to Get Back Lost Files
In the hour of need, a reliable software like Stellar Data Recovery can come in handy to regain lost data if error code 0x80070005 resulted in loss or corruption of important business files. Furthermore, this solution also works efficiently just in case users forget backing up important data due to unforeseen circumstances.
Why go for Stellar Data Recovery?
Stellar is one of the most trusted tools that allows people to retrieve their essential business, personal or educational information that was either deleted intentionally or without their knowledge from any windows device such as Hard disks, SSD memory cards or USB drives. This tool is particularly useful during situations like these where missing data may be present due to system instability resulting from inevitable updates.
Key Features:
- Recovers documents, photos, videos, important emails and more
- Functions with both internal and external drives
- Able to restore data from formatted or corrupted storage
- Convenient and user-friendly interface
- Compatible with all major Windows versions
How to Use Stellar Data Recovery:
- Download and install Stellar Data Recovery
- Once you launch the software, choose the type of files you wish to recover
- Select the drive where data went missing
- Click “Scan” and let the processing end
- Preview the files and select the ones you wish to get back
- Once recovered, save the files in a separate folder and not on the same drive
Watch this video guide for a better understanding on how to recover files:
Once you have recovered all the files, check for corruption. In case your photos or videos won’t open or play in the right order, you might have to opt for file repair tools offered by Stellar as well.
Step 3: Check for Available Disk Space
Error code 0x80070005 can pop up simply because your PC is low on free space which is needed to download and install updates.
Depending on the patch, Windows requires up to 7 GB of room or even more. If that space is lacking, the update process might stall, freeze, or crash altogether.
What to Do:
- Go to File Explorer and look for free space on the C: drive.
- Run Disk Cleanup or let Storage Sense clear out junk files.
- Uninstall programs that are no more used, or delete large files sitting ideal
- Shift photos, videos, and documents from Desktop or Documents folders to another drive or external storage.
- Lastly, clear the Recycle Bin to reclaim the last bit of space.
Post clearing out spaces, restart the PC and try the update one more time.
Step 4: Try Windows Update Troubleshooter
Microsoft offers an inbuilt troubleshooting tool specifically designed to detect and automatically resolve update errors, including internal conflicts and problems with permission.
For Windows 10:
- Access Settings Menu
- Go to Update & Security
- Select “Troubleshoot” → “Additional troubleshooters.”
- Click on “Windows Update,” then select “Run the troubleshooter.”
For Windows 7 & 8:
- Launch Control Panel.
- In the main menu, click on ”System and Security,” then on ”Troubleshooting.”
- Choose “Fix problems with Windows Update.”
- Press “Advanced”, check “Apply repairs automatically” and OK followed by right-click and select “Run as Administrator.”
For Windows 11:
- Click Start → Go to Settings
- Rush to System → Go down and click Troubleshoot
- Select Other troubleshooters
- Search for Windows Update and click on the Run button
- Wait for the completion of the scan, it detects and apply fixes automatically
- Restart your computer once the process is complete
The troubleshooter scans for bugs in your system and implements available fixes. Post fixes, please restart your computer.
Step 5: Use System file checker (SFC)
System File Checker (SFC) is one such built-in utility within Windows responsible for identifying corrupted files or system files which most frequently lead to failure of constant updates.
How to Run SFC:
- Search “cmd” from left hand corner windows search bar
- Right click onto Command Prompt selecting “Run as administrator”
- Upon opening command prompt you are directed into a blank box where you have to type ;
sfc /scannow
- Now, press the Enter key and wait for around ten to fifteen minutes for the scan to complete.
If SFC manages addressing those problems alongside correcting them, just restart the system and reinstall updates.
Step 6: Checking Malware and Viruses
Malware can prevent updating, raise issues with permissions, and damage system files which results in error code 0x80070005.
Conduct a thorough system scan with:
- Windows Defender (built-in security application)
- Or use third-party solutions like Malwarebytes
Note: Before you opt for scanning, check if your antivirus definitions are updated. Once the scan is complete, reboot your PC and update again.
Step 7: Manually Install Updates
Considered every possible solution from previous steps but nothing seems to work out? In that case, downloading updates manually could be beneficial.
How to Manually Install a Windows Update:
- Reach Settings, click Update & Security, then click View update history
- Look for the update that failed and note down its KB number (e.g., KB5034457)
- Head over to Microsoft Update Catalog at https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com
- Paste the KB number in the search bar
- Download the appropriate version for your PC
- Locate the downloaded file and double-click it for installation.
- Post installation, restart your system
Some functions that allow detection of an update don’t seem to work too well and can cause other unresponsive behavior in windows, so manual installations provide much better reliability.
Step 8: Reset Windows Installation (If Really Necessary)
If after all this time, you’re still experiencing issues with Windows error code “0x80070005”, it’s probably suggesting that something requires a reset, which might make things better.
⚠️ Major Note:
While resetting Windows there’s a chance that you might lose your personal files, settings, and some apps as well. Prior to resetting, ensure you’ve backed up all your important files. You might as well prefer downloading the Stellar Data Recovery beforehand to prevent any loss.
Steps to Reset:
- Reach Settings, then click Update & Security, followed by clicking Recovery.
- Just below Reset this PC, click Get Started.
- You can choose either option below:
Keep my files (removes apps and settings but keeps your data) or Remove everything (full reset)
- Do as the on-screen instructions suggest and let Windows reinstall its programs.
If nothing works, in the end, a clean install using the Windows Installation Media might be your last resort.
Takeaway:
Stay Prepared Before You Opt for an Update
So far, Windows updates are smooth and don’t necessarily involve user-intervention but error code 0x80070005 is a known red flag that can interrupt with your workflow and compromise data if not handled with care and caution.
Here’s a quick revisit for your ease:
- Make sure to always back up your files before allowing updates
- In case you’ve already lost your valuable files, install Stellar Data Recovery to recover them safely
- Don’t miss out on the troubleshooting steps – from checking disk space to scanning for system file errors
- Try manual updates or reset Windows only when it’s needed
Following these steps ensures that you quickly fix the error at home, all by yourself and that your system also stays updated, secure, and free from any crucial data loss.
