| Problem | Common Cause | Primary Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Chrome Error 0x80070005 | Permission Restrictions / Access Denied | Run Chrome as Administrator |
What is Chrome Update Failed Error 0x80070005?
Error 0x80070005 is a common Windows error code that translates to “Access Denied.” When this occurs during a Google Chrome update, it means the browser does not have the necessary permissions to write new files to the installation folder.
This issue often stems from administrative restrictions, overprotective antivirus software, or corrupted registry keys. It prevents the Google Update service from completing the installation of the latest security patches and features.
Step-by-Step Solutions
1. Run Google Chrome as Administrator
The simplest way to bypass “Access Denied” errors is to grant the application elevated privileges. This allows Chrome to modify files in the Program Files directory.
Close Chrome completely. Right-click the Google Chrome icon on your desktop and select Run as administrator. Navigate to Settings > About Chrome to trigger the update again.
2. Check Folder Permissions
If your user account lacks write access to the Google update folder, the update will fail. You must manually verify the security settings for the Chrome installation path.
Navigate to C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\. Right-click the Update folder and select Properties. Under the Security tab, ensure your user profile or “Users” has “Full Control” or “Write” permissions enabled.
3. Use Command Prompt to Reset Services
Sometimes the Google Update services become stuck or unresponsive. You can force-restart these services using the Command Prompt to clear the 0x80070005 state.
net stop gupdate
net stop gupdatem
sc start gupdate
sc start gupdatemAfter running these commands, restart your computer and attempt the update through the browser settings again.
4. Disable Third-Party Antivirus
Strict antivirus suites can block the Google Update executable because it attempts to modify system-level files. This is frequently flagged as suspicious behavior.
Temporarily disable your “Real-time protection” or “File Shield” in your antivirus settings. Try updating Chrome immediately. Remember to re-enable your protection once the update is successful.
5. Use the Standalone Chrome Installer
If the internal updater continues to fail, the standalone (offline) installer can often overwrite the permission issues. It carries all the necessary files without relying on the background update service.
Download the official Google Chrome standalone installer. Run the executable as an administrator. It will detect your current version and repair the installation while updating you to the latest build.