Fix Windows Errors 0x80070057 & 0x80070005

Windows errors 0x80070057 (“The parameter is incorrect”) and 0x80070005 (“Access is denied”) commonly appear during updates, backups, file operations, or when using System Restore. They usually stem from corrupted system files, incorrect permissions, or a full or damaged registry. This guide walks you through practical fixes, starting with the simplest and moving to more advanced steps, so you can resolve both errors without reinstalling Windows.

What You’ll Need

An administrator account on the affected PC
Stable internet connection (for Windows Update fixes)
Patience – some steps require a restart

Step-by-Step

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Open Settings (Win + I) → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters.
Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
Follow the prompts. This automatically fixes common update issues that trigger 0x80070057 and 0x80070005.

2. Check Disk and System File Integrity

Right-click the Start button and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish (may take 10-15 minutes).
Then run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair the system image.
Restart your PC and try the operation that failed.

3. Reset Windows Update Components

In the same admin command prompt, stop the relevant services by typing one at a time:
```
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
```

Rename the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Restart the services:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Close the prompt and try Windows Update again.

4. Fix File and Folder Permissions

Right-click the file/folder giving you “Access denied” → Properties → Security tab.
Click Advanced → next to Owner, click Change.
Enter your username, click Check Names, then OK.
Check Replace owner on subcontainers and objects and click OK.
Back in the Security tab, click Edit → Add → type Everyone → OK.
Give Full control to Everyone (temporarily) and click OK. Try the operation again, then revert permissions if needed.

5. Run System Restore or Startup Repair

If the error occurs during boot or system restore itself, boot into Advanced Startup (Shift + Restart from the login screen).
Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair.
If that fails, choose System Restore and pick a restore point before the error started.

6. Check for Corrupted Registry Keys

Open Registry Editor (regedit) as admin.
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System.
Look for a DWORD named EnableLUA. If it exists and is set to 0, change it to 1 and restart. (This re-enables User Account Control, which Windows Update requires.)
If the error persists, check HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate for any malformed values – but only delete values you are sure are corrupted.

7. Create a New User Account

Go to Settings → Accounts → Family & other users.
Click Add someone else to this PC → I don’t have this person’s sign-in information → Add a user without a Microsoft account.
Create a local admin account, sign into it, and see if the error occurs there. If not, your original profile may be corrupted.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the restart – Some fixes only take effect after a reboot. Always restart before testing.
Running commands without admin rights – SFC and DISM require an elevated prompt; otherwise they fail silently.
Deleting SoftwareDistribution folder instead of renaming – Renaming is safer; deleting can cause update issues if interrupted.
Changing permissions on system folders – Avoid giving “Everyone” full control on C:\Windows or C:\Program Files; it can break security.
Ignoring disk space – Both errors can appear when the system drive is full. Ensure at least 20GB free.

Tips

Create a restore point before making major changes, so you can roll back.
Use the Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade repair if all else fails – it keeps your files and apps.
If the error occurs with external drives, check the drive’s file system (right-click → Properties → Tools → Check).
Keep Windows updated regularly to avoid accumulating update corruption.
For 0x80070005 specifically, check if third-party antivirus is blocking system operations – temporarily disable it to test.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t resolve the error:

Step 2 (SFC/DISM) fails – Run DISM with /Source pointing to a Windows installation USB, or run chkdsk /f /r on the system drive.
Windows Update still fails – Manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog and install it.
Access denied persists on a specific file – Check if the file is encrypted (Properties → General → Advanced → Encrypt contents). Decrypt it.
Errors occur after a recent update – Uninstall the latest update from Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → View update history → Uninstall updates.
If you cannot boot at all – Use the Windows installation media to access “Repair your computer” and run Startup Repair or Command Prompt from there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly causes error 0x80070057?

It usually means Windows received an invalid parameter – often due to corrupted update files, incorrect registry values, or a full disk. It can also appear when using System Restore with insufficient space.

Is error 0x80070005 always a permission issue?

Mostly yes – it means “Access denied.” It can be caused by file permissions, antivirus interference, or a corrupted user profile. But it can also appear during Windows Update when system files are damaged.

Can I fix these errors without losing my files?

Yes. All the steps above preserve your personal files. The in-place upgrade repair (using the Media Creation Tool) also keeps files and installed apps.

How long does the SFC /scannow command take?

It typically takes 10–20 minutes on a modern PC. If it hangs, wait at least 30 minutes before interrupting – stopping it can cause more issues.

Will resetting Windows fix these errors?

Yes, a full reset (Settings → Update & Security → Recovery → Reset this PC) will fix them, but it removes installed apps. Choose “Keep my files” to preserve personal data, but back up anyway.

Do I need to reinstall Windows if nothing works?

Not necessarily – try the in-place upgrade repair first. If that fails, a clean install is the last resort. But most users resolve these errors with the steps above.

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

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