Getting NVIDIA App Error 0x80070005? Read This First

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Okay, here is the detailed article on resolving NVIDIA App Error 0x80070005.

Getting NVIDIA App Error 0x80070005? Read This First

You’re excited to tweak your graphics settings, update your drivers for the latest game, or perhaps utilize one of the many features offered by the new NVIDIA App, the successor to GeForce Experience and the NVIDIA Control Panel. But instead of smooth sailing, you’re greeted with a cryptic and frustrating message: Error 0x80070005. This “Access Denied” error can stop you dead in your tracks, preventing the app from launching, installing, updating, or performing essential functions.

It’s a common roadblock for Windows users across various applications, but when it specifically targets your NVIDIA software, it directly impacts your gaming experience, creative workflows, and overall system performance managed by your powerful graphics card. The good news is that this error, while annoying, is usually solvable with a systematic approach.

This comprehensive guide is designed to be your first point of reference. We will delve deep into what Error 0x80070005 actually means in the context of the NVIDIA App, explore its most frequent causes, and provide detailed, step-by-step troubleshooting methods, ranging from simple checks to more advanced procedures. Before you resort to drastic measures like a full Windows reinstall, read this first.

Understanding Error 0x80070005: The “Access Denied” Culprit

At its core, the Windows error code 0x80070005 translates to E_ACCESSDENIED. This isn’t an error specific to NVIDIA; it’s a general Windows operating system error indicating that a program or process attempted to perform an action for which it lacks the necessary permissions.

Think of your Windows system like a building with many rooms (folders, files, registry keys, hardware resources). Certain actions, especially those involving system-level changes like installing drivers, modifying settings that affect hardware, or writing to protected system folders, require specific keys or authorization levels. When the NVIDIA App (or its related processes like the installer or updater) tries to open a door without the right key, Windows slams it shut and reports Error 0x80070005.

In the context of the NVIDIA App, this “Access Denied” message can manifest in several ways:

  1. Installation Failure: The installer cannot write necessary files to Program Files, ProgramData, or other system directories, or it cannot register components in the Windows Registry.
  2. Update Failure: The updater process lacks permission to download, unpack, or replace existing driver files or application components.
  3. Application Launch Failure: The app cannot access its own configuration files, essential DLLs, or required system resources upon startup.
  4. Feature Malfunction: Specific features within the app (like game optimization, ShadowPlay/recording, or driver downloads) might fail because the underlying processes lack permission to interact with games, hardware encoders, or network resources.
  5. Driver Installation Issues via the App: The app attempts to launch the driver installer, but either the app itself or the installer process it spawns lacks the elevated privileges needed.

The transition from GeForce Experience and the NVIDIA Control Panel to the unified NVIDIA App might also introduce scenarios where permissions set for the older software don’t correctly apply or migrate to the new application structure, leading to this error.

Understanding that this is fundamentally a permissions issue is key to resolving it effectively. Most troubleshooting steps will revolve around ensuring the NVIDIA App and its related services have the authorization they need to function correctly.

Common Causes Behind NVIDIA App Error 0x80070005

While insufficient permissions are the direct trigger, several underlying issues can cause this lack of access. Here are the most common culprits:

