Trouble downloading/installing windows 11.

Question

I have enough space on my computer 930GB. The computer wants to download windows 11. It has tried many times and no joy. Terror code is oX80070005 access denied or insufficient permissions to install updates. I do not have the knowledge to work this out and I am hoping there is someone who can talk me through this. I have had someone out to help but they told me there was not enough space and tried to talk me into buying a refurbished computer. I did a factory setting to free up space. So now I have space but it still wont download.

Answer 1

The most successful method to upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11 is to use the Windows 11 ISO.

You will need at least 40GB of free space on the C drive for the upgrade.

Please ensure you download the ISO in the same language as you use for the Windows UI, follow the steps, this is then not like re-installing Windows, it is just like an update and your personal files, settings and installed software will not be affected.

Click this link:

https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11

to download the Windows 11 ISO

When the ISO file completes downloading

Disconnect from the Internet

Disconnect all external devices with the exception of a mouse or keyboard.

Temporarily disable any 3rd party Anti-virus you may have installed

Then, in Windows File Explorer, double click the ISO and then run Setup.exe and select the Install option.

Very Important - ensure you select the option to keep your files and apps.

Answer 2

Error 0x80070005 during a Windows 11 upgrade usually indicates a permissions or access problem, not a lack of disk space. The following steps address common causes using built‑in tools and, if needed, an in‑place upgrade that keeps files and apps.

1. Confirm general upgrade prerequisites

• Make sure all current Windows updates are installed before attempting the Windows 11 upgrade.
• Disconnect nonessential external devices (USB drives, printers, external hard disks, docking stations) during the upgrade.
• Temporarily uninstall any non‑Microsoft antivirus/security software from Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features, as third‑party security tools can block upgrades.
• Uninstall old or nonessential software the same way, especially anything that modifies system behavior.

2. Free up and verify disk space Even though there is plenty of total space, Windows may still report space‑related errors for the upgrade process:

• Use the built‑in cleanup tools to remove temporary and system files:
  • Follow the guidance in “Free up drive space in Windows” to remove temporary files, previous Windows installations, and other unneeded data.
• If Windows reports specific space‑related error codes like 0x80070070‑0x50011/0x50012/0x60000, follow the recommendation to free more space and retry the upgrade.

3. Repair Windows Update components and system files Error 0x80070005 can also appear if update components or system files are damaged.

Run DISM and SFC:

1. Open the Start menu, search for Command Prompt.
2. Right‑click it and choose Run as administrator.
3. Run:

      DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
   

4. After it completes successfully, run:

      sfc /scannow
   

5. Wait for verification to reach 100%, then close Command Prompt and try Windows Update again.

If the error persists, follow the “Restore and repair system files” and “Troubleshoot problems updating Windows” steps to ensure Windows Update components are healthy.

4. Use general upgrade/installation fixes Microsoft recommends several general fixes for upgrade errors:

• Remove external hardware (already covered above).
• Ensure Windows is fully updated before attempting the Windows 11 upgrade.
• Uninstall non‑Microsoft antivirus and nonessential software (already covered above).

If a specific error code appears in Windows Update history besides 0x80070005, look it up in the “Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors” article and apply the listed fix (for example, space issues, missing files, or connectivity problems).

5. Perform an in‑place upgrade with Windows 11 ISO (keeps files and apps) If Windows Update continues to fail with 0x80070005 after the above steps, an in‑place upgrade using the official Windows 11 ISO is a common resolution and does not remove personal files or installed apps when the correct option is chosen.

High‑level process (as used in similar resolved cases):

1. Go to the official Windows 11 software download page and download the Windows 11 ISO.
2. Ensure the ISO language matches the current Windows display language.
3. After the ISO download completes:
   • Disconnect from the internet.
   • Disconnect all external devices except mouse and keyboard.
   • Temporarily disable any third‑party antivirus (if still installed).
4. In File Explorer, double‑click the ISO to mount it, then run Setup.exe from the mounted drive.
5. When prompted, choose to keep personal files and apps.
6. Follow the on‑screen steps to complete the upgrade.

This in‑place upgrade behaves like a repair install: it refreshes Windows system files and upgrade components while preserving data and installed programs, and is specifically recommended in cases where update components are corrupt or access errors like 0x80070005 persist.

If, after all of this, the upgrade still fails, note any additional error codes shown in Windows Update history and provide them to Microsoft support for targeted troubleshooting.

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References:

• Free up space for Windows updates
• Free up drive space in Windows
• Get help with Windows upgrade and installation errors
• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows
• i get this code when i try to update windows 0x8007041D. - Microsoft Q&A
• Mijn windows updates gaan mis - Microsoft Q&A
• windows 11version 25H2 couldn't install, error 0x80070476 - Microsoft Q&A