6 Methods to Fix Error Code 0x80070005 - As Shown in a Complete Guide

Amy Dennis

Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Recover Emails • Proven solutions

The error 0x80070005 is not an uncommon error encountered while using Windows and it is often called Access Denied error since the error is related to Windows updates.

Interestingly, Windows updates remain an integral part of your PC's operating system because these updates provide your PC with fortification utilizing systems drivers updates and security patches required by your PC.

When this error notification is received, it should not be ignored as it may have a fatal consequence on your PC such as making your applications inaccessible or worse crashing your PCs Operating System thereby making the user lose his data.

The 0x80070005 error code also called the Access Denied error is often encountered when a PC user does not have permissions for files that are required after installing an update.

A user loses permission for such files if the file or its permissions registry which are required by the system has been changed or modified by malware or virus.

The 0x80070005 may also be encountered as a result of a user trying to activate windows or connecting windows to a new network.

When an error notification with the 0x80070005 error is received, it may also be an indicator for a different issue relating to a PC's hard drive which may have been corrupted or damaged also affecting the system or update files that have been saved on it.

Even then, the basic cause of the 0x80070005 error is usually the same, hence it is usually easy to fix.

This article is aimed at providing simple methods to fix the error code 0x80070005 and also recover data lost to the windows error 0x80070005.

Firstly, let us now consider the major causes of the 0x80070005 error.

Common causes of the 0x80070005 error code

The Access Denied error notification comes up when a Windows user tries to install some system updates but does not have the required permissions to operate due to the personal computer security policies and settings.

Other possible causes of the 0x80070005 error are often related to User Account Control, changes in configuration in local security policy, and antivirus programs.

The following are some of the methods that can be used to fix the Access Denied error.

6 Methods to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x80070005

Method 1. Troubleshoot using Windows Updates

While using Windows, the user has access to the provision of a dedicated wizard that troubleshoots in an attempt to fix all update related issues on Windows.

To fix the Windows error 0x80070005 using the Windows Update Troubleshooter, follow the steps as outlined below:

If your PC runs on Windows 7 or 8 operating system, you have to;

1. Navigate to Control Panel and then click open
2. Next, in your Control Panel navigate to the System and Security option and click troubleshooting. Click fix problems with Windows Update next
3. Another page appears. Click Advanced option
4. Choose the Apply Repair Automatically option and click Run as Administrator next
5. Allow the process to complete.
6. Then try to reinstall updates again

If your PC runs on Windows 10, follow these step;

1. Simultaneously press Windows and X then click Settings.
2. Navigate to Update and Security and choose Troubleshoot
3. Next, click Windows Update and Run Troubleshooter option
4. Grant admin permission and allow troubleshoot wizard to apply fixes

Method 2. Change User account to Administrator Account

The main user of a PC is the administrator and he is allowed to make changes that influence other users on the PC. Such changes include security settings configuration, hardware, and software management, etc. Most Administrator accounts are password protected and as such, only the admin has access to the account.

To switch user accounts, follow the following steps;

1. Navigate to the Start icon and select the Control panel after which the User Account option appears. Click it
2. All user accounts on the PC appear on the User Accounts Window, you will be required to select the one representing your account. Next, click Change the account type and input password if necessary.
3. Return to Home and log out Windows. Login afresh and your rights as an administrator will have been restored. Proceed to install the Windows update again.

Method 3. Run SFC Command

SFC command is an acronym for System File Checker which is an inbuilt Windows utility that allows you to scan, detect and fix damaged or corrupted system files that are hindering the system update installation thereby causing the Windows error 0x80070005.

To run the SFC command scan on your PC, follow the following steps;

1. Navigate to the command prompt on your Windows PC
2. Input sfc / scannow and press the Enter key respectively
3. After the scan has started, wait until the process is completed.
4. Attempt to install updates again

Method 4. Scan for Malware and Viruses

If you have antivirus software installed on your PC, be sure that your antivirus is always updated to sniff out malware or viruses that may be present on your PC.

If you do not have an antivirus currently installed on your PC, use the inbuilt Windows Defender app to run a malware scan. A premium subscription or an updated version of the Windows Defender app will do your PC a lot of good.

After the update, proceed to scan and restart your PC then install the Windows Updates.

Method 5. Fix Network Errors

The Windows error 0x80070005 code shares network resources, hence, there is a need to change the sharing permissions of the folder. To do this,

1. Firstly locate the shared folder on your PC then right-click to view its properties.
2. Next, click the Security tab and choose the Add and Advance options respectively then click Find now next and select Everyone.
3. After the process has completed click Ok and Apply to get the settings running. Next, close the window and the folder will be shared with all who can connect to your network.

Method 6. Update Windows Manually

After using the above methods to fix the Windows error 0x80070005 and your efforts remain abortive, you will have to manually update your Windows.

Using your Windows Update Catalog, proceed to download the significant updates and install them manually. Follow the steps below to that;

1. First, navigate to settings and click update and security. Next choose windows update.
2. Click View Update History and memorize the current Windows Update version code
3. Navigate to the Windows updates Catalogue and in the search bar input the version code you earlier memorized and click Enter.
4. Next, click the Download option. An update download link will appear. Click the link and install the downloaded update on your PC.
5. Next restart your PC. The error message should not appear. If you receive the Windows error 0x80070005 message after updating your Windows manually, you need to reset your PC.

Recovering Lost Data Caused By the Windows Error 0x80070005 Using Recoverit

The Windows error 0x80070005 often results in data loss that can only be recovered using a secure and reliable data recovery software which is capable of restoring lost data using simple steps.

The use of Recoverit Data Recovery is strongly recommended as this software gets the job done. To recover your lost files, follow the following steps as outlined below;

Step 1. Select a location

Install and launch Recoverit Data Recovery software on your PC. Then choose the drive that loses data and select the file recovery option.

Step 2. Scan the selected location

Choose recovery options and select the Start option to search or scan for lost data from the selected location or disc area.

Step 3. Preview and save

Using RecoverIt software, during scanning you may choose desired files and save them in a specific location and preview such files during scanning in progress using Recoverit to confirm if lost files and folders can be recovered appropriately.

Please remember that when you reset your PC, the files on the C: volume data storage are deleted as though it is a fresh Windows installation and can help fix the Windows error 0x80070005 code. As such, it is important that you firstly, backup your files and follow the following steps below;

1. Simultaneously press the Windows and X key then proceed to press the Settings. Next press Update and Security.
2. Below the Reset this PC option, press the Get Started option and proceed to follow the Windows PC Reset instructions as shown on your screen.
3. Should you still face the same problem while trying to install Windows Update, Reinstall Windows while using the Windows Installation Disc

Conclusion

While it is of utmost importance to update your Windows, always remember to be sure to back up your files as a fail-safe.

Interestingly, Windows update installations are usually error-free however, should the update not install successfully due to any reason, such as a faulty update or the Access Denied Windows error 0x80070005, know that you do not have required permission to act.

As clearly outlined in this article, follow all the steps carefully to restore your files and install the Windows update.