Troubleshoot Windows Update Error 0x80070057 (Easy Fix)

Error 0x80070057 indicates that the Windows updates have failed. There are numerous reasons for this error to appear, which could include corrupt Windows update components, previous updates that failed and caused corruption with the system files needed to package and unpackage update packages, as well as apply them. The 0x80070057 number represents the hexadecimal error number and is common in Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10.

The error is usually followed by a long message which is “There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help – (0x80070057)”. This error may also come up with a slightly different message such as “Something went wrong”

In this guide, we have listed several methods that have worked for a large number of users across Windows Vista, 7, 8, and 10. Please go through all the methods, as they are continuously updated. From experience, I can tell that you may need to return to this page because there will be a couple of restarts while you perform and go through the methods. Therefore, it would be best to either email the link to this page to yourself or bookmark it for easy access. Before proceeding, disable any proxies (if being used) and consider disabling your antivirus temporarily.

1. Run an SFC scan.

System File Scanner is an inbuilt system file verification system that downloads a manifest from Microsoft servers, compares the local copy with the manifest, and if it finds any discrepancies, automatically downloads a fresh copy and replaces the old one. This is a very effective tool for ensuring that your system files are in place and there are no issues with them. Before proceeding, ensure that you are an administrator.

1. Run the SFC scan.

   

2. Restart your computer completely. Now, check if the update error has been resolved.

2. Run SFCFix

Another tool to repair system files is SFC Fix. It does more or less the same thing as SFC. However, it comes in handy if your system files for the SFC scan are somehow corrupt or not functioning properly. Do note that this program is third-party; proceed at your own risk.

Download and run the SFCFix.exe file. Agree to the prompts in the command prompt by pressing any key until the end.

3. Run the SURT.

If you are running Windows 7, 8, or 10, then we can use SURT to solve the problem. The System Update Readiness Tool (SURT) is a force-updating mechanism released by Microsoft to address update issues like the one under discussion. It forcefully initiates specific modules to proceed with the pending update.

1. Download the SURT tool and save it to an accessible location.

   

2. Now, right-click on the executable and select Run as Administrator
3. Let the process finish and restart your computer. Now, check if the issue has been resolved.

4. Editing the registry.

If none of the above methods work, we will proceed and attempt to make some changes to your computer’s registry. The registry in your computer functions more like a command center for your OS, and if there are conflicting keys or incorrectly set values, you may experience update errors. It is recommended that you back up your registry in case you need to revert to a previous stage.

1. Hold the Windows key and press R.
2. Type “notepad” and click “OK“.
3. In Notepad, copy and paste the following lines:

   Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
   [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX]
   
    "IsConvergedUpdateStackEnabled"=dword:00000000[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX\Settings]
   
    "UxOption"=dword:00000000

4. Click “File” → “Save As.
5. Set the file type to “All Files” and save this file as “wufix.reg” on your desktop.
6. The file must be named exactly as wufix.reg because the *.reg extension triggers the system to run this file through the registry. Now, execute the file and agree to the prompts.

After the program runs, check to see if it fixes the issue. If not, download the Windows Update Reset script and run it as an administrator. [Download Here] (Right-click and choose ‘Save As’). Save it to your Desktop, then right-click on it and choose ‘Run As Administrator.’

5. Windows 10 Anniversary Update Failing Due to Error 0x80070057

When Windows 10 cannot verify the downloads, the error is seen on Windows 10 as well. Many users have updated from Windows 7 to Windows 10, and several updates were already applied before the Anniversary Update. Therefore, it makes sense to believe that there may be severe corruption within the update store, which is preventing the Anniversary Update from being installed. The solution to fix this issue is to disable the internet (LAN or WAN) while the installer is verifying the Anniversary Update files.

1. Hold the Windows Key and press R. Type ‘ncpa.cpl’ and click ‘OK‘.
2. Right-click either your Wireless LAN Adapter or Ethernet LAN Adapter and choose ‘Disable.’ Once the update has finished verifying, you can enable it by right-clicking the disabled adapter.

Additionally, many users have started experiencing frequent freezes and crashes on their Windows 10 devices after installing the Anniversary Update. If this is the case, then check out the following guide: Anniversary Update Crashes.

6. Removing CloudFogger.

Some users reported receiving Error Code 0x80070057 when performing backups, system restores, and upgrades. According to BornCity, the root cause of this issue is CloudFlogger. The issue arises due to third-party tools like CloudFlogger installing filter drivers that interfere with system calls.

1. Press the Windows key + R, type appwiz.cpl, and click OK. On Windows 8.1 or newer, you can press and hold the Windows key + X and select Programs/Apps and Features.
2. Search through the list for CloudFogger and then double-click it. Follow the prompts in the uninstaller to complete the uninstallation.
3. Reboot your PC and then check if the problem is gone.

7. Update through the Microsoft Update Catalog.

If you are stuck with Windows Update being unable to install any updates, you can manually download the update locally to your computer and then install it. You can visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website and download the latest cumulative update to an accessible location.

Once you have downloaded the update, close all programs, right-click on the update package, and click Run as Administrator. After the update is installed, restart your computer completely and check if the issue is resolved.

8. Update BIOS

If nothing has helped you so far, updating the BIOS to the latest version may solve the problem. The BIOS is the basic component in your computer that communicates with the hardware and software in your system. It also acts as a bridge for input devices. If there is an issue with your BIOS or it is outdated (and not compatible with the current OS version), you might experience the update error.

Warning: Proceed at your own risk, as updating your BIOS is a risky step. If not done properly, you may brick your system and cause lasting damage to it.

1. Update the Lenovo BIOS.
2. Update the HP BIOS.
3. Update the Dell BIOS.

Error 0x80070057 is also related to the “Credentials Manager” on Windows 10. If you are encountering this error with the credentials manager, please refer to the ‘Incorrect Parameter‘ guide on how to fix it. You may also try using the Windows Update Troubleshooter.