What to Do When Microsoft Store Error Code 0x80070005 Pops Up

The Microsoft Store, originally introduced as an app in Windows 8, has become an essential part of Windows 10/11. Similar to Apple’s App Store, it allows you to download apps and games for your computer.

The Microsoft Store contains thousands of free and paid apps under varying categories, as well as other media content like ebooks, movies and TV shows. To download apps or content from the Microsoft Store, simply use the search function or scroll through the categories to pick what you want to install. The installation process should be pretty straightforward, but issues such as the error code 0x80070005 can still happen.

Recently, some Windows users have reported getting the error code 0x80070005 when installing apps. The Microsoft Store cannot install any apps, and the error code 0x80070005 pops up whenever they click the install button. This error has made a lot of Windows 10/11 users frustrated because they can’t access the apps that they need.

The affected users have reported this error to Microsoft, but the company has yet to comment on the issue and provide an official fix.

What Is Error Code 0x80070005?

The error code 0x80070005 is a Windows permission problem that affects not only Microsoft Store but Windows Update Service as well. When users get this error, they can’t install apps, and the error code 0x80070005 message appears.

Here are some of the messages that go with the error code 0x80070005:

• Try that again.
  Something went wrong.
  The error code is 0x80070005, in case you need it.

• Access is denied.
  Windows Update error 0x80070005.

• An unspecified error occurred during System Restore (0x80070005).

• Something unexpected happened.
  Reporting this problem will help us understand it better. You can wait a bit and try again or restart your device. That may help.
  Code: 0x80070005

The error 0x80070005 prevents users from downloading and installing new apps on Windows 10/11. You may also encounter this error when installing new updates for your apps or your system.

This error can be caused by different factors, including:

• Insufficient storage space
• Permission error
• Faulty Windows Store cache
• Problem with Trusted Installer Service

So if you’re getting the error code 0x80070005 when installing apps, just work your way down the list of solutions below to resolve this problem.

How to Fix Error Code 0x80070005 When Installing Apps

The error code 0x80070005 can happen because of various reasons, so it is important that you understand first what the root of the problem is so you know which method to employ. But if you’re not clear what caused this error 0x80070005 to appear, you can try the fixes below to see which one works for you.

Fix #1: Free Up Some Space.

If your error is caused by insufficient storage space, freeing some disk space will help a lot. To check your available storage, launch File Explorer by pressing Windows + E, then click on This PC from the left menu. You should be able to see how much free space you have on your hard drive under the (C:) drive.

Here are some tips to reclaim some storage space on your computer:

• Uninstall apps that you don’t use.
• Delete files that you don’t need.
• Search for duplicate files and delete the extra copies.
• Delete temporary files.
• Empty your Recycle bin.
• Use Outbyte PC Repair to get rid of other junk files that are not easily accessible.

Once you’ve finished cleaning up your computer, restart and try to download your app once again.

Fix #2: Switch Off UAC.

User Account Control or UAC is a Windows 10/11 security feature that prevents unauthorized changes initiated by apps, users, viruses and malware. But UAC can also be overprotective sometimes and get in the way of legitimate installations.

If Microsoft Store cannot install any apps and the error code 0x80070005 appears, you can try turning off UAC temporarily. To do this:

1. Type in UAC in the search bar of the Start menu.
2. Click on Change User Account Control settings from the search results.
3. Drag the UAC slider to Never Notify to turn it off.
4. Click OK to confirm.
5. You may need to enter your admin password to confirm the action.
6. Restart your computer for the new settings to be implemented.

Try downloading the apps that you need once UAC has been turned off. Don’t forget to turn it back on once the installation has been successful.

Fix #3: Edit Permissions of Your %LOCALAPPDATA% Package Folder.

One of the main reasons why you’re experiencing the error code 0x80070005 is because of insufficient permissions to the %LOCALAPPDATA% folder. The Local App Data folder is where all installers are downloaded before apps are installed. Because of insufficient permissions, Microsoft Store can’t write to the folder, hence the error.

To fix your permissions, follow the steps below:

1. Launch File Explorer and type this into the address bar: %appdata%.
2. Click Enter to open the folder.
3. Right-click on the App Data folder, then choose Properties.
4. Click on the Security tab, then select Advanced.
5. Click the Change link next to the Owner name, then click on the Advanced button below.
6. Click the Find Now button in the next window, then choose your username. Click OK to confirm.
7. Click Apply, then hit OK when the confirmation message appears.
8. In Advanced Security Settings, click the Add button under Permission entries.
9. Choose Select a principal.
10. Click Advanced > Find Now, then choose your username.
11. Click OK twice, then tick off Full Control under Basic permissions.
12. Click the OK button, then click your username to verify your new permissions.
13. Click OK, then exit the window.

Restart your computer for the new permissions to apply, then check if Microsoft Store is now working as it should.

Fix #4: Reset the Microsoft Store App.

If the above solutions don’t work, you can try resetting the Microsoft Store app to resolve the error code 0x80070005. There are two ways to do this: via the app itself and using the wsreset command.

To reset using the app, launch Settings from the Power Menu (Windows + X), then navigate to Apps > Apps and Features. Click on Microsoft Store, select Advanced features, then hit the Reset button.

To use the wsreset command, bring up the search box in the Start menu, then type in wsreset. Click on wsreset from the search results to execute the command.

You can also use these diagnostic tools to fix Microsoft Store problems and clear the cache:
Once the Microsoft Store app has been reset, you can try to download the app that you were trying to install to see if the error has been fixed.

Fix #5: Resolve Permission Problems With TrustedInstaller.

TrustedInstaller is a Windows component responsible for the installation, modification, and removal of Windows updates and other system components. Any problem with TrustedInstaller can lead to the Microsoft Store error code 0x80070005.

To fix TrustedInstaller, follow the instructions below:

1. Open Notepad and copy the following into the file:
   Set OSBIT=32
   IF exist “%ProgramFiles(x86)%” set OSBIT=64
   set RUNNINGDIR=%ProgramFiles%
   IF %OSBIT% == 64 set RUNNINGDIR=%ProgramFiles(x86)%
   subinacl /subkeyreg “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Component Based Servicing” /grant=”nt service\trustedinstaller”=f

2. Save the file with the .cmd extension.
3. Right-click on the saved file, then choose Run as administrator.

This should fix your permission issues with TrustedInstaller and resolve the Microsoft Store error code 0x80070005.

Summary

The Microsoft Store is supposed to make downloading apps hassle-free, but issues such as the error code 0x80070005 can cause the app installation to fail. If you’re getting the error code 0x80070005 when installing apps, just follow the solutions outlined above to resolve this issue and get Microsoft Store working smoothly once again.