What is WU-0x80070057?
WU-0x80070057 is a medium-severity Windows operating system problem. Windows cannot check for or install updates. Error code: 0x80070057. Common triggers are corrupt SoftwareDistribution folder and stopped BITS service. Use the steps below to track down and fix the cause.
Common Causes
- Corrupt SoftwareDistribution folder
- Stopped BITS service
- Error connecting to server
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Restart Windows Update
Restart Windows Update is the first thing worth trying, since it resolves WU-0x80070057 for most affected systems.
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2
Clear the update cache
If the problem isn't fully resolved yet, the remaining steps rule out the less frequent windows instability triggers.
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3
Run the WU Troubleshooter
"Run the WU Troubleshooter" covers a less common but documented cause of WU-0x80070057.
Commands & Diagnostics
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Frequently Asked Questions
Corrupt SoftwareDistribution folder accounts for the majority of WU-0x80070057 reports; stopped BITS service and error connecting to server come up less often but are documented.
Try "Restart Windows Update" first — it resolves most WU-0x80070057 cases on its own. Only work through the rest of the guide above if it comes back.
WU-0x80070057 is a medium-severity issue. It can affect system stability, but the fix steps above typically resolve it without lasting damage.
In most cases, yes — the guide above resolves WU-0x80070057 without a clean install. Treat a reinstall as the last resort, not the first move.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including WU-0x80070057. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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