How to fix error 0x80070057 (the parameter is incorrect)
This generic Windows code shows up during updates, file copies, backups and installs. The right fix depends on your situation, so jump to your scenario below or work through the methods in order.
By Neeraj Singh ~8 min Updated Jun 2026 98% found this helpful
Error message
Error 0x80070057: The parameter is incorrect.
Summary
Error 0x80070057 means the parameter is incorrect, a generic Windows code (HRESULT -2147024809) that fires when an operation receives a value it cannot read. It shows up most often during Windows Update, when copying files to a USB or external drive, during a backup or while installing Windows. The fastest path is to free up disk space, run the Windows Update troubleshooter, then repair system files with SFC and DISM. For copy and backup errors, format the target drive to NTFS.
What this error means
Error 0x80070057 is a generic Windows code that means the parameter is incorrect. Its HRESULT decimal value is -2147024809 and its Win32 equivalent is error 87, ERROR_INVALID_PARAMETER. Windows raises it when a process passes a value that a system function cannot read. That happens most while running Windows Update, copying files to a USB or external drive, backing up or installing Windows.
Because the code is generic, the right fix depends on what you were doing when it appeared. It is almost always fixable without reinstalling Windows, since the cause is usually a settings, disk space or file integrity issue rather than failing hardware.
Common causes
Corrupt or incomplete Windows Update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder.
Not enough free space on the system drive or the drive you are writing to.
The target drive is FAT32 or wrongly formatted, so a file over 4 GB will not copy or back up.
Corrupt or missing system files, often after an interrupted update.
File system errors or bad sectors on the drive.
The regional decimal symbol is set to something other than a full stop, which trips some backups and installers.
A third party antivirus or storage driver blocking the operation.
Expert insight
“The mistake I see most is people assuming 0x80070057 means a dead drive. It rarely does. This is a generic the parameter is incorrect error, so the fix depends on what you were doing. For updates, repair the system files with SFC and DISM and reset the update components. For file copies and backups, free up space and make sure the target drive is formatted as NTFS. Work through it by scenario and you almost never need to reinstall Windows.”
Manager, Tech Support & Operations · 19+ years fixing Windows and system errors
✓ How to fix it
Method 1Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
1Open Settings with Win + I.
2On Windows 11 go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters. On Windows 10 go to Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters.
3Click Run next to Windows Update and apply any fix it suggests.
4Restart your PC and try the update again.
Method 2Free up disk space
1Open Settings → System → Storage and check free space on the drive Windows is installed on.
2Turn on Storage Sense or open Cleanup recommendations to clear temporary and old update files.
3
For a deeper clean, run Disk Cleanup:
cleanmgr
4Leave at least 10 GB free, then retry the task that failed.
Method 3Repair system files with SFC and DISM
1Search cmd, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
2
Run the System File Checker and wait for it to finish:
sfc /scannow
3
Then repair the component store with DISM:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
4Restart and try again. On stubborn cases it helps to run both commands a second time.
Method 4Reset Windows Update components
1A corrupt update cache is the most common cause during Windows Update. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2
Stop the update services, rename the cache folders, then start the services again:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
3Restart your PC and run Windows Update once more.
Method 5Fix file copy and backup errors
1Check that the target drive has more free space than the data you are copying or backing up.
2If a single file is over 4 GB and the drive is FAT32, it will not copy. FAT32 has a 4 GB per file limit, a frequent cause on USB sticks and external drives.
3Move anything you need off the drive, then format it to NTFS (or exFAT for cross-device use). Right-click the drive in File Explorer and choose Format. Formatting erases the drive, so copy its contents off first.
4If only some files fail, shorten very long file names or move the data to a shorter folder path, then copy again.
Method 6Check the drive for errors with CHKDSK
1
In an elevated Command Prompt, scan and repair the drive (replace C: with the affected drive):
chkdsk C: /f /r
2If the drive is in use, type Y to schedule the check on the next restart.
3Reboot and let CHKDSK complete before signing back in.
Method 7Reset the regional decimal symbol
1This helps when the error appears during a backup or an installer. Press Win + R, type intl.cpl and press Enter.
2On the Formats tab click Additional settings.
3Set Decimal symbol to a single full stop . and Digit grouping symbol to a comma ,.
4Click Apply then OK, and retry the operation that failed.
Method 8Rule out antivirus or driver conflicts
1Third party antivirus and storage drivers can intercept an operation and pass a bad value. Temporarily disable your third party security software, then retry.
2For a cleaner test, start a clean boot. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and on the Services tab tick Hide all Microsoft services, then disable the rest.
3Restart, reproduce the task, then re-enable your software once the error is gone.
Installing Windows? If 0x80070057 appears while formatting or creating a partition, delete the existing partitions in Setup and let Windows recreate them automatically. A partition that is too small or wrongly formatted is a common trigger.
Frequently asked questions
What does error 0x80070057 mean?
It is a generic Windows code for the parameter is incorrect, HRESULT -2147024809 and Win32 error 87. A process passed a value Windows could not read, so the cause depends on the task, usually an update, a file copy, a backup or an install.
How do I fix error 0x80070057 quickly?
Free up disk space, run the Windows Update troubleshooter, then run sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. For copy or backup errors, format the target drive to NTFS.
Can Windows Update cause error 0x80070057?
Yes. A corrupt update cache is a common cause. Resetting the Windows Update components by renaming the SoftwareDistribution folder usually clears it.
Why does 0x80070057 happen when copying files?
Most often the target drive is FAT32, which cannot hold a single file over 4 GB. Format the drive to NTFS or exFAT, or shorten a very long file path.
Is error 0x80070057 a sign of a failing drive?
Usually not. It is almost always a settings, disk space or file integrity issue. If a drive will not open and reports the parameter is incorrect, back up your data and test the drive on another PC.
Will these fixes delete my files?
No. sfc, DISM and chkdsk repair Windows without removing personal files. Formatting a drive in Method 5 does erase that drive, so copy its contents off first.
Still not working?
If none of the methods above resolve it, the issue may be a failing disk or a deeper update problem. Try updating your storage drivers, testing the drive on another PC or running the Windows Update troubleshooter. You can also submit your error to us for a tailored fix.
