0x80070057Windows Update

How to Fix 0x80070057 (Windows Update)

Quick Answer

Error 0x80070057, 'The parameter is incorrect,' often indicates an issue with system files or update components preventing Windows from processing updates. A common initial fix involves running the Windows Update Troubleshooter to automatically detect and resolve problems.

What Causes This Error

  • Corrupted system files or registry entries.
  • Issues with the Windows Update service components.
  • Incorrect date and time settings on the system.
  • Insufficient disk space on the system drive.
  • Conflicts with third-party software, such as antivirus programs.
  • Damaged user profiles or system configurations.

Step-by-Step Fixes

1Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

  1. Open the 'Settings' application by pressing the Windows key + I.
  2. Navigate to 'Update & Security' and then select 'Troubleshoot' from the left-hand menu.
  3. Click on 'Additional troubleshooters' (or 'Other troubleshooters' on Windows 11).
  4. Locate 'Windows Update' in the list and click 'Run the troubleshooter'.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts and apply any recommended fixes. Restart the computer after the process completes.

2Check Date and Time Settings

  1. Right-click on the clock in the bottom-right corner of the taskbar and select 'Adjust date/time'.
  2. Ensure 'Set time automatically' and 'Set time zone automatically' are both toggled 'On'.
  3. If they are already on, toggle them off and then back on to resynchronize the time.
  4. Click 'Sync now' under 'Synchronize your clock'.
  5. Attempt to run Windows Update again.

3Reset Windows Update Components to Fix 0x80070057

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for 'cmd' in the Start menu, right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
  2. Stop the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer, and Windows Update Services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: net stop wuauserv, net stop cryptSvc, net stop bits, net stop msiserver.
  3. Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by typing: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old and ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old. Press Enter after each.
  4. Restart the BITS, Cryptographic, MSI Installer, and Windows Update Services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: net start wuauserv, net start cryptSvc, net start bits, net start msiserver.
  5. Close Command Prompt and attempt to run Windows Update.

4Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for 'cmd' in the Start menu, right-click 'Command Prompt', and select 'Run as administrator'.
  2. Type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete. This process checks for and repairs corrupted system files.
  3. After SFC completes, type 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' and press Enter. This command repairs the Windows image.
  4. Wait for the DISM command to finish. This may take several minutes. Do not close the window until it is 100% complete.
  5. Restart your computer and then try running Windows Update again.

Advanced Fixes

Perform a Clean Boot

  1. Press Windows key + R, type 'msconfig', and press Enter to open System Configuration.
  2. Go to the 'Services' tab, check 'Hide all Microsoft services', and then click 'Disable all'.
  3. Go to the 'Startup' tab and click 'Open Task Manager'.
  4. In Task Manager, disable all startup items one by one by right-clicking each and selecting 'Disable'. Close Task Manager.
  5. Return to the System Configuration window, click 'Apply', then 'OK', and restart your computer. Attempt to run Windows Update. If the update succeeds, re-enable services and startup items incrementally to identify the conflicting software.

Create a New User Profile

  1. Open 'Settings' and navigate to 'Accounts' > 'Family & other users'.
  2. Click 'Add someone else to this PC'.
  3. Follow the prompts to create a new local user account. You can choose 'I don't have this person's sign-in information' and then 'Add a user without a Microsoft account'.
  4. Once the account is created, click on it and select 'Change account type'. Change it to 'Administrator'.
  5. Log out of your current account and log in with the newly created administrator account. Attempt to run Windows Update from this new profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'The parameter is incorrect' mean in error 0x80070057?

This message indicates that Windows Update encountered an invalid or unexpected value when attempting to execute a process. This can stem from corrupted data, incorrect system settings, or issues with how update components are configured.

Can antivirus software cause error 0x80070057?

Yes, third-party antivirus or security software can sometimes interfere with Windows Update processes, leading to error 0x80070057. Temporarily disabling or uninstalling such software can help determine if it is the cause.

Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Renaming or deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder is generally safe. This folder stores temporary files for Windows Update. When it's renamed or deleted, Windows Update will recreate it and re-download necessary files, which can resolve corruption issues.

How long do the SFC and DISM scans take?

The System File Checker (sfc /scannow) typically takes 5-15 minutes. The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM /RestoreHealth) command can take longer, ranging from 10-30 minutes or more, depending on system performance and the extent of corruption. It is important to let both commands complete fully.

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