Windows Update Error 0x80070005 — What It Means & How to Fix It

Windows Update error 0x80070005 means Windows doesn't have permission to access a file needed for the update. Here's how to fix it.

Frequently asked questions

Is Windows Update error 0x80070005 dangerous?
No. This is a permissions error, not malware — Windows Update simply lacks access to a file or folder it needs.
How do I fix error 0x80070005?
Run the Windows Update troubleshooter first. If that doesn't work, clear the Windows Update cache in the SoftwareDistribution folder and try again.
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