0x80070057
Windows
Medium severity
Error 0x80070057 — “The Parameter Is Incorrect”
A generic invalid-argument error seen during updates, backups and drive formatting — often tied to a corrupt update store or a failing disk.
Last reviewed 2026-08-29 by the Tech Issue Guide team.
Symptoms
- Windows Update or Windows Backup stops with 0x80070057.
- Formatting a USB drive or partition fails with “the parameter is incorrect.”
- Copying large files to an external drive throws the same code.
What causes 0x80070057
- File-system corruption on the target volume.
- A damaged Windows Update component store.
- A failing drive or a partition with an invalid allocation-unit size.
- Regional/decimal-symbol setting other than “.” causing older tools to misparse values.
How to fix it — 3 steps
- Run chkdsk with repair on the volume that fails (command below), then reboot.
- For update failures, repair the component store with DISM RestoreHealth and run sfc /scannow.
- If it happens while formatting, use Disk Management or diskpart to clean the disk and create a fresh partition.
Terminal / CLI command
chkdsk C: /f /rIf the volume is in use, Windows schedules the check for the next restart — type Y and reboot.
How to confirm the fix: The failing operation (update, backup or format) now completes without the code.
Prevent it from coming back
Safely eject external drives, keep firmware current, and replace any disk whose SMART data shows reallocated or pending sectors.
Frequently asked questions
Could this mean my drive is dying?
It can. If chkdsk reports bad sectors or the error keeps returning on the same disk, back up now and run the manufacturer’s diagnostic tool.
The decimal-symbol trick — is that real?
Yes, for some legacy installers and scripts. Set Region → Additional settings → Decimal symbol to “.” and thousands separator to “,”, then retry.