  1. Insufficient User Account Privileges: Running the NVIDIA App or its installer under a standard user account without administrative rights is a primary cause. Many NVIDIA operations require administrator-level access to modify system files and settings.
  2. Corrupted NVIDIA App Installation: If the initial installation was interrupted, or if some application files have become corrupted due to disk errors, malware, or interference from other software, the app might malfunction and trigger access errors.
  3. Corrupted NVIDIA Graphics Driver Installation: The NVIDIA App heavily relies on the graphics driver. If the driver installation is corrupt or incomplete, the app might fail to communicate correctly with the driver components, leading to various errors, including permission-related ones.
  4. Overly Aggressive Antivirus or Firewall: Security software can sometimes mistakenly identify legitimate NVIDIA processes or installation routines as suspicious (false positives). In an attempt to protect your system, it might block these processes from accessing required files or making system changes, resulting in Error 0x80070005.
  5. Incorrect File/Folder Permissions: Sometimes, the permissions specifically on the NVIDIA installation folders (e.g., C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation, C:\ProgramData\NVIDIA Corporation) or related system folders might become corrupted or incorrectly set. The necessary user groups (like SYSTEM or Administrators) might lack “Full Control”.
  6. Corrupted Windows System Files: Essential Windows operating system files that the NVIDIA App relies on might be corrupt. This can disrupt normal permission handling and process execution.
  7. Windows Update Issues: Pending, failed, or partially installed Windows updates can leave the system in an unstable state, potentially affecting file permissions and application compatibility.
  8. Registry Permission Problems: Similar to file/folder permissions, access rights for specific NVIDIA-related keys in the Windows Registry might be incorrect, preventing the app or drivers from reading or writing necessary configuration data.
  9. Conflicting Software: Other system utilities, overclocking tools, or even remnants of old graphics drivers (AMD, Intel, or previous NVIDIA versions) might conflict with the NVIDIA App’s operations.
  10. User Profile Corruption: In rare cases, the Windows user profile itself might be corrupted, leading to widespread permission issues across various applications, including the NVIDIA App.

Our troubleshooting strategy will systematically address these potential causes, starting with the simplest and most common solutions.

Prerequisites and Initial Checks (Do These First!)

Before diving into more complex fixes, perform these quick checks. They might resolve the issue with minimal effort:

  1. Restart Your Computer: This is the oldest trick in the book for a reason. A simple reboot clears temporary files, resets running processes, and can often resolve transient glitches, including temporary permission hiccups. Try restarting your PC and then launching the NVIDIA App again.
  2. Check NVIDIA Server Status: Although less likely to cause a local 0x80070005 error, if you’re experiencing issues specifically with downloading drivers or logging in, it’s worth checking if NVIDIA’s services are operational. Search online for “NVIDIA server status” or check NVIDIA’s support channels.
  3. Ensure Windows is Fully Updated: Outdated Windows versions can lead to compatibility issues.
    • Go to Settings > Update & Security (Windows Update in Windows 11).
    • Click Check for updates.
    • Install any available updates, including optional ones (especially .NET Framework or C++ Redistributable updates).
    • Restart your PC after updates are installed.
  4. Try Running as Administrator (One-Time Test): This quickly tests if basic administrator privileges are the immediate blocker.
    • Locate the NVIDIA App shortcut (usually on your Desktop or in the Start Menu).
    • Right-click the shortcut.
    • Select Run as administrator.
    • If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.
    • See if the app launches or performs the problematic action successfully. If this works, permanently running as administrator (Method 1 below) is a likely fix.

If these initial steps don’t resolve Error 0x80070005, proceed to the detailed troubleshooting methods below. Follow them in order, as they progress from less invasive to more comprehensive solutions.

Detailed Troubleshooting Methods for Error 0x80070005

Execute these methods one by one, testing the NVIDIA App after each attempt.

Method 1: Always Run NVIDIA App as Administrator

If the one-time “Run as administrator” test worked, or even if it didn’t, setting the application to always request elevated privileges can often resolve persistent permission issues.

  1. Locate the NVIDIA App Executable or Shortcut:
    • Shortcut: Find the NVIDIA App shortcut on your Desktop or in the Start Menu. Right-click it and select Properties.
    • Executable: If you don’t have a shortcut, navigate to the installation directory. This is typically C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NVIDIA App. Find the main executable file (likely nvidia app.exe or similar). Right-click it and select Properties.
  2. Access Compatibility Settings: In the Properties window, click on the Compatibility tab.
  3. Enable “Run this program as an administrator”: Under the Settings section, check the box labeled Run this program as an administrator.
  4. Apply Changes: Click Apply, and then click OK.
  5. Relaunch NVIDIA App: Try opening the NVIDIA App using the shortcut or executable you just modified. It should now prompt for UAC confirmation each time it starts, ensuring it runs with the necessary administrative rights.

Why this works: This forces Windows to grant the application the highest level of user privileges every time it runs, allowing it to access protected system areas it might need.

Note: If the “Run this program as an administrator” checkbox is greyed out, it might be managed by system policy, or you might be modifying the shortcut incorrectly. Ensure you are editing the properties of the actual shortcut or executable and that you have administrative rights on the PC.

