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Error 0x80070005

How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070005 (Access Denied)

Fix time: 15 mins Difficulty: Medium 0 views Updated: July 2026

Solve Windows Update / Activation Access Denied Error 0x80070005 with simple administrator permission fixes.

Symptoms

  • Updates fail with error 0x80070005
  • "Access is denied" message appears
  • Software installation or system restore aborts

Common Causes

  • Active user account lacks administrative privileges
  • Antivirus software blocking writes to system directories
  • Corrupted registry permissions for updates

Step-by-Step Solutions

Method 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes tools to automatically reset file permissions for system directories.

  1. Open Settings (Win + I) and go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Click Run next to Windows Update.
  3. Apply any recommended permission fixes.

Method 2: Use SubInACL to Reset Registry Permissions

Reset local account permissions using the official Windows Registry repair scripts.

  1. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus utilities.
  2. Open Command Prompt as Admin.
  3. Run this command to reset system folder access flags: 
    icacls "C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution" /grant administrators:F /t

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Frequently Asked Questions

Security policies or third-party antivirus software have locked critical update files.
Yes, but remember to re-enable it immediately after installing updates.