Fix 0x80070005: Access Denied Error 0x80070005 (Windows)

The error code 0x80070005, commonly encountered in Windows, signifies an “Access Denied” issue. This typically means that the operating system or a specific application does not have the necessary permissions to access a file, folder, or registry key that it requires to perform an operation. This can occur during Windows updates, software installations, file transfers, or even when trying to open certain programs.

🧐 Causes

Several factors can lead to the 0x80070005 “Access Denied” error:

• Insufficient User Permissions: Your current user account may not have the administrative rights or specific permissions needed to access the required resource.
• Corrupted System Files: Damaged or missing critical Windows system files can prevent access to necessary components.
• Conflicting Antivirus or Security Software: Overzealous security software might mistakenly block access to legitimate files or processes, mistaking them for threats.
• Registry Permissions Issues: Incorrect permissions on Windows Registry keys can hinder applications or the system itself from accessing or modifying them.
• File Ownership Problems: The ownership of a file or folder might be incorrectly assigned, preventing your user account from accessing it.
• Malware Infection: In some cases, malware can alter file permissions or corrupt system components, leading to this error.

🔧 Fixes

Here are several methods to resolve the 0x80070005 “Access Denied” error:

1. Run as Administrator

For applications or installers, try running them with elevated privileges:

• Right-click on the executable file (.exe) or the shortcut.
• Select “Run as administrator” from the context menu.

2. Check User Account Control (UAC) Settings

UAC can sometimes be too restrictive. Adjusting its settings might help:

• Search for “User Account Control settings” in the Windows search bar and open it.
• Try lowering the UAC slider to a less restrictive setting (e.g., the second option from the top).
• Click “OK” and restart your computer.

3. Take Ownership of Files/Folders

If the error occurs when accessing specific files or folders, you might need to take ownership:

• Locate the file or folder in File Explorer.
• Right-click on it and select “Properties.”
• Go to the “Security” tab and click the “Advanced” button.
• At the top, next to “Owner:”, click “Change.”
• In the “Enter the object name to select” field, type your username or “Administrators” and click “Check Names.”
• Click “OK.”
• Check the box “Replace owner on subcontainers and objects” and click “Apply,” then “OK.”
• After taking ownership, re-apply permissions to grant yourself full control.

4. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

These tools can repair corrupted Windows system files:

• Open Command Prompt as an administrator (search for “cmd,” right-click, and select “Run as administrator”).
• Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Let the scan complete.
• If SFC finds issues but cannot fix them, run DISM by typing DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and pressing Enter.
• Restart your computer after the scans.

5. Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall

Your security software might be interfering. Temporarily disable it to see if the error is resolved:

• Locate your antivirus program’s icon in the system tray (usually at the bottom right of the screen).
• Right-click on it and look for an option to “Disable protection,” “Turn off,” or “Exit.”
• Attempt the operation that was causing the error.
• Important: Remember to re-enable your antivirus and firewall immediately after testing.

6. Check Registry Permissions

This is a more advanced step and should be done with caution:

• Press Windows Key + R, type regedit, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
• Navigate to the specific registry key that is causing the issue (you may need to consult the context of the error for this).
• Right-click on the key and select “Permissions.”
• Ensure your user account (or “Administrators” group) has “Full Control” or at least “Read” permissions.
• If not, click “Add,” enter your username, click “Check Names,” and then assign the appropriate permissions.
• Click “Apply” and “OK.”
• Restart your computer.

7. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs, helping to identify if a background application is causing the conflict:

• Press Windows Key + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Go to the “Services” tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and then click “Disable all.”
• Go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
• Disable all startup items.
• Close Task Manager, click “OK” on the System Configuration window, and restart your computer.
• If the error is resolved, you can re-enable services and startup items in small groups to find the culprit.