Fix Error 0x80070005 on Windows 10 Store

Error 0x80070005 on the Windows 10 Store means access is denied — the Store or its background services lack the necessary file or registry permissions to install or update an app. You can usually fix it by resetting the Store cache, adjusting folder permissions, or repairing the Store app itself; the steps below cover the most reliable solutions.

What Causes Error 0x80070005?

This error is a permission problem, not a network or server issue. It typically appears when you try to download, update, or launch a Store app, and Windows reports that the process could not access a specific file, folder, or registry key. Common triggers include:

• Corrupted Store cache files in %LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore\LocalCache
• Incorrect permissions on the WindowsApps folder (usually C:\Program Files\WindowsApps)
• A third-party antivirus or security tool blocking Store operations
• Outdated or corrupted Windows Store app itself
• Registry keys owned by the wrong user or group, often after a Windows update or account change

Before You Start: Basic Checks

Try these quick checks first — they resolve a surprising number of cases without deeper fixes:

• Restart your PC. A simple reboot clears temporary locks and refreshes services.
• Sign in with an administrator account. If you’re on a standard user account, you may not have permission to install apps.
• Check your date and time. Incorrect system time can break SSL connections and cause access errors.
• Run Windows Update to ensure your system is current. Some Store fixes are delivered via cumulative updates.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter specifically for Store apps. It automatically detects and fixes common permission and cache issues.

1. Open Settings (Win + I) → Update & Security → Troubleshoot.
2. Click Additional troubleshooters.
3. Select Windows Store Apps and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. It may ask you to sign in or restart.

If this finds nothing, move on to the next fix.

Fix 2: Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

The Store keeps a local cache of icons, metadata, and download states. A corrupted cache is a leading cause of 0x80070005. Resetting it is safe and does not delete your installed apps or purchases.

1. Press Win + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter.
2. A blank Command Prompt window opens; wait for it to finish and the Store to launch automatically.
3. If the Store doesn’t open, run it manually from Start.

If the error persists, also try clearing the cache folder manually (requires admin):

• Open File Explorer and navigate to %LocalAppData%\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore\LocalCache.
• Delete everything inside that folder (if you can). If you get an access denied error, skip to Fix 4 to take ownership first.

Fix 3: Repair or Re-register the Store App

If the cache reset doesn’t help, the Store app itself may be corrupted. You can re-register it using PowerShell — this reinstalls the app while keeping your data.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin).
2. Copy and paste this command, then press Enter:
   Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
3. Wait for it to complete (it may take a minute).
4. Restart your PC and try the Store again.

If you get an error saying the package is not found, you may need to run the command without -AllUsers.

Fix 4: Take Ownership of the WindowsApps Folder

Sometimes the Store cannot write to the WindowsApps folder because the current user lacks permission. This folder is protected by Windows, but you can take ownership and grant yourself full control — a common fix for this error.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Program Files.
2. Right-click WindowsApps → Properties → Security tab.
3. Click Advanced → next to Owner, click Change.
4. Type your username (or Administrators) and click Check Names → OK.
5. Check the box Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and click OK.
6. Back in the Security tab, click Edit → select Administrators → check Full control → Apply.

Be cautious: taking ownership of this folder can affect other apps. It’s generally safe if you only add permissions for your user, but avoid changing the owner of the entire Program Files directory.

Fix 5: Check for Third-Party Antivirus Interference

Some antivirus programs (especially ones with “real-time protection” or “ransomware protection”) block Store apps from writing to protected folders. To test this:

• Temporarily disable the antivirus (or its folder protection feature) and try the Store again.
• If the error goes away, add an exception for C:\Program Files\WindowsApps and for the Store app.
• Always re-enable protection after testing.

Fix 6: Use PowerShell to Reinstall the Store (Advanced)

If none of the above works, you can remove and reinstall the Store app entirely. This is more aggressive but often resolves deep corruption.

1. Open PowerShell as administrator.
2. Run: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Remove-AppxPackage
3. Then reinstall with: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Add-AppxPackage
4. If the second command fails, download the Store app from the Microsoft Store website (it will prompt you to install).

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Store delete my apps or purchases?

No. wsreset.exe only clears the cache and temporary files. Your installed apps, purchases, and settings remain intact. Re-registering via PowerShell also preserves your data.

Why do I get this error only for certain apps?

Some apps require additional permissions (like camera or location) or are installed in a different user profile. The error may appear if the app’s install folder is corrupted or if your user profile has restricted permissions. Try reinstalling that specific app first.

Is it safe to take ownership of the WindowsApps folder?

Yes, if you only add your user account to the permission list and keep the existing entries. Taking full control of the folder does not break Windows, but you should avoid deleting or renaming anything inside it.

Can I fix this without an administrator account?

Most fixes require admin rights. If you’re on a standard account, you’ll need to ask an administrator to run the troubleshooting steps. Alternatively, you can try the wsreset.exe command, which sometimes works without admin.

What if the error occurs during a Windows Update, not a Store install?

If you see 0x80070005 during Windows Update, it’s a different issue related to update permissions. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter, and if that fails, check the SoftwareDistribution folder permissions or use the DISM and SFC tools.

Does this error indicate a virus or malware?

Not usually. It’s a permission or corruption issue. However, if you notice other unusual behavior, running a full antivirus scan is a good precaution.

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