How do I fix Microsoft Flight Simulator error 0x80070005?

Microsoft Flight Simulator error 0x80070005 means Windows has denied access to a file, folder, service or digital licence. On PC, fix it by confirming the owning account, repairing the Xbox/Store components and Gaming Services, checking security software and install-folder permissions, then repairing the simulator only if those steps fail.

The code is the Windows Access denied error. It can affect both Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, but it does not identify the blocked component. Where the error appears determines which fix is most likely to work.

What causes MSFS error 0x80070005?

Which fixes should I try first?

1. Restart Windows and reproduce the error. Close Microsoft Flight Simulator, Steam, the Xbox app and Microsoft Store before restarting. Record whether the code appears while installing, launching or downloading a specific content package; that distinction prevents unnecessary reinstalls.
2. Check the account that owns the licence. For an Xbox app or Microsoft Store installation, confirm that the Store account owns the game or has the applicable subscription, and that the Xbox app is using the intended profile. Steam editions obtain the game licence through Steam, although the simulator still requires its Microsoft/Xbox sign-in.
3. Update and repair the Windows gaming components. Install pending app updates from the Microsoft Store Library. In Windows Settings, open Apps, select the Xbox app, Microsoft Store and Gaming Services in turn, then use Repair under Advanced options where it is offered. Restart Windows afterwards. If the Store cache still appears stuck, close the Store, run wsreset.exe, and sign in again.
4. Use Reset only after Repair fails. Resetting an app removes its local app data and signs you out. Reset the Xbox app, Store or Gaming Services before resetting Microsoft Flight Simulator itself, because resetting the simulator can make an existing content installation appear missing until the correct Packages folder is selected again.
5. Check the install drive and Packages folder. Confirm that the drive is connected, has free space and retains the same drive letter. A custom Packages folder must allow your Windows account to modify and write files; avoid placing it inside a cloud-synchronised or unusually restricted directory. Our guide to the different Steam, Store and Xbox app installation paths explains which folders are protected and which contain the downloadable simulator packages.
6. Inspect Windows Security and antivirus history. Look for a quarantined or blocked simulator, launcher or Gaming Services file. If Controlled folder access blocked the application, permit the legitimate executable through that feature rather than switching protection off permanently. Third-party security software may need an equivalent exception for the simulator and its Packages folder.
7. Test elevated access once. Running Steam, the Xbox app or the simulator as administrator for one test can confirm a permissions problem. If that works, repair the affected folder permissions or security rule; do not rely on permanent administrator access as the final solution.
8. Repair the correct game edition. For Microsoft Store or Xbox app copies, use the simulator's Repair option in Windows before considering Reset. For Steam, verify the installed game files through Steam. These operations repair the launcher and base files, but they may not repair a damaged custom Packages location.

Do not take ownership of WindowsApps or grant access to Everyone. That protected folder is managed by Windows, and changing its permissions recursively can break updates for Microsoft Flight Simulator and other Store applications. Choose a normal custom content folder or repair the Xbox/Store installation instead.

Why does error 0x80070005 return during an MSFS update?

An update-specific 0x80070005 usually means the installer cannot replace or create a package file. The content drive can have ample free space while the Windows system drive lacks the temporary space needed to stage the update, so check both.

• Close the simulator and temporarily move the contents of the Community folder to a holding folder outside the Packages directory.
• Reconnect external drives and confirm that Windows has not assigned a different drive letter.
• Pause backup or synchronisation software that is locking package files, then retry the download.
• If Content Manager identifies one failed package, remove and reinstall that package there. Do not delete the entire Official or Packages folder.

What if Microsoft Flight Simulator will not launch at all?

If no simulator window appears, treat 0x80070005 as a launcher or authentication failure rather than a content-download problem. Work through our startup-specific account, Gaming Services, firewall and permissions checks before resetting the game installation.

Should I reinstall Microsoft Flight Simulator?

Reinstallation is the last resort because it will not fix a damaged drive permission, blocked security rule or incorrect account by itself. First repair Gaming Services and the storefront, verify that a fresh ordinary folder is writable, and record the location of any healthy Packages folder.

If a reinstall is necessary, use the same storefront that owns the licence and preserve the downloadable content where possible. Our instructions for reinstalling while retaining the Packages folder explain how to avoid downloading all aircraft and scenery again.