How to Fix 0x80070057 During Windows Update

This guide explains how to resolve Windows Update error 0x80070057, which typically appears when the system cannot process an update due to corrupted files, incorrect date/time settings, or a full SoftwareDistribution folder. You’ll find clear, step-by-step fixes that work on Windows 10 and 11, starting with the simplest checks and moving to more advanced repairs.

What You’ll Need

Administrator access to your Windows PC (you’ll need to approve User Account Control prompts).
A stable internet connection.
About 15–30 minutes of time, depending on which fix works.
Optional: a USB drive or cloud storage to back up important files before running system-level repairs.

Step-by-Step

Check your date, time, and time zone. Right-click the clock in the taskbar and select “Adjust date and time.” Ensure “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically” are toggled on. If they’re already on, toggle them off, set the correct date/time manually, then toggle them back on. Restart your PC and try Windows Update again.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters (Windows 10). Select “Windows Update” and click “Run.” Follow the prompts; this tool often fixes common update issues automatically.
Clear the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as administrator. Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Then rename the folders:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Restart the services with:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Close Command Prompt and try updating again.
Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM. Open Command Prompt as administrator (as above). First run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish (it may take 10–20 minutes). Then run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. After both complete, restart your PC and attempt the update again.
Free up disk space. Error 0x80070057 can also appear when the system drive is full. Open Settings > System > Storage (Windows 11) or Settings > System > Storage (Windows 10) to see how much space is available. Delete temporary files, empty the Recycle Bin, or move large files to an external drive. Aim for at least 10–20 GB of free space for Windows updates.
Reset Windows Update components manually. If the above steps don’t help, download the official “Windows Update Troubleshooter” from Microsoft’s website (search for “Windows Update Troubleshooter download”). Run it and follow the on-screen instructions. This tool can reset update components more thoroughly than the built-in troubleshooter.
Perform a repair upgrade. As a last resort before a full reset, download the Windows Installation Assistant or the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website. Run it and choose “Upgrade this PC now.” This reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps. It often fixes deep corruption that causes update errors.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the date/time check. Many users jump straight to complex fixes when a simple time zone mismatch is the cause. Always verify this first.
Running commands without administrator rights. If you don’t open Command Prompt as administrator, the commands will fail with “Access denied.” Make sure you see “Administrator” in the title bar.
Not restarting after each step. Some changes only take effect after a reboot. If you skip the restart, the error may persist even though the fix worked.
Deleting folders instead of renaming them. The SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders are system folders. Renaming them (as shown) is safe and reversible; deleting them can cause issues.

Tips

Create a system restore point before making major changes. Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu, select your drive, and click “Create.” This lets you revert if something goes wrong.
Keep your PC plugged in during updates, especially if you’re using a laptop. A sudden power loss during a system repair can cause additional problems.
If you have third-party antivirus software, temporarily disable it (or its real-time protection) while running Windows Update. Some security programs interfere with the update process.
Use the “Check online for updates” option in Windows Update settings to force a fresh check after each fix.

Troubleshooting

If the error persists after trying all the steps above, consider the following:

Check for disk errors. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run chkdsk C: /f. You’ll be prompted to schedule a scan for the next restart. Restart your PC and let the scan complete. This can fix file system corruption that blocks updates.
Review the Windows Update log. Press Win + R, type eventvwr, and press Enter. Navigate to Windows Logs > System and look for errors related to Windows Update. The details may point to a specific component that’s failing.
Try a clean boot. Type msconfig in the Start menu, go to the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and click “Disable all.” Then go to the Startup tab and click “Open Task Manager.” Disable all startup items. Restart and try updating. If the update works, re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.
If nothing works, consider a full reset. Go to Settings > System > Recovery (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Recovery (Windows 10). Choose “Reset this PC” and select “Keep my files.” This reinstalls Windows while preserving your personal files, but it will remove installed apps. Back up anything important first.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly does error 0x80070057 mean?

It’s a generic Windows Update error that indicates an invalid argument or parameter during the update process. It often stems from corrupted update files, incorrect system settings, or insufficient disk space.

Will these steps work on Windows 11?

Yes, all the steps in this guide apply to both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The menu names may differ slightly, but the underlying commands and procedures are the same.

Is it safe to rename the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Yes, renaming it is safe. Windows will automatically create a new folder when the update service restarts. The old folder can be deleted later once you confirm updates work.

How long does the DISM command take?

It typically takes 10–20 minutes, but it can take longer on older hardware or if the system image is heavily corrupted. Let it run to completion without interrupting it.

Can I fix this error without an internet connection?

Some steps, like checking date/time and clearing folders, don’t require internet. However, running DISM with /RestoreHealth and the repair upgrade need an internet connection to download necessary files.

Will a repair upgrade delete my files?

No, a repair upgrade (using the Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool with “Upgrade this PC”) keeps your files, settings, and installed apps. It only replaces Windows system files.

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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