How do I fix Microsoft Flight Simulator error 0x80070005 (Access denied)?

Microsoft Flight Simulator error 0x80070005 is Windows’ “Access denied” code. On PC, first confirm Microsoft Store uses the licence-owning account and the Xbox app uses the intended profile, then repair Store/Xbox components and Gaming Services. If it occurs during an update, check security blocks, free space and write access to the Packages folder.

These steps apply to the Windows editions of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Console versions do not expose the Windows services, app-repair controls or folder permissions discussed here.

What does Windows error 0x80070005 mean in Flight Simulator?

Error 0x80070005 means Windows refused an operation, but it does not identify what was denied. The blocked component may be a file, package folder, Gaming Services registration, Store licence token or