Method 2: Verify and Correct Folder Permissions

Sometimes, the specific permissions on the folders where NVIDIA installs its software become corrupted or insufficient, even for administrators. You need to ensure your user account, the Administrators group, and the SYSTEM account have “Full Control”.

Target Folders:

  • C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation
  • C:\Program Files (x86)\NVIDIA Corporation (if it exists)
  • C:\ProgramData\NVIDIA Corporation (Note: ProgramData is a hidden folder. You may need to enable “Show hidden files, folders, and drives” in File Explorer’s View options).
  • Potentially: C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Local\NVIDIA and C:\Users\<YourUsername>\AppData\Roaming\NVIDIA (Also hidden folders).

Steps to Check and Grant Permissions (Repeat for each folder listed above):

  1. Navigate: Open File Explorer and go to the parent directory (e.g., C:\Program Files).
  2. Properties: Right-click on the NVIDIA Corporation folder (or the specific NVIDIA folder you are checking). Select Properties.
  3. Security Tab: Go to the Security tab.
  4. Check Existing Permissions: Look at the list under Group or user names. Select your current user account, the Administrators group, and the SYSTEM account one by one. Check the permissions listed in the box below. Ideally, Administrators and SYSTEM should have Full control checked under the Allow column. Your user account might also need it, though being part of the Administrators group often suffices.
  5. Edit Permissions (If Necessary): If the required permissions are missing or incorrect, click the Edit... button. (If Edit is greyed out, you might need to click Advanced first, potentially change the Owner to the Administrators group, apply it, close the windows, and re-open Properties > Security).
  6. Select User/Group: In the new window (Permissions for NVIDIA Corporation), select the user or group (SYSTEM, Administrators, or your user account) you want to modify permissions for.
  7. Grant Full Control: In the permissions list below, check the Allow box for Full control. This should automatically check all other Allow boxes below it.
  8. Apply Changes: Click Apply.
  9. Add User/Group (If Missing): If SYSTEM, Administrators, or your user account is completely missing from the list:
    • Click the Add... button.
    • In the Select Users or Groups window, type the name (SYSTEM, Administrators, or your Windows username) into the box labeled Enter the object names to select.
    • Click Check Names. Windows should find and underline the name.
    • Click OK.
    • The newly added user/group will appear in the list. Select it and grant Full control as described in step 7. Click Apply.
  10. Advanced – Ensure Inheritance and Replace Child Permissions (Crucial):
    • After granting basic permissions, click the Advanced button on the main Security tab.
    • Ensure that the SYSTEM and Administrators groups have Full control listed with Applies to set to This folder, subfolders and files.
    • Crucially: Check the box at the bottom labeled Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object.
    • Click Apply. You might see a Windows Security warning; click Yes to continue. This process can take a few moments as it propagates the permissions down through all subfolders and files.
    • Click OK on all open properties windows.
  11. Repeat for Other Folders: Perform these steps meticulously for all the NVIDIA-related folders listed earlier.
  12. Restart and Test: After correcting permissions for all relevant folders, restart your computer and try using the NVIDIA App again.

Why this works: This directly tackles corrupted or insufficient access rights on the specific files and folders the NVIDIA App needs to operate, ensuring the necessary accounts can read, write, modify, and execute files within these directories. Replacing child permissions ensures consistency throughout the installation structure.

Method 3: Perform a Clean Installation of NVIDIA Drivers and App using DDU

Corrupted driver or application files are a frequent cause of stubborn errors. A standard uninstall might leave behind problematic files, services, or registry entries. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) is a highly recommended third-party utility that thoroughly removes all traces of NVIDIA (or AMD/Intel) display drivers and associated software, allowing for a truly clean installation.

Warning: Using DDU is slightly more advanced. Follow the steps carefully. It’s generally safe but performs deep system cleaning. It’s also highly recommended to do this in Windows Safe Mode.

