Windows did not finish updating due to error 0x80070005

Question

Windows updates often fail due to lack of space for the download. That was not the issue today as it downloaded, installed and restarted. It was 90% updated and then didn't fully update, due to the error 0x80070005 Please let me know how to fix this, so that it can update.

Answer 1

Hi, good day!

Have you tried the AI suggested solutions?

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Here are some of the things you can try.

• Make sure Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer services are available and running. Press Windows key+R to open Run then type: services.msc Press Enter to open Services app Double-click Background Intelligent Transfer Service. If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart Double-click Windows Update. If the Startup status lists Stopped, click Start and then click OK. If the status is Running, right click then select Restart
• Please try to run SFC and DISM to check for any system errors and corrupted files.  https://support.microsoft.com/windows/using-system-file-checker-in-windows-365e0031-36b1-6031-f804-8fd86e0ef4ca  Restart your computer

If the issue persists, open Settings > System > Recovery.

Few things to check on the PC

• Unplug all external peripherals except for the Mouse, Keyboard, and LAN cable before starting
• Disable or uninstall any third-party Antivirus program to prevent it from interfering with the upgrade

Under Fix problems using Windows Update, click Reinstall Now

Once completed, your system will restart.

I look forward to receiving your update and I'm willing to collaborate with you till we resolve the issue. Do keep me informed by clicking "Add comment" below.

Answer 2

How to I create an admin account. This is a home computer and I am the only one who has access to it.

Answer 3

Error 0x80070005 during Windows Update indicates an access denied or permissions issue, not a disk space problem. Use these steps to resolve it:

1. Confirm administrator access
   Some updates require administrator rights. Sign in with an account that has administrator permissions. If the current account is not an administrator, create or use an admin account and run Windows Update from there.
2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
   1. Select Start > Settings > System.
   2. Select Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   3. Locate Windows Update and select Run.
   4. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any fixes, then try updating again.
3. Temporarily disable antivirus or firewall software
   Third-party security software can block update operations and cause 0x80070005.
   1. Open the antivirus or firewall application from the Start menu.
   2. Look for an option to disable or pause protection (often under Settings, Tools, or Protection).
   3. Choose a short duration (for example, 10 minutes or 1 hour).
   4. Run Windows Update again.
   5. Re‑enable the antivirus/firewall as soon as the update completes or fails.
4. Clear the Windows Update cache (if problems persist)
   Corrupt cached update files can also cause failures:
   1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
   2. Find Windows Update, right-click it, and select Stop.
   3. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
   4. Delete all files and folders inside this directory.
   5. Go back to the Services window, right-click Windows Update, and select Start.
   6. Run Windows Update again from Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
5. Restart to apply any partially installed updates
   After running the steps above and re-running Windows Update, restart the device to ensure any installed updates are fully applied:
   Select Start > Power, then choose Update and restart or Update and shut down if available.

If the error 0x80070005 continues after these steps, repeat the update attempt while signed in as an administrator with antivirus/firewall temporarily disabled, and after the cache has been cleared.

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References:

• Troubleshoot problems updating Windows