Fix Microsoft Store Error 0x80070005 in Windows 10

Microsoft Store error 0x80070005 in Windows 10 means your user account lacks permission to access the Store’s cache or installation files, and you can usually fix it by clearing the Store cache, repairing the Store app, or resetting its permissions. This error, which also appears as “Access is denied” in the Store, is almost always a permissions problem rather than a sign of a broken system. Below are the most reliable fixes, starting with the quickest and least invasive.

What Causes Error 0x80070005 in Microsoft Store?

Error 0x80070005 is the Windows error code for ACCESS_DENIED (E_ACCESSDENIED). When it appears in Microsoft Store, it typically means the Store cannot read or write to its own cache folder, temporary files, or the app installation directory. This can happen for several reasons:

• Corrupted Store cache – the cached files in C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe\LocalCache are damaged or have incorrect permissions.
• Third-party antivirus or security software – some security tools lock down app folders and block the Store from accessing them.
• Windows Update issues – a pending or failed update can leave the Store in an inconsistent state.
• User profile corruption – if your Windows user profile has broken permission entries, the Store may be denied access even though you are the administrator.
• Group Policy or registry restrictions – some systems, especially those managed by an organization, have policies that disable the Store entirely.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes common Store problems. It is the safest first step because it only makes changes that Microsoft has vetted.

1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
3. Select Windows Store Apps and click Run the troubleshooter.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. If it finds issues, let it apply the fixes, then restart your PC and try the Store again.

If the troubleshooter finds nothing, move on to the manual fixes below.

Fix 2: Clear the Microsoft Store Cache

The most common cause of 0x80070005 is a corrupted or locked cache. Clearing it forces the Store to rebuild its temporary files from scratch.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type wsreset.exe and press Enter.
3. A blank Command Prompt window will open. Wait for it to finish (it may take a minute). Once done, the Store will open automatically.
4. If the Store still shows the error, restart your PC and try again.

Note that wsreset.exe only clears the cache; it does not delete your installed apps or your Microsoft account. If the error persists, the cache folder itself may have incorrect permission entries. To fix that, you can manually reset the folder’s permissions using the steps in Fix 4.

Fix 3: Repair or Reset the Microsoft Store App

Windows 10 lets you repair or reset any UWP app without uninstalling it. This is more thorough than clearing the cache because it resets the app’s data and settings.

1. Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
2. Scroll down to Microsoft Store and click on it.
3. Click Advanced options.
4. First try Repair. If that doesn’t work, click Reset (this will delete the Store’s local data, but you won’t lose your installed apps or purchases).
5. Restart your PC and test the Store.

If the Store still fails, you can re-register it using PowerShell. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin), then run:

Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers Microsoft.WindowsStore | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

This reinstalls the Store app while keeping your account data.

Fix 4: Check and Repair Folder Permissions

If the error persists, the Store’s cache folder may have lost the correct permissions. You can manually reset them.

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Packages.
2. Right-click the folder Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe and select Properties.
3. Go to the Security tab and click Advanced.
4. At the bottom, click Restore defaults (this resets permissions to the system defaults).
5. Click OK and restart your PC.

If you don’t see the Packages folder, it may be hidden. In File Explorer, go to the View tab and check Hidden items.

Fix 5: Disable Antivirus Interference Temporarily

Some third-party antivirus programs (like Avast, AVG, or Bitdefender) have ransomware protection or folder lockdown features that block apps from writing to certain directories. To test if this is the cause:

1. Temporarily disable your antivirus’s real-time protection (usually from its system tray icon).
2. Try opening the Microsoft Store.
3. If it works, add an exception for the Store folder C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Local\Packages\Microsoft.WindowsStore_8wekyb3d8bbwe in your antivirus settings.
4. Re-enable your antivirus.

Windows Defender (the built-in antivirus) rarely causes this error, so you don’t need to disable it unless you’ve modified its settings.

Fix 6: Create a New User Account

If none of the above works, your current user profile may be corrupted. Creating a new local administrator account is a reliable way to test this.

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add someone else to this PC and follow the prompts to create a local account (no Microsoft account needed).
3. Make it an administrator by clicking the account, selecting Change account type, and choosing Administrator.
4. Log into the new account and try the Store. If it works, your old profile is the problem. You can migrate your files and then delete the old account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will resetting the Microsoft Store delete my installed apps?

No. Resetting the Store app only clears its local cache and settings. Your installed apps and purchases are tied to your Microsoft account and remain intact. However, you may need to sign in again after the reset.

Is error 0x80070005 the same as “Access is denied”?

Yes. 0x80070005 is the hexadecimal representation of the Windows error code for “Access is denied.” The Store may display either the numeric code or the text message, but they refer to the same problem.

Why does the error appear only when I try to download a specific app?

If the error occurs only with one app, the app’s installation files may be corrupted or the app may have a compatibility issue. Try uninstalling the app (if it’s installed) and then downloading it again. If it’s not installed, try downloading it from the Microsoft Store website instead.

Can I fix this error by reinstalling Windows?

Reinstalling Windows will definitely fix the error, but it’s a last resort. Try all the fixes above first, especially the PowerShell re-registration and creating a new user account. If you do reinstall, choose the “Keep my files” option to preserve your personal data.

Does this error affect Windows 11 as well?

Yes, error 0x80070005 can appear in Windows 11 too. The fixes are largely the same, though the Settings layout is slightly different. In Windows 11, you can find the Store app under Settings > Apps > Installed apps > Microsoft Store > Advanced options.

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