Error code 0x80070057 is a common Windows 10 issue that usually appears during Windows Update, system backup, file copying, or Windows installation. The message often translates to “The parameter is incorrect”, which is Windows’ polite way of saying something important is misconfigured.
Below is a complete, step-by-step guide to understand the cause and fix the problem permanently.
What Causes Error Code 0x80070057?
This error can be triggered by one or more of the following:
- Corrupted Windows Update components
- Incorrect registry values
- Damaged system files
- Disk or file system errors
- Incorrect regional or language settings
- Failing storage device (HDD or SSD)
The fix depends on where the error appears, but the methods below cover all common scenarios.
Solution 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
If the error occurs during a Windows update:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings
- Go to Update & Security
- Select Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters
- Click Windows Update → Run the troubleshooter
Restart your computer after completion and try updating again.
Solution 2: Reset Windows Update Components
Corrupted update cache files are a major cause.
- Press Windows + R, type
cmd - Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator
- Enter the following commands one by one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Restart your PC and retry the operation.
Solution 3: Check and Repair System Files
System file corruption often leads to this error.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Run the System File Checker:
sfc /scannow
- After it finishes, run DISM:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart the system once completed.
Solution 4: Check Disk for Errors
Disk-level problems can cause incorrect parameters.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Run:
chkdsk C: /f /r
- Type Y and restart your computer
The scan may take time depending on disk size.
Solution 5: Fix Registry Values (Advanced Users)
Incorrect registry values can trigger this error, especially during backup or updates.
⚠️ Warning: Editing the registry incorrectly can damage Windows. Create a restore point first.
- Press Windows + R, type
regedit - Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsUpdate\UX
- Check that these values exist:
IsConvergedUpdateStackEnabled=0UxOption=0
If missing, create them as DWORD (32-bit) values.
Restart the computer afterward.
Solution 6: Verify Regional and Language Settings
Incorrect locale settings can interfere with updates.
- Open Settings → Time & Language
- Set Region correctly
- Ensure Windows display language matches your region
- Restart the system
Solution 7: Perform a Clean Boot
Third-party software may conflict with Windows services.
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig - Go to Services tab
- Check Hide all Microsoft services
- Click Disable all
- Restart Windows
If the error disappears, re-enable services gradually to find the cause.
Solution 8: Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)
If none of the above methods work:
- Back up important data
- Use Windows 10 Media Creation Tool
- Perform a repair install or clean installation
This guarantees removal of deeply rooted system corruption.
Conclusion
Error code 0x80070057 in Windows 10 is frustrating but fixable. In most cases, resetting Windows Update components or repairing system files resolves the issue. Advanced fixes like registry edits or disk repair should only be used if basic solutions fail.
If the error keeps returning after all fixes, hardware failure (especially the storage drive) should be considered.