Steps:

  1. Download Necessary Files (IMPORTANT: Do this BEFORE running DDU):
    • DDU: Download the latest version of Display Driver Uninstaller from its official website (e.g., Wagnardsoft). Extract the downloaded file to a easily accessible location (like your Desktop).
    • Latest NVIDIA Driver: Go to the official NVIDIA Driver Downloads page. Manually select your GPU model, OS version, and download type (Game Ready Driver – GRD is recommended for most users). Save the installer file (.exe) to your computer (e.g., Downloads folder). Do NOT run it yet.
    • Latest NVIDIA App: Go to the official NVIDIA App page and download the latest installer. Save it alongside the driver installer. Do NOT run it yet.
  2. Disconnect from the Internet (Recommended): Unplug your Ethernet cable or disable your Wi-Fi connection. This prevents Windows Update from automatically trying to install a generic display driver after you uninstall the current one but before you install the fresh one.
  3. Boot into Windows Safe Mode:
    • Windows 10: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery. Under Advanced startup, click Restart now. After restart, choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. Press the key corresponding to Enable Safe Mode (usually 4 or F4).
    • Windows 11: Go to Settings > System > Recovery. Next to Advanced startup, click Restart now. Confirm by clicking Restart now again. Then follow the same path: Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart. Press the key for Enable Safe Mode (4 or F4).
  4. Run DDU:
    • Once in Safe Mode, navigate to the folder where you extracted DDU.
    • Double-click Display Driver Uninstaller.exe.
    • You might see some first-time use options; generally, the defaults are fine. You can disable the creation of System Restore points if you’re confident, but leaving it enabled is safer. Click Close on the options window.
    • On the main DDU window:
      • Select GPU from the Select device type dropdown (it should default to this).
      • Select NVIDIA from the Select device dropdown (it should auto-detect this).
      • Click the Clean and restart button. This is the recommended option.
    • DDU will now thoroughly remove all NVIDIA display drivers, control panels, GeForce Experience remnants, and the NVIDIA App files and registry entries. The computer will automatically restart into normal Windows mode once completed.
  5. Install the NVIDIA Driver (After Restart):
    • Once back in normal Windows (and still preferably disconnected from the internet), navigate to where you saved the NVIDIA driver installer (.exe) file.
    • Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator.
    • Agree to the license terms.
    • Choose the Custom (Advanced) installation option, then click Next.
    • Crucially: On the Custom installation options screen, check the box at the bottom labeled Perform a clean installation. This ensures any potentially remaining conflicting settings are reset.
    • Select the components you wish to install (usually Graphics Driver, PhysX System Software, HD Audio Driver are recommended). You can choose whether to install GeForce Experience if offered, but since we’re focusing on the NVIDIA App, you might skip it if you plan to install the App separately.
    • Click Next and let the installation complete. It might involve screen flickering, which is normal.
  6. Install the NVIDIA App:
    • After the driver installation is finished, navigate to where you saved the NVIDIA App installer.
    • Right-click the installer and select Run as administrator.
    • Follow the on-screen prompts to install the NVIDIA App.
  7. Reconnect to the Internet: Once both the driver and the app are installed, you can re-enable your Wi-Fi or plug your Ethernet cable back in.
  8. Restart Your Computer (Optional but Recommended): Perform one final restart to ensure all changes take effect cleanly.
  9. Test: Launch the NVIDIA App and check if Error 0x80070005 is resolved.

Why this works: DDU provides the most thorough removal possible, eliminating corrupt files, conflicting registry entries, and problematic services that standard uninstallers might miss. Performing a clean installation of both the driver and the app on this cleaned foundation ensures everything is set up correctly from scratch, often resolving deep-seated conflicts and permission issues tied to the old installation.

Method 4: Temporarily Disable Antivirus/Firewall Software

Your security suite might be overly cautious and block legitimate NVIDIA processes. Temporarily disabling it can help diagnose if it’s the cause.

Warning: Disabling your security software leaves your system vulnerable. Only do this for testing purposes and immediately re-enable it or add exceptions afterward. Ensure you are not browsing suspicious websites or downloading files during this time.

