Alex Ruben
How To Fix Windows 11 Error 0x80070005 (Access Denied) Effectively
Getting hit with the 0x80070005 error during Windows updates or trying to install apps can be super frustrating. It’s like permission issues suddenly decide to screw with your whole system. Usually, it’s because of restricted permissions, corrupted system files, or maybe antivirus software going rogue. Not fun, but there are ways to fix this without pulling your hair out. This guide will walk through some tried-and-true methods, with a few tips and tricks thrown in. Once you get through these, the error should be gone and you’ll be able to update or install stuff again.
How to Fix 0x80070005 Error in Windows 11
Method 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
This is the first stop since Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can auto-detect update issues. On some setups, it works wonders, and on others, it’s just a helpful starting point. It’s especially handy if your updates seem to freeze or fail spontaneously. Running this might fix permissions or broken registry keys involved in updates.
- Press the Windows key + I to open Windows Settings.
- Head over to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Find Windows Update and click Run.
This will kick off a scan. Follow the instructions on the screen, and if it spots some issues, let it fix them. Sometimes, that alone is enough to solve the problem, especially if the error pops up during system updates.
Method 2: Run System File Checker (SFC)
If the troubleshooter doesn’t do the trick, check for corrupted system files by running SFC. This is kind of like telling Windows to find broken stuff and fix it. It’s helpful when permissions break because of damaged files or registry entries.
- Hit the Windows key, type
CMD - Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
- Type
SFC /scannowand hit Enter
This will scan your system and repair corrupted files. It might take a few minutes, so be patient. After it completes, restart your PC and see if the error persists. I’ve seen this fix permissions issues that were messing with Windows Update, so worth a shot.
Method 3: Use Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM)
If SFC didn’t do the magic, DISM can be used to repair the Windows image itself. It sometimes fixes deeper system problems that mess with permissions or the ability to install updates.
- Open Command Prompt as administrator, just like before.
- Type this command and hit Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Yeah, it’s a long command, but it’s worth it. After it finishes, restart your PC. Sometimes, this step fixes stuff that the SFC missed, especially if the error keeps coming back after an update attempt.
Method 4: Disable Antivirus Temporarily
This one’s kind of annoying but sometimes necessary. Antivirus or anti-malware tools can block certain actions, thinking they’re threats. If your antivirus is overly cautious, it might be preventing updates from installing properly, causing that access denied error.
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security.
- Open Windows Security, then click on Virus & Threat Protection.
- Select Manage Settings under the protection area.
- Toggle off Real-time protection.
Try running the update again once your antivirus is off. If it works, good. Remember to re-enable your antivirus afterwards — because of course, Windows has to make it harder than it needs to be. Some third-party AVs can also cause problems, so check their settings or support docs if you’re using something else.
Method 5: Create a New User Account
Sometimes, user permissions get borked, and creating a fresh account can shake things up. This step is especially useful if the error only pops up under your current user profile.
- Open Windows Settings and go to Accounts.
- Click on Family & other users.
- Select Add someone else to this PC.
- Follow the prompts to set up a new account (preferably an administrator).
Log into that new account and check if the error still shows up. If not, then the permissions or profile settings in your old account were the culprit. Easy fix if that’s the case.
Extra Tips & Common Pitfalls
Before diving into them, make sure your Windows is up to date — sometimes, Microsoft releases patches that fix permission glitches. Also, it’s worth scanning your system for malware if weird stuff keeps happening because viruses can manipulate permissions without you realizing. Lastly, if you’re using third-party antivirus software, check their support pages; sometimes they block Windows processes or update mechanisms, causing these errors.
Wrap-up
Fixing error 0x80070005 can be a pain, but these methods have helped a lot of people. Usually, running the troubleshooter, cleaning up system files, or checking permissions does the trick. Sometimes, it’s just a matter of waiting out a glitch or rebooting after an update. Don’t be surprised if you see some steps require a bit of patience; Windows isn’t always cooperative.
Summary
- Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
- Check system files with SFC /scannow.
- Use DISM to repair the image.
- Disable antivirus temporarily.
- Create a new user account if permission issues persist.
Fingers crossed this helps
Getting rid of stubborn permission errors can feel like hitting your head against a wall, but these steps are pretty reliable in most cases. If nothing works, maybe it’s time to dig deeper or get professional help, but chances are, one of these fixes will do the job. Worked on several setups for me — hopefully, it does the same for you.