Windows 11 Insider Preview Update Always Fails with Error 0x80070005

Va Manet 0 Reputation points
2026-08-12T09:36:25.6133333+00:00

Hello Microsoft Support Team,

I am using Windows 11 Insider Preview, and a Windows update always fails to install with error 0x80070005 (Access Denied).

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Install, activate, and Windows update
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CrazyKats 19,330 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
2026-08-17T22:36:16.34+00:00

Hi Va,

There's a new build 29648 out to day,

but that error is now listed as a Known Issue:

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  1. Thomas4-N 21,545 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator
    2026-08-13T08:24:16.7766667+00:00

    Hello Va Manet,

    Error 0x80070005 means Windows Update was denied access to a required file, folder, or registry entry. However, the error alone does not show what caused the denial.

    Before changing system permissions, please provide:

    • Your current OS build from winver
    • Your Insider channel
    • The full name and build number of the failed update under Settings > Windows Update > Update history
    • Whether this is a personal or organization-managed PC
    • Whether any third-party antivirus is installed

    Also open PowerShell as administrator and run:

    Get-WindowsUpdateLog

    Open the WindowsUpdate.log file created on your desktop, search for 0x80070005, and share the relevant lines around the error. That should show whether this is a permissions issue, security-software interference, or a problem specific to the Insider build.

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  2. CrazyKats 19,330 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2026-08-18T18:53:58.3533333+00:00

    Hi Khattab,

    Please see my post, it's now a Known

    Issue.

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  3. AI answer

    2026-08-12T09:36:51.87+00:00

    Error 0x80070005 means the update process is being denied access to required files, folders, or related system resources. Common causes include incorrect permissions on %windir%\WinSxS or %windir%\SoftwareDistribution, interference from third-party antivirus or filter drivers, incorrect permissions under component servicing, or restricted write access from policy or management tools.

    Use this sequence:

    1. Back up the OS disk first. The documented troubleshooting starts with a backup warning because later steps reset update components and permissions.
    2. Reset permissions on the component store from an elevated Command Prompt: 
         icacls "%windir%\WinSxS" /reset /t /c /q
   icacls "%windir%\SoftwareDistribution" /reset /t /c /q
      Restart, then try the update again.
    3. Ensure TrustedInstaller owns WinSxS: 
         icacls "%windir%\WinSxS" /setowner "NT SERVICE\TrustedInstaller" /t /c /q
      Restart, then retry the update.
    4. Reset Windows Update components. This renames the update cache folders, so Windows recreates them: 
         net stop wuauserv
   net stop bits
   net stop cryptSvc
   
   ren %windir%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   ren %windir%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
   
   net start cryptSvc
   net start bits
   net start wuauserv
      Restart and test again.
    5. Repair the component store: 
         DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
      By default, DISM uses Windows Update as the repair source.
    6. Check system file integrity: 
         sfc /scannow
      If SFC finds issues, complete the repair, restart, and retry the update.
    7. Check for third-party interference. Temporarily disable real-time antivirus protection. Then list file system filter drivers: 
         fltmc
      If non-Microsoft filter drivers appear, temporarily unload one and test again: 
         fltmc unload <DriverName>
      If there are multiple non-Microsoft filter drivers, repeat for each one.
    8. Review update logs for 0x80070005 entries to confirm where access is being denied: 
         Get-WindowsUpdateLog
      Also review WindowsUpdate.log or CBS.log for entries such as failed file creation or package access with E_ACCESSDENIED.

    For Insider Preview builds specifically, if standard repair steps have already been tried and the issue is affecting multiple Insider users, avoid making additional manual ACL or ownership changes beyond the documented steps. In that case, back up important files and wait for a follow-up Insider build if the failure appears build-related.

    AI-generated content may be incorrect. Read our transparency notes for more information.

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