Fixed! Windows Update Error [0x80070057, 0x80070005 etc.]
If you’ve encountered Windows Update error, you know how frustrating they can be. You might be in the middle of an important task, only to find that your system isn’t updating as it should. Errors like 0x80070057, 0x80070005, 80072ee2, 0x80248007, and 80072efe often pop up when you least expect them, and they can leave you scratching your head about the best course of action. But don’t worry—this guide will help you understand the causes of these errors and provide reliable solutions to fix them, so you can get your system updated and running smoothly.
As a tech enthusiast with years of experience troubleshooting Windows systems, I’ve encountered and solved these very issues. I’ve also found that many of the fixes are simple and easy to follow, so you won’t need to be a tech expert to get them working.
What Causes Windows Update Errors?
Windows Update errors are often caused by a variety of issues. Some common causes include:
- Corrupted system files: System files required for Windows Update might be damaged or corrupted.
- Incorrect system settings: Incorrect date/time settings or misconfigured update settings can interfere with the process.
- Windows Update service issues: Sometimes the Windows Update service may become stuck or not function properly.
- Network or firewall problems: A poor internet connection or firewall blocking the update can cause errors.
- Permission/access issues: Insufficient permissions or access restrictions can prevent updates from being installed correctly.
Common Windows Update Errors and How to Fix Them
Let’s take a look at the most frequent Windows Update error codes and how to resolve each one.
1. Windows Update Error 0x80070057
What It Means
This error usually means that Windows Update is having trouble reading or writing data due to corrupted system files or bad registry entries.
Fixes:
1. Run DISM and SFC to repair system files
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: bash DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth sfc /scannow These commands scan and repair system file corruption that may be blocking updates.
2. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder
This folder holds temporary Windows Update files. Clearing it forces Windows to re-download updates: bash net stop wuauserv net stop bits del /f /s /q %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\* net start wuauserv net start bits
3. Check Date and Time Settings
Incorrect time settings can also cause this error. Make sure your system clock is synced with the internet.
2. Windows Update Error 0x80070005
What It Means
Often labeled as an “Access Denied” error, this usually means Windows doesn’t have the necessary permissions to install an update.
Fixes:
1. Run Windows Update as Administrator
Right-click on the update tool or Settings and select Run as administrator to ensure full access.
2. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update. This built-in tool can automatically detect and fix some problems.
3. Check and Fix User Permissions
Make sure your user account has administrator privileges. If it doesn’t, switch to an admin account or adjust your permissions.
4. Modify Group Policy or Registry Settings (Advanced Users)
You can open the Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) or Registry Editor (regedit) to ensure no update restrictions are configured. Always back up your registry first.
5. Use a Data Recovery Tool if You Lost Files During Updates
Sometimes, permission issues during updates can lead to accidental file loss or profile corruption. If that happens, try using WinfrGUI, a free and user-friendly tool based on Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery command-line utility.
With its graphical interface, WinfrGUI helps you recover deleted files—including documents, images, and more—from internal drives, USBs, or SSDs in just a few clicks. It’s a smart backup plan while troubleshooting.
Key Features of WinfrGUI
- Recover deleted files from NTFS, FAT, exFAT, and ReFS drives
- Supports various file types: Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, photos, videos, PDFs, compressed files, and more
- Quick Scan & Deep Scan modes—choose based on how recently or severely the data was lost
- Recover from multiple devices: Internal drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, SD cards, and external hard disks
- Easy-to-use interface—no command line, just click and recover
How to Use WinfrGUI to Recover Lost Files After a Windows Update
Follow these steps to restore your files quickly:
Step 1. Visit the official website and download WinfrGUI. Install it like any regular Windows app.
Step 2. Open WinfrGUI. You’ll see a clean interface with your available drives listed.
Step 3. Choose the drive where your files were before they disappeared (e.g., C: for desktop files).
Step 4. Choose the Recovery Mode
- Use Quick Scan for recently deleted files (less than a few days ago).
- Use Deep Scan for formatted drives or files lost due to system issues or updates.
Step 5. Click “Start Recovery”.WinfrGUI will scan the selected drive. The time required depends on your drive size and scan mode.
Step 6. Once the scan is complete, you can preview found files. Select what you need and click “Recover” to save them to a different drive (avoid saving to the same location to prevent overwriting).
3. Windows Update Error 80072ee2
What It Means
This is a network-related error, typically caused by connectivity problems or firewalls blocking Microsoft’s update servers.
Fixes:
1. Check Your Internet Connection
Make sure your internet is stable. A weak Wi-Fi signal or limited access can interrupt updates.
2. Flush DNS and Reset Winsock
Open Command Prompt and run: bash ipconfig /flushdns netsh winsock reset
3. Temporarily Disable Firewall or Antivirus
Some security software blocks Windows Update by mistake. Try disabling them temporarily and then run the update.
4. Add Microsoft Update URLs to Firewall Whitelist
Ensure the following URLs are not being blocked:
*.windowsupdate.com*.update.microsoft.com*.microsoft.com
4. Windows Update Error 0x80248007
What It Means
This error occurs when Windows is unable to access the update metadata or when update files are missing or corrupted.
Fixes:
1. Restart Windows Update Services
Use these commands to restart critical services: arduino net stop wuauserv net start wuauserv
2. Re-register Windows Update DLLs
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run: nginx regsvr32 wuapi.dll regsvr32 wups2.dll regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
3. Delete Temporary Update Files
Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download and delete all files inside. This clears corrupt or incomplete downloads.
5. Windows Update Error 80072efe
What It Means
This is another connection interruption error. It usually happens when the connection to Microsoft’s servers is cut off during an update.
Fixes:
1. Reset Internet Settings
Go to Control Panel > Internet Options > Advanced tab, then click Reset.
2. Disable Proxy or VPN Temporarily
If you use a proxy or VPN, disable it and try updating again. These can sometimes block server connections.
3. Run Network Troubleshooter
Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status > Network troubleshooter to fix common connection problems automatically.
4. Temporarily Disable Firewall
Again, try turning off your firewall briefly to check if it’s interfering with update connections.
Pro Tips to Avoid Future Update Errors
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some best practices:
- Keep system drivers up to date
- Avoid forced shutdowns during updates
- Run DISM and SFC once a month
- Use WinfrGUI regularly to back up critical files—even if you’re not experiencing file loss now, it’s always safer to have a recovery tool on hand
Final Thoughts
Windows Update errors—like 0x80070057, 0x80070005, 80072ee2, 0x80248007, and 80072efe—can feel overwhelming, especially when they prevent your system from staying up to date. But once you understand the cause and follow the correct fixes, most of them can be resolved without a full system reinstall.
If updates are causing permission issues or even file loss, remember that a data recovery tool like WinfrGUI can be an essential part of your troubleshooting toolkit. It helps you recover lost files without needing complex command-line steps, especially if things go sideways during a system update.
With a bit of patience—and the right tools—you’ll have your system updated and running smoothly again in no time.
Also Read👉Windows Update Error 0x80070643? 7 Proven Ways to Fix It