Steps:

  1. Locate Your Antivirus/Firewall: Look for its icon in the system tray (the area near the clock on your taskbar). Common examples include Windows Security (Defender), McAfee, Norton, Avast, AVG, Bitdefender, Kaspersky, etc.
  2. Temporarily Disable: Right-click the icon. Look for options like Disable protection, Exit, Disable Firewall, Silent Mode, or similar terms. The exact wording varies greatly between products. Choose to disable it temporarily (e.g., for 15 minutes, 1 hour, or until the next restart). You might need to disable both the real-time scanning/antivirus component and the firewall component separately.
  3. Test NVIDIA App: With the security software temporarily disabled, try launching the NVIDIA App or performing the action that previously triggered Error 0x80070005 (e.g., installing an update).
  4. Analyze Results:
    • If the error is gone: Your security software is likely the culprit. You need to re-enable it immediately and then configure exceptions (exclusions) for NVIDIA processes and folders.
    • If the error persists: Your security software is probably not the cause. Re-enable it immediately for protection. You can then move on to the next troubleshooting method.
  5. Adding Exceptions (If Security Software Was the Cause):
    • Re-enable your security software.
    • Open its main interface/dashboard.
    • Look for settings related to Exclusions, Exceptions, Allowed List, or Whitelisting. This is often found under General Settings, Antivirus Settings, Firewall Settings, or Threat Protection.
    • Add exclusions for the following (browse to the locations):
      • Folders:
        • C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\
        • C:\Program Files (x86)\NVIDIA Corporation\ (if exists)
        • C:\ProgramData\NVIDIA Corporation\
      • Specific Executables (may be necessary):
        • The main nvidia app.exe (in C:\Program Files\NVIDIA Corporation\NVIDIA App\)
        • Other relevant executables like NVIDIA Share.exe, nvcontainer.exe, NVIDIA Web Helper.exe found within the NVIDIA Corporation folders.
        • The NVIDIA driver and app installer files if installation is being blocked.
    • Save the changes in your security software.
    • Restart your computer and test again.

Why this works: By temporarily removing the security software’s interference, you can determine if it’s incorrectly blocking NVIDIA’s necessary operations. Adding specific exceptions tells the security software to trust these files and folders, allowing them to run without hindrance while keeping the rest of your system protected.

Method 5: Repair Corrupted Windows System Files (SFC and DISM)

Corrupted core Windows files can cause widespread issues, including permission errors. Windows includes built-in tools to scan for and repair these files.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Click the Start button.
    • Type cmd or Command Prompt.
    • Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results.
    • Select Run as administrator.
    • Click Yes on the UAC prompt.
  2. Run System File Checker (SFC):
    • In the black Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
      bash
      sfc /scannow
    • Windows will now scan protected system files and attempt to replace any corrupted versions with cached copies. This process can take some time (5-20 minutes or more). Do not close the Command Prompt window during the scan.
    • Wait for the scan to complete. You’ll see one of several messages:
      • Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations. (No corrupt files found, move to DISM).
      • Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. (Files were fixed, restart PC and test NVIDIA App).
      • Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. (Proceed to DISM steps).
      • Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation. (Try running SFC in Safe Mode, or proceed to DISM).
  3. Run Deployment Imaging Servicing and Management (DISM):
    • If SFC couldn’t fix files or you want to be thorough, run the DISM tool. It can repair the underlying Windows component store image, which SFC uses for repairs.
    • Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each and waiting for it to complete:
      • Check if the component store is repairable:
        bash
        DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
      • Scan the component store for corruption (more thorough check):
        bash
        DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
      • Repair the component store using Windows Update (requires internet connection):
        bash
        DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
    • These DISM commands, especially /RestoreHealth, can also take a significant amount of time. Be patient.
  4. Restart Your Computer: After running SFC and/or DISM, restart your PC to ensure all repairs are applied.
  5. Test NVIDIA App: Check if the error is resolved.

Why this works: SFC and DISM directly address the health of the operating system itself. If core Windows files related to permissions, process management, or component registration were damaged, these tools can repair them, potentially fixing the root cause of the NVIDIA App’s access denied error.

