Quick Answer:
Error 0x80070570 means “the file or directory is corrupted and unreadable” (ERROR_FILE_CORRUPT). It usually appears during Windows installation, a Windows Update, or while copying/deleting files, and is caused by a corrupted update cache, a damaged installation drive, or bad sectors on the disk. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clear the SoftwareDistribution cache, and check the disk with CHKDSK and SFC to fix it in most cases.
If you have hit error 0x80070570 while installing Windows, running a Windows Update, or moving files between drives, you are not alone — it is one of the most reported Windows error codes. The good news is that it is well understood, and in almost every case it can be fixed without reinstalling Windows or losing your files. This guide walks through exactly what causes it and how to resolve it, step by step, on Windows 10 and Windows 11.
What Does Error 0x80070570 Mean?
Error 0x80070570 is a Windows system error code that translates to ERROR_FILE_CORRUPT. In plain terms, Windows tried to read a file it needed — for an update, an installation, or a simple copy/move operation — and the file (or the directory holding it) was unreadable. It is not a virus warning and it does not always mean your hard drive is failing, but it does mean Windows could not verify the integrity of a file it needed at that moment.
You will typically see it in one of three situations:
- During a Windows Update — the update package downloaded but a piece of it is corrupted.
- During Windows installation or upgrade — the USB drive or ISO file used to install Windows is damaged or was written incorrectly.
- While copying, moving, or deleting files — the source file, the destination drive, or the file system itself has an error.
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Common Causes of 0x80070570
Before jumping into fixes, it helps to know why this happens. Here are the most frequent root causes:
| Cause | Typical Scenario |
|---|---|
| Corrupted update cache | Windows Update fails partway through downloading |
| Damaged installation media | USB drive or DVD used to install Windows |
| Bad sectors or file system errors | Aging hard drive or improper shutdown |
| Security software interference | Antivirus blocks update file extraction |
| Faulty RAM | Memory errors corrupt data mid-write |
How to Fix Error 0x80070570
Work through these fixes in order. Most people resolve the error at Fix 2 or Fix 3.
Fix 1: Restart and Retry
This sounds too simple, but a restart clears temporary locks on files and background processes that may be holding a file open. Restart your PC and retry the update, copy, or installation before doing anything else.
Fix 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
If the error appears during a Windows Update, this built-in tool resolves it automatically in most cases.
- Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Run Windows Update and apply any recommended fix.
- Restart and check for updates again.
Fix 3: Clear the Software Distribution Cache
A corrupted update cache is the single most common cause of 0x80070570 during Windows Update. Clearing it forces Windows to re-download clean files.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run
net stop wuauservandnet stop bits. - Delete the contents of
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. - Run
net start wuauservandnet start bits, then retry the update.
Fix 4: Check the Disk with CHKDSK
If bad sectors or file system errors are the cause, CHKDSK will scan and repair them.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run
chkdsk C: /f /rand confirm the scan on next restart if prompted. - Let the scan complete fully — this can take time on larger drives.
Fix 5: Run SFC and DISM
These two built-in tools repair damaged system files that CHKDSK cannot fix.
- Run
sfc /scannowand wait for it to complete. - Then run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. - Restart your PC once both finish.
Fix 6: Use a Different Installation Drive
If the error appears while installing or upgrading Windows, the installation media itself is likely damaged. Create a fresh bootable USB drive using the Media Creation Tool and use a different USB stick if possible, then retry the installation.
Fix 7: Temporarily Disable Antivirus
Some third-party antivirus tools block Windows from extracting update files. Temporarily disable your antivirus, retry the update, and re-enable it immediately afterward.
When to Consider a Repair Install
If you have tried every fix above and error 0x80070570 still appears, especially alongside repeated disk errors, it may indicate a failing hard drive. Back up your important files immediately, then consider a full disk health check with the manufacturer’s diagnostic tool, or an in-place repair install of Windows using the Media Creation Tool.
Key Takeaways
- Error 0x80070570 means a file or directory Windows needed is corrupted and unreadable.
- It most often appears during Windows Update, Windows installation, or file transfers.
- Clearing the update cache and running CHKDSK/SFC fixes the majority of cases.
- Persistent errors after all fixes may point to a failing hard drive — back up your data.
For the official Microsoft troubleshooting steps specific to Windows Update scenarios, see the Microsoft Learn support article on error 0x80070570. If you are also dealing with a different update failure, our latest technology and error-fix guides cover other common Windows error codes as well.
TL;DR: Error 0x80070570 (ERROR_FILE_CORRUPT) means Windows could not read a file or directory it needed, usually during an update, installation, or file transfer. Restart your PC, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clear the SoftwareDistribution cache, and run CHKDSK plus SFC/DISM to fix it. If the error persists after all fixes, back up your files and check for failing hardware.
Freddy John writes on Windows troubleshooting, error codes, and consumer tech at seminarsonly.com/news. Guides are tested on current Windows 10 and 11 builds and updated as fixes change.
