how to fix (0x80070005) on my windows pc?

Error 0x80070005 is an “Access denied” error that usually indicates a permissions or security issue. Use the steps below that match the scenario where the error appears.

1. Run the app as Administrator

• Close the app that shows 0x80070005.
• Select Start and type the app name (for example, Word or Microsoft Edge).
• In the search results, right-click the app and select Run as administrator.
• Select Yes when prompted and retry the action.

2. Make sure Windows Update service is running (if the error appears during update/install)
3. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
4. Find Windows Update in the list.
5. If the status is not Running, right-click Windows Update and select Start.
6. Retry the update or installation.
7. Temporarily disable third‑party antivirus or firewall Some security software can block access and cause 0x80070005.
8. Open the antivirus or firewall app from Start.
9. In its Settings/Tools/Protection area, choose to disable or pause protection temporarily (for example, 10 minutes or 1 hour).
10. Retry the update/installation.
11. Re‑enable protection immediately after testing.
12. If the error appears when activating Microsoft 365/Office Try these in order:

a) Update Windows

1. From Start, type Check for updates and open it.
2. Select Check for updates.
3. Install all available updates.
4. Restart the device and try activation again.

b) Run Office as Administrator

1. Close all Office apps.
2. From Start, type Word.
3. Right‑click Word and select Run as administrator.
4. Select Yes.
5. In Word, go to File > Account > Activate Product (or select the Reactivate button if shown).

c) Fix registry permissions (only if 0x80070005 started after a Windows update) Warning: Incorrect registry edits can cause serious system problems. Back up the registry first.

1. Close all Office apps.
2. Right‑click the Windows button and select Run.
3. Type regedit and select OK, then Yes.
4. In Registry Editor, expand HKEY_USERS and select S-1-5-20.
5. Right‑click S-1-5-20 and select Permissions.
6. Select Add.
7. Enter the currently logged‑in user name, select Check Names, then OK.
8. Select Advanced.
9. On the Permissions tab, select the user just added and choose Edit.
10. Under Basic permissions, select Full Control, then OK.
11. Back in Advanced Security Settings, select NETWORK SERVICE, choose Edit, and ensure Full Control is selected, then OK.
12. In Advanced Security Settings, select Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object, then select OK.
13. Close Registry Editor, restart the PC if prompted, and try activating Office again.

If the error appears when activating Windows itself, restoring the SELF account permissions in DCOM can also resolve 0x80070005:

1. In the Search box, type dcomcnfg and open Component Services.
2. In the left pane, expand Component Services > Computers.
3. Right‑click My Computer and select Properties.
4. On the COM Security tab, under Access Permissions, select Edit Default.
5. If SELF is missing, select Add, type SELF, select Check Names, then OK.
6. Select SELF, then in the Allow column check Local Access and Remote Access.
7. Select OK to close dialogs and restart the computer.

If 0x80070005 appears in a different context (for example, a specific app or feature), apply the same principles: run the app as administrator, ensure required Windows services are running, and temporarily test without third‑party security software.

References:

• Troubleshooting tips for downloading, installing, and updating Microsoft Edge
• Microsoft 365 Apps activation error 0x80070005
• Office error code 0x80070005 when activating Office
• Error 0x80070005 "Access denied" when you activate Windows