Fully Rewritten Beginner-Friendly Guide: How to Fix Windows Error 0x80070057

A worried user looking at a Windows PC displaying error code “0x80070057” on screen, with a blue background and bold text saying “Fix Windows Error 0x80070057 – Step-by-Step Guide”.

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<p><strong>This guide is designed for beginners who suddenly see Windows errors and want a clear, step-by-step way to fix them safely.</strong></p> <p>If you’ve ever turned on your PC and been greeted by strange codes like:</p> <ul> <li><strong>0x80070057</strong></li> <li>0xC1900101</li> <li>0x80240034</li> </ul> <p>—you are not alone. These codes look scary, but most of the time, they point to fixable issues such as corrupted files or Windows Update problems.</p> <p>In this guide, we’ll focus on one of the most common errors: <strong>0x80070057</strong> — and walk through every reliable solution.</p>


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🔍 What Does Error 0x80070057 Mean?

<p>The error generally appears when Windows runs into one of the following problems:</p> <ul> <li>Corrupted or missing system files</li> <li>Windows Update problems (stuck, retrying, failing)</li> <li>Low or failing storage (SSD/HDD issues)</li> <li>A Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) related to disk errors</li> </ul> <p><strong>Good news:</strong> Most causes can be fixed by following the steps below in order.</p>


🛠️ Step-by-Step Solutions


Step 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes an automatic troubleshooter that can detect and repair many update issues.

How to run it:

  1. Press <strong>Windows Key + I</strong> → open Settings
  2. Go to System → Troubleshoot
  3. Click Other troubleshooters
  4. Find Windows Update
  5. Click <strong>Run</strong>

If the issue is caused by a temporary update malfunction, this tool often fixes it immediately.


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Step 2: Repair System Files Using SFC

The System File Checker (SFC) scans Windows for damaged or missing files.

How to run SFC:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
  2. Enter:
sfc /scannow
  1. Wait 5–10 minutes
  2. Restart your PC

If corrupted files triggered the error, this step usually resolves it.


Step 3: Repair the Windows Image with DISM

DISM repairs deeper issues that SFC cannot fix.

Run these commands one by one:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your computer afterward.


Step 4: Check Free Disk Space

Windows Update may fail with this error if your C: drive has less than 5GB free.

What you can do:

  • Open File Explorer
  • Check available space on C:
  • Free space by:
    • Running Disk Cleanup
    • Uninstalling unused apps
    • Emptying the Recycle Bin
    • Clearing Microsoft Teams logs / OneDrive cache
    • Moving files to OneDrive or external storage

Even a few gigabytes can make a big difference.


Step 5: Clear the Windows Update Cache

If Windows keeps reusing corrupted update files, the error will reappear.

How to clear the cache:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)
  2. Stop update services:
net stop wuauservnet stop bits
  1. Go to:
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
  1. Delete everything inside the following folders:
    • Download
    • DataStore
  2. Restart services:
net start wuauservnet start bits
  1. Restart your PC

If you see “Access Denied,” repeat the steps in Safe Mode.


Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot

This helps determine whether other software is interfering.

How to clean boot Windows:

  1. Press Windows + R → type msconfig
  2. Open the Services tab
  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services
  4. Click Disable all
  5. Go to the Startup tab → Open Task Manager
  6. Disable all startup items
  7. Restart your PC

Try the update or operation again.


Step 7: Check if It’s Related to a Recent Windows Update

As of 2025, error 0x80070057 is often linked to:

  • Windows 11 24H2 upgrade failures
  • Cumulative updates like KB5037853
  • Update loops after reboot

If this seems to be your case, try:

  • Windows Update Assistant
  • Media Creation Tool
  • Manual upgrade using an ISO

👉 <a href=”https://kimiyoya.com/24h2-windows-howto/”>How to Upgrade Unsupported PCs to Windows 11 24H2</a>


❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can restarting fix the error?

A: Yes — if caused by temporary system issues.

Q: Do I need a new PC?

A: No. Only very old hardware might require an upgrade.

Q: Is clearing the Windows Update cache safe?

A: Yes. Windows recreates everything automatically.

Q: I’m not good with commands. What should I do?

Use:
Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Windows Update

Q: My PC became slow after the error. Why?

Failed updates and corrupted system files can slow down Windows.


🔐 How to Prevent This Error in the Future

  • Keep at least 10GB free on the C: drive
  • Install updates after checking for known issues
  • Remove unused apps regularly
  • Use Storage Sense to auto-clean temporary files

📝 Summary of Fixes

FixWhat It Solves
Windows Update TroubleshooterSmall update glitches
SFC scanCorrupted system files
DISM repairDamaged Windows image
Disk cleanupLow storage issues
Clear update cacheCorrupted update packages
Clean bootConflicts from third-party software

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