How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80070057?

Summary: A detailed overview of Windows error code 0x80070057 which is a common issue during updates. We discuss the causes and offer various solutions. These include checking for disk errors, using System File Checker, and running CHKDSK. We also explain how you can avoid a situation of data loss when grappling with this error. If data loss occurs, you can recover it using professional data recovery software.

Windows updates are a critical need. Updates offer security and software patches that are necessary to run a Windows computer efficiently.

However, you may encounter an error message when updating. The error code 0x80070057 is quite common and prevents you from installing updates.

What is error code 0x80070057 and how to fix error code 0x80070057? We guide you through the steps.

Table of Content:

• What is Windows Error Code 0x80070057?
• What are the Causes of Windows Error Code 0x80070057?
• How to Fix Error 0x80070057?
• How to Recover Data if Error Code 0x80070057 Happens? 

What is Windows Error Code 0x80070057?

Error code 0x80070057 is a Windows error that indicates a problem with your storage device.

It happens when there’s an issue with a disk operation. Such as not having enough space or encountering a corrupted file system.

What are the Causes of Windows Error Code 0x80070057?

Error code 0x80070057 is related to storage issues. If the hard drive cannot be written to, the system displays error 0x80070057.

This error can have various causes, including:

1. Insufficient Storage Space: When attempting an action like installing an update or copying files there has to be sufficient storage. If there’s not enough space for the operation to complete, you’ll encounter this error.

2. Corrupted Files or File System: Corrupted system files or file system errors on the storage drive can prevent Windows from properly reading or writing data. This leads to error 0x80070057.

3. System Reserved Partition Issues: The system reserved partition is a small section on your drive used for system recovery and boot files. If this partition is damaged, it can cause this error.

4. Corrupted Registry: Corrupt entries in the Windows registry might interfere with storage operations. This will trigger error during updates.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Boot Error 0xc0000098?

How to Fix Error 0x80070057?

There are multiple ways to fix error code 0x80070057. Here are step-by-step instructions for addressing error code in Windows:

Method 1. Check for Disk Errors

Windows can check if any disk partition is problematic.

1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E.

2. Navigate to This PC, and locate the drive you want to check. Typically, this is the C: drive, which is your primary system drive.

3. Right-click on the drive you want to check and select Properties from the context menu.

4. In the Properties window, switch to the Tools tab.

5. Under the Error checking section, click on the Check button.

6. If prompted to schedule a disk check for the next restart, click Scan drive or Repair drive depending on your Windows version.

Restart your computer to allow the disk check utility to scan and repair any errors on the drive.

Method 2. Run System File Checker (SFC)

SFC is a tool that fixes problems with system files. Here is how to run it.  

1. Type CMD in the Search bar

2. Right-click and select Command Prompt (Admin)

3. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter

4. Wait for the scan to complete.

5. It will repair any corrupted system files.

Reboot and find if the problem with error code 0x80070057 is fixed.

Also Read: How To Fix Windows Upgrade Error 0x800700B7- 0x2000A?

Method 3. Check Disk (CHKDSK)

CHKDSK checks the hard disk. This tool scans and repairs issues with the disk. Follow these steps to use it:

1. Type CMD in the Search bar

2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator

3. In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk /f /r and press Enter

4. Confirm by typing Y. Then press Enter.

5. Restart your computer. CHKDSK will now scan and fix disk errors.

When it completes, it restarts again. Check if error code 0x80070057 is resolved.

Method 4. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is a built-in tool in Windows operating systems. It is designed to automatically diagnose and resolve common issues with Windows Update.

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.

2. Go to Update & Security.

3. Navigate to the Troubleshoot tab.

4. Under “Get up and running,” select Additional troubleshooters.

5. Locate and click on Windows Update from the list.

6. Click on Run the troubleshooter.

7. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the troubleshooter to detect and resolve any issues with Windows Update.

Once the troubleshooting process is complete, restart your computer.

