Windows Error 0x80070005 — “Access Denied”
A process lacks the permissions or ownership needed to write files or registry keys — common during Windows Update, Microsoft Store installs, and activation.
Last reviewed 2026-08-29 by the Tech Issue Guide team.
Symptoms
- Windows Update fails and rolls back with code 0x80070005.
- Microsoft Store downloads stop with “Something went wrong” and this code.
- Windows activation or System Restore reports “access is denied.”
What causes 0x80070005
- The SYSTEM or your user account does not have Full Control over the folders or registry keys the operation needs.
- A corrupt Windows Update cache (SoftwareDistribution / catroot2) blocks new packages.
- Third-party antivirus is locking files during the operation.
- The drive is low on space or the user profile is damaged.
How to fix it — 3 steps
- Run the Windows Update troubleshooter: Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update. Reboot and retry.
- Reset the update components — stop the wuauserv and BITS services, rename SoftwareDistribution and catroot2, then start the services again (command below).
- If it is an activation or Store error, temporarily disable third-party antivirus, make sure the system drive has at least a few GB free, then retry.
Terminal / CLI command
net stop wuauserv && net stop bits && ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old && ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old && net start wuauserv && net start bitsRun in an elevated Command Prompt (Run as administrator).
Prevent it from coming back
Keep at least 10–15% free space on the system drive, avoid manually editing permissions on Windows folders, and pause third-party antivirus before large updates.
Frequently asked questions
Is 0x80070005 a virus?
No. It is a generic Windows “access denied” status code. Malware can cause it indirectly by damaging permissions, so a scan is worthwhile, but the code itself is not an infection.
Will I lose files fixing this?
No. Renaming the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders only clears the update download cache; Windows rebuilds them automatically.
The troubleshooter says it fixed it but the error returns — what now?
Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth followed by sfc /scannow, then retry. If it still fails, create a new local administrator account and update from there to rule out a damaged profile.