Method 6: Check and Reset Windows Update Components

Problems with the Windows Update service and its components can sometimes spill over into general system instability and permission issues. Resetting these components can help.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator: (As described in Method 5, Step 1).
  2. Stop Windows Update Services: Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    bash
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
    (You might get messages saying a service is not started; this is okay).
  3. Rename SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 Folders: These folders store Windows Update temporary files and signatures. Renaming them forces Windows to recreate them cleanly. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    bash
    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
  4. Restart Windows Update Services: Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    bash
    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver
  5. Restart Your Computer: Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.
  6. Check for Windows Updates Again: After restarting, go back to Settings > Windows Update and manually Check for updates. Windows will recreate the necessary folders and download fresh update information.
  7. Test NVIDIA App: Once Windows Update is functioning correctly, test the NVIDIA App.

Why this works: Corrupted update cache or configuration files within the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders can interfere with various system processes, including those relied upon by NVIDIA software. Resetting these components ensures Windows Update is working from a clean slate, which can resolve underlying conflicts.

Advanced Troubleshooting (Use with Caution)

If the methods above haven’t worked, consider these more advanced steps. Proceed carefully, especially with registry edits.

Method 7: Check/Modify Registry Permissions (Extreme Caution Advised!)

WARNING: Editing the Windows Registry incorrectly can cause severe system instability or prevent Windows from starting. Back up your registry before making any changes. Proceed only if you are comfortable working within the Registry Editor. If unsure, skip this method.

  • Backup Registry: Open Registry Editor (regedit). Go to File > Export. Choose All under Export range, give the file a name (e.g., RegistryBackup_Date), choose a safe location, and click Save.

Potential Target Keys:

  • HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\NVIDIA Corporation
  • HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\NVIDIA Corporation
  • Potentially other related keys if identified through specific error logs.

Steps (Similar to Folder Permissions):

  1. Open Registry Editor (regedit) as Administrator (Search regedit, right-click, Run as administrator).
  2. Navigate to one of the keys listed above (e.g., HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\NVIDIA Corporation).
  3. Right-click on the NVIDIA Corporation key (folder icon) in the left pane.
  4. Select Permissions....
  5. Check if SYSTEM and Administrators have Full Control allowed. Check your user account too.
  6. If permissions are missing or incorrect, click Add... to add the necessary group/user (SYSTEM, Administrators) or select an existing one and check the Allow box for Full Control.
  7. Click Advanced.
  8. Ensure SYSTEM and Administrators have Full control applying to This key and subkeys.
  9. Check the box Replace all child object permission entries with inheritable permission entries from this object.
  10. Click Apply, then OK.
  11. Repeat for the other key (HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\NVIDIA Corporation).
  12. Close Registry Editor and restart your computer.
  13. Test NVIDIA App.

Why this might work: Just like file folders, registry keys have permissions. If these permissions are corrupted, NVIDIA software might be blocked from reading or writing essential configuration data stored in the registry.

Method 8: Create a New Windows User Account

This helps determine if the issue is specific to your user profile, which might be corrupted.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users (or just Other users depending on Windows version).
  2. Click Add someone else to this PC or Add account.
  3. Choose I don't have this person's sign-in information.
  4. Choose Add a user without a Microsoft account.
  5. Enter a username (e.g., TestNvidia) and optionally a password. Click Next.
  6. Once the new local account is created, click on it in the Other users list.
  7. Click Change account type.
  8. Select Administrator from the dropdown menu. Click OK.
  9. Log Out and Log In: Sign out of your current Windows account and sign in to the new TestNvidia (or whatever you named it) administrator account.
  10. Test NVIDIA App: Try installing (if not installed system-wide) or running the NVIDIA App within this new user profile.
  11. Analyze Results:
    • If the NVIDIA App works perfectly in the new account: This strongly suggests your original user profile is corrupted. You might consider migrating your important data (documents, pictures, etc.) from your old profile to the new one and using the new account going forward. Repairing a corrupted user profile can be complex.
    • If the error persists even in the new administrator account: The problem is likely system-wide (drivers, core OS files, permissions outside the user profile) and not related to your specific user profile corruption.

Why this works: Creating a fresh user account generates a new profile with default settings and permissions. If the app works here, it isolates the problem to files or settings within your original corrupted profile.