After the reboot, check if error code 0x80070057 persists.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error 0xc1900401?

Method 5. Modify the Registry 

The registry is a critical part of the Windows operating system. It is a database of settings governing how the operating system works.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box

2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor

3. In the Registry Editor window, navigate to the following path:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\SystemCertificates

4. Right-click in the right pane of the SystemCertificates key

5. Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value from the context menu

6. Name the new DWORD value as CopyFileBufferedSynchronousIo and press Enter

7. Double-click the newly created CopyFileBufferedSynchronousIo value to modify its properties

8. In the Value data field, enter 1 and click OK to save the changes

9. Close the Registry Editor window

Restart your computer to apply the changes made to the registry. Check if error code 0x80070057 has been fixed.

Method 6. Manually Reset Windows Update Components

Manually resetting Windows Update components is a process used to resolve issues related to Windows Update. These include update failures, errors, or stuck update processes.

1. Type CMD in the Search bar

2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator

3. Stop the Windows Update and BITS services by typing the following commands one by one.

Press Enter after each:

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop bits
• net stop cryptSvc
• net stop msiserver

4. Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders

5. Type the following commands in Command Prompt and press Enter after each:

• ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
• ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

1. Restart the Windows Update and BITS services by entering the following commands:

• net start wuauserv
• net start bits
• net start cryptSvc
• net start msiserver

7. Close Command Prompt

Restart your computer. After the restart, check if error code 0x80070057 is resolved.

Also Read: Upgraded to Windows 11 and Lost Files? 7 Recovery Methods

How to Recover Data if Error Code 0x80070057 Happens? 

Data loss is always a grave concern. One wrong turn of events and years of valuable data are lost.

You can face data loss after error code 0x80070057. Though Windows 10 and 11 are robust and do not fail as much as earlier versions, data loss cannot be ruled out.

In case of error code 0x80070057 Windows automatically stops writing. This should prevent data loss but there is no guarantee.

If data loss happens these are your options:

1. Use Backup: If you create backups it is the most effective way to combat data loss. Use data restore and you have the data in a new disk or partition.
2. Data Recovery Software: if you don’t have regular backups, reputable data recovery software can be employed. Try Stellar Data Recovery Software to recover your lost data. 
3. Data Recovery Services: This is your last resort. If the data cannot be recovered through software you need data recovery service professionals who can exactly copy the drive. Of course, you have to send it to a lab.

FAQs

1. How long does it take to download updates? 

The download time for updates on your PC can vary depending on several factors:

• Internet connection speed: This is the biggest factor. Slower speeds will obviously lead to longer download times.
• Update size: Major updates can be much larger than regular security patches and take longer.
• Server load: If Microsoft’s update servers are overloaded, it can slow down the download.
• Your computer’s hardware: Solid state drives (SSDs) tend to be much faster than traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) when it comes to data transfer. Installing an SSD can speed up the download process.

2. How do I see what updates are installed?

You can view it through Settings.

• Right-click on the Start Menu button.
• Choose Settings.
• Navigate to Update & Security.
• Click on Windows Update.
• Select View update history.

This will display a list of all updates that have been installed on your computer.

3. How do I remove an installed update?

Uninstalling an update can be helpful if you suspect it’s causing problems on your Windows system.

Follow the above steps once more. Then,

• Find the update you want to uninstall in the list.
• Click Uninstall next to the update name.
• You might see a confirmation prompt, click Yes to proceed.

4. How do I know about low disk space?

You can check for low disk space on your PC by following these steps:

• Press Windows + E and open File Explorer
• Navigate to This PC
• View the list of disk drives and their storage usage
• Low disk space is indicated with a red bar if applicable

5. How do I fix low disk space?

You can delete files and media.

Media occupies a large space with an average movie taking up several GB. Images too occupy a lot of space.

You should periodically clean some data that you don’t need. Perhaps transfer it to online storage.

If your hard disk or SSD is almost full it might be time to invest in another.

Also Read: What is Blue Screen 1033 Error?