How to Fix Windows Error Code 0x80070057 on Windows 11 — Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

This guide is written for beginners who are unsure about the cause of the error and want to fix it step by step.

Have you ever seen a strange error code on your Windows 11 screen? Codes like:

• 0x80070057
* 0xc1900101
* 0x80240034

These errors can appear suddenly and be very confusing. But don’t worry — this guide will help you fix one of the most common errors: 0x80070057.

This error often happens when:

• Windows Update gets stuck or fails
* A blue screen appears (BSOD)
* Your PC freezes or becomes unresponsive

Let’s go through each solution in detail.

Error Code 0x80070057 — What It Means

Cause: This error usually means there’s file corruption or a problem with your storage (e.g., low disk space).

Solution: Follow the steps below in order until the issue is resolved.

Step 1: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has a built-in troubleshooter that can fix update-related issues automatically.

How to run it:

1. Open Settings (press Windows Key + I)
2. Go to System → Troubleshoot
3. Click “Other troubleshooters”
4. Click “Run” next to “Windows Update”
5. Follow the instructions

This often fixes temporary update errors or misconfigurations.

Step 2: Run the System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker can scan and fix damaged system files.

How to run it:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Type the following and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the scan to finish (about 10 minutes)
4. Restart your PC

This may fix errors caused by corrupted files.

Step 3: Run DISM to Repair the Windows Image

If SFC doesn’t work, use DISM (Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management) to repair the Windows image.

Commands to run (one by one):

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

After finishing, restart your PC.

Step 4: Check Your Disk Space

If your C: drive has less than 5GB of free space, this error can occur.

What to do:

1. Open File Explorer (Windows Key + E)
2. Check space on the C: drive
3. Free up space using Disk Cleanup, uninstalling unused apps, or storing files in the cloud (e.g., OneDrive)

Also check large folders like Microsoft Teams logs and OneDrive cache — they may be using several GB unnecessarily.

Step 5: Clear the Windows Update Cache

Corrupt update files may be causing the error. You can clear the cache manually. Do this only if you are confident using Command Prompt.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator
2. Type the following commands to stop update services:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
3. Go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete all files and folders inside (but not the folder itself)
4. Then restart the services:
net start wuauserv
net start bits
5. Restart your PC

If you see “Access Denied,” try doing this in Safe Mode.

Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot

This starts Windows with only essential services, helping rule out interference from other software.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter
2. Go to the “Services” tab and check “Hide all Microsoft services”
3. Click “Disable all”
4. Go to the “Startup” tab and open Task Manager
5. Disable all startup items
6. Restart your PC

Step 7: Is It Related to a Recent Windows Update?

As of July 2025, this error has been seen with:

• Windows 11 24H2 upgrades
* Cumulative updates like KB5037853

If so, consider using the Windows Update Assistant, Media Creation Tool, or manual installation via ISO.

▶︎ How to Upgrade Unsupported PCs to Windows 11 24H2

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can restarting fix this?
A: Yes, sometimes a reboot clears temporary issues.

Q: Do I need to buy a new PC?
A: Not immediately. Try these steps first. If problems continue and hardware is old, consider an upgrade.

Q: Is it safe to delete update cache files?
A: Yes. Windows will recreate necessary files automatically.

Q: I’m not good with commands. Any easier option?
A: Yes. Use the built-in Troubleshooter via Settings → System → Troubleshoot.

Q: My PC is slow after the error. Is it related?
0A: Possibly. Failed updates or corrupted files can slow the system down.

How to Prevent This Error in the Future

• Avoid unnecessary apps
* Install updates regularly (but check for known bugs first)
* Run Disk Cleanup and check storage space often

Summary

Fixes and What They Solve:

• Troubleshooter → minor update errors
* SFC → corrupted system files
* DISM → damaged Windows image
* Disk cleanup → low storage
* Clear cache → update file corruption
* Clean boot → third-party conflicts

If all else fails, consult:

▶︎ Microsoft Support Page

Recommended Articles

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▶︎ How to Fix Windows C Drive Permission Errors (Full Recovery Guide)

▶︎ Why Windows Gets Stuck at 100% Disk Usage — Full Fix Guide for Automatic Maintenance Problems

💡 Looking for more tips? Check out our full list of Windows Help Guides.

タグ: error code fix, 0x80070057, storage error, Windows 11, DISM, Windows error, SoftwareDistribution, SFC, troubleshooting, Windows Update Error, Update failed