How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070057

Error 0x80070057 often appears with “The parameter is incorrect.” It can show up in Windows Update, File History, backups, or System Restore, so the fix depends on which tool is failing.

This guide applies to Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Does This Affect You?

The common causes are incorrect time or region settings, corrupted update or restore files, and a backup or restore location Windows cannot read reliably. Start with the quick settings checks, then reset update components and repair system files.

Check Date, Time, and Region

1. Right-click the clock and choose Adjust date and time.
2. Turn on Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
3. Open Settings > Time & Language > Language & region.
4. Confirm Country or region matches your location.
5. Restart and try the update, backup, or restore again.

Reset Windows Update Components

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run net stop wuauserv, net stop bits, and net stop cryptsvc.
3. Run ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old.
4. Run ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.old.
5. Restart the services with net start wuauserv, net start bits, and net start cryptsvc.
6. Restart and check for updates again.

Repair System Files

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Run sfc /scannow and wait for it to finish.
3. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
4. Restart, then retry Windows Update, File History, or System Restore.

If It Happens During Backup or Restore

Check Free Space

File History and System Restore need free room on the system drive and backup drive. If either has very little free space, clear space first.

Check the Backup Location

If you restore from an external or network drive, make sure it is connected and the folder path is not extremely long or deeply nested.

Reset System Protection

If System Restore keeps failing, open System Protection, turn protection off for the drive, apply, then turn it back on. This recreates restore point storage.

Sources

• Microsoft Support: Fix Windows Update errors
• Microsoft Support: Windows Update error codes explained
• Microsoft Learn: Troubleshoot System Restore in Windows

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