Quick Summary
Error code 2147942405, typically represented as 0x80070005, translates to 'Access Denied'. This means the user account attempting the update lacks the necessary permissions to modify system files or settings.
Common Causes
- Insufficient User Permissions: The user account performing the update (or the process initiated by the update) doesn't have the required administrative privileges to modify certain system files or registry keys.
- Conflicting Security Software: Antivirus or firewall software might be blocking the update process, mistakenly identifying it as a threat and preventing necessary file modifications.
- Corrupted System Files: Damaged or missing system files related to Windows Update can prevent the update process from completing successfully. This can be caused by disk errors, malware, or improper shutdowns.
- Group Policy Restrictions: Group Policy settings, particularly in a domain environment, might be restricting access to certain system resources or functionalities required for the update.
Step-by-Step Fixes
Method 1: Run Windows Update as Administrator
Step 1: Search for 'Windows Update' in the Start Menu.
Step 2: Right-click on 'Windows Update' and select 'Run as administrator'.
Step 3: Try running the update again.
Method 2: Disable Antivirus Software Temporarily
Step 1: Locate the icon for your antivirus software in the system tray (usually in the bottom right corner of your screen).
Step 2: Right-click the icon and select the option to disable or temporarily turn off the antivirus protection. The exact wording will vary depending on your antivirus software. Usually a 15-30 minute disable is enough.
Step 3: Attempt the update again. Remember to re-enable your antivirus software immediately after.
Method 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC)
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Search for 'cmd' in the Start Menu, right-click, and select 'Run as administrator'.
Step 2: Type 'sfc /scannow' (without the quotes) and press Enter.
Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. This may take some time.
Step 4: Restart your computer after the scan is finished and attempt the update again.
Method 4: Reset Windows Update Components
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator (as described above).
Step 2: Stop the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer, and Windows Update Services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Step 3: Rename the SoftwareDistribution folder. Type the following command and press Enter:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Step 4: Restart the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer, and Windows Update Services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Step 5: Attempt the update again.