Method 9: Perform a Windows Reset/Refresh (Last Resort Before Reinstall)

If all else fails, resetting Windows might be necessary. This reinstalls Windows but gives you the option to keep your personal files. However, it will remove most installed applications (including the NVIDIA App and drivers), so you’ll need to reinstall them.

CRITICAL: Back up all important personal data to an external drive or cloud storage before proceeding with a reset. While the “Keep my files” option aims to preserve data in your user folders, errors can happen.

Steps:

  1. Go to Settings > Update & Security (System in Win 11) > Recovery.
  2. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
  3. Choose the option Keep my files. (Choosing Remove everything is a more drastic step, closer to a clean install).
  4. You might be asked to choose between Cloud download (downloads a fresh copy of Windows) or Local reinstall (uses files already on your system). Cloud download is often more reliable if your local files might be corrupt, but it requires a good internet connection.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts carefully. Confirm the list of apps that will be removed.
  6. The reset process will take a considerable amount of time, and your PC will restart multiple times.
  7. Post-Reset: Once Windows is reset, you will need to:
    • Install all necessary drivers (including the NVIDIA graphics driver – download the latest version again).
    • Install the NVIDIA App.
    • Reinstall any other applications you need.
    • Restore your personal data from backup if necessary.
  8. Test the NVIDIA App.

Why this works: A reset essentially rebuilds the Windows operating system environment, clearing out deep-seated corruption, conflicting settings, problematic registry entries, and incorrect permissions that other methods couldn’t fix, while attempting to preserve user data.

Preventative Measures: Avoiding Error 0x80070005 in the Future

While you can’t guarantee you’ll never see this error again, following good practices can reduce the likelihood:

  • Keep Windows Updated: Install Windows updates promptly.
  • Update NVIDIA Software Regularly: Use the NVIDIA App or website to keep drivers and the app itself up-to-date, but avoid interrupting the update process.
  • Use Administrator Rights Sensibly: Run installers and updaters as administrator. Consider setting the NVIDIA App to always run as admin if needed (Method 1).
  • Maintain Security Software: Keep your antivirus updated, but be aware of its potential for false positives. Configure exclusions for trusted software like NVIDIA if necessary.
  • Avoid Interrupting Installations: Ensure stable power and internet when installing drivers or large applications.
  • Be Cautious with System Tools: Avoid using registry cleaners or aggressive system “optimization” tools, as they can sometimes damage permissions or system files.
  • Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of your important data.

When to Seek Further Help

If you’ve exhausted all the steps in this guide and Error 0x80070005 persists, it might be time to seek more specific assistance:

  1. Official NVIDIA Support: Visit the NVIDIA support website. Look for knowledge base articles, live chat options, or ways to submit a support ticket. Provide detailed information about your system (OS version, GPU model, driver version, NVIDIA App version), the exact error message, and all the troubleshooting steps you’ve already tried.
  2. NVIDIA Forums: The official NVIDIA GeForce forums are a valuable resource. Search for existing threads about Error 0x80070005. If you can’t find a solution, create a new post with detailed information about your problem and the steps taken. Community members and NVIDIA representatives sometimes monitor these forums.
  3. Community Forums: Websites like Reddit (e.g., r/nvidia, r/techsupport) or other tech forums can also be helpful. Again, provide as much detail as possible.

Conclusion

Encountering the NVIDIA App Error 0x80070005, the infamous “Access Denied,” is undoubtedly frustrating, especially when it hinders access to crucial graphics card features and updates. However, as we’ve explored, this error typically stems from permission-related issues within the Windows environment.

By systematically working through the troubleshooting steps outlined in this guide – starting with simple restarts and administrative rights, progressing through permission checks, clean installations using DDU, system file repairs, and security software checks, and only resorting to advanced methods like registry edits or a Windows reset when necessary – you stand a very good chance of resolving the problem.

Patience and meticulous execution are key. Remember to test the NVIDIA App after each significant method. Understanding that the core issue is usually about the NVIDIA App not having the required “keys” to access system resources helps frame the troubleshooting process logically. With persistence, you should be able to banish Error 0x80070005 and get back to enjoying the full capabilities of your NVIDIA hardware and software.

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