Windows Update Error 0x80070057: How to Fix It?

Windows updates are crucial for keeping your system secure and running efficiently. However, many users reported facing the dreaded error code 0x80070057 when installing the latest version of Windows. The bad news is that this issue can arise due to various reasons, such as corrupted installation files, misconfigured settings, or insufficient disk space. But fret not. In this article, we'll brief you about why this error occurs and provide six solutions to fix Windows update error 0x80070057. You can try these fixes right at home with ease!

What Causes Error 0x80070057 on Windows 10/11?

Since 0x80070057 is a generic error code, Windows displays different error messages depending on which part of the update process is affected. You may encounter this frustrating error for the following reasons:

• Corrupted or missing system files.
• Incomplete update files.
• Your disk is out of space.
• There are bad sectors on your drive.
• Incorrect registry settings.
• Unstable internet connections.
• Software conflicts.
• Your system's date and time are incorrect.

Extended Part: How to Recover Data Lost Due to Windows Update?

Before fixing error code 0xc80070057, it's crucial to prioritize safeguarding your files. Upgrading or downgrading Windows can lead to permanent data loss, and without a backup or a system restore point, this could become a nightmare. If you lose data while installing the latest Windows updates, tools like 4DDiG can be a real lifesaver. With just a few clicks, this free data recovery tool is capable of retrieving photos, videos, archives, and documents from various storage devices. Here are some of its key features:

• Performs well in different data loss scenarios.
• Supports Windows systems from version 7 to 11.
• Offers a free trial for Windows users.
• The data recovery process can be completed in just three steps.

The following steps are how to use 4DDiG to recover data lost due to error 0xc80070057:

Step 1: First of all, download and install the free version of 4DDiG on your computer. Then, run the program, move the cursor to the disk from which you want to extract data, and click the 'Scan' button.

Step 2: The scanning process typically takes several minutes to complete, depending on the size of the disk. However, once you find the target files, 4DDiG allows you to stop the scan early.

Step 3: Once the scan is complete, preview and select the files you need. Hit the "Recover" button and choose a destination to save them.

How Do I Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070057?

Option A: Run Disk Cleanup

It might sound simple, but having enough free space on your system drive—usually the C: drive—is essential for Windows updates to install correctly. Updates often require several gigabytes of space for downloading files, unpacking them, and performing backup operations before and after the installation. To fix the 0x80070057 Windows update error, follow the steps below:

Step 1: Open the Windows search bar, type "Disk Cleanup," and select C: drive.

Step 2: Check all unnecessary items like Windows error reports, feedback files, and temporary files. Then, click "OK" to clean up the drive.

You can also consider uninstalling unused programs, deleting old downloads, or moving large personal files (like videos or photos) to an external drive or cloud storage. In some cases, if your system partition is very small or has been split awkwardly during setup, you might need to use a partition manager to extend the system drive.

Option B: Run the Troubleshooter

All modern versions of Windows come with a built-in tool to diagnose and fix issues related to Windows Update, such as failed updates, slow installations, or corrupted installation files. Here's a guide on how to use it:

Step 1: Start by pressing Win + R to open the RUN dialog box. Then, type "ms-settings:troubleshoot" and hit Enter.

Step 2: Click on "Additional troubleshooters" to proceed.

Step 3: Select "Windows Update" under the "Get up and running" section. Finally, tap "Run the troubleshooter" and follow the on-screen instructions to apply fixes.

Option C: Check System Files

Another possible fix for the 0x80070057 Windows update error is to check the integrity of your system files. To do so:

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt app with administrator privileges.

Step 2: Write and execute the "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" command.

Step 3: After that, type "sfc /scannow" and hit Enter.

Step 4: Reboot your system and try updating again.

Option D: Sync Your Date and Time Settings

You might not think your system's clock has anything to do with a Windows update, but an incorrect date or time can actually prevent updates from installing correctly. This is because Windows uses digital certificates to validate updates, and these certificates depend on accurate system time. Follow the given steps to fix error 0x80070057 on Windows 10/11:

Step 1: Right-click on the time in the bottom-right corner of your screen. Select "Adjust date/time" from the menu.

Step 2: Make sure "Set time automatically" and "Set time zone automatically" are both turned on.

Step 3: Finally, scroll down and hit the "Sync now" button.

Option E: Clear the Windows Update Cache

Your Windows machine has a special folder called 'SoftwareDistribution' that stores temporary files needed for updates. Sometimes, these files can become corrupted or outdated, causing the error code 0x80070057. To resolve this issue, follow the given steps:

Step 1: Press Win + R to bring up the Run dialog, then write "services.msc" and press Enter.

Step 2: Locate and right-click on Windows Update, then choose "Stop".

Step 3: Now open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.

Step 4: Select all the contents of this folder and delete them.

Step 5: Go back to the Services window and right-click Windows Update again, this time selecting "Start".

Option F: Perform a Clean Boot

On some occasions, third-party software or services running in the background can interfere with Windows updates. These programs could be anything from antivirus software to system optimization tools that modify or block update processes. Performing a clean boot helps rule out these potential conflicts by starting Windows with only essential services and drivers. To do so:

Step 1: Open the Run dialog, input "msconfig", and click "OK".

Step 2: Go to the Services tab. Next, check the box that says Hide all Microsoft services. Proceed by clicking on "Disable all".

Step 3: Next, go to the Startup tab and tap "Open Task Manager".

Step 4: Turn off all startup items by right-clicking and picking "Disable" for each one.

Step 5: Close Task Manager, then click "OK" in the System Configuration window.

Option G: Reset Your PC

If all else fails, then your final option is to reset Windows to its factory settings. This method is particularly helpful when your system is severely corrupted. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Start by backing up all important files on your computer to another external hard drive or the cloud. Open Settings by pressing the Windows + I keys. Then, click on "Update & Security."

Step 2: Choose "Recovery" from the left sidebar. Under the Reset this PC section, tap "Get Started."

Step 3: Select "Remove everything" for a full reset.

Wrapping Up

You might encounter many different error codes during the Windows update process, one of which is 0x80070057. Since the cause of this error can be complex, we recommend trying the above-mentioned methods one by one to find out which one works for your case. With the right tools and approaches, there is no need to fear the error code 0x80070057. However, if you happen to lose any data during troubleshooting, just give Tenorshare 4DDiG Data Recovery a try. With its high success rate and simplicity, 4DDiG has become one of the most highly praised recovery tools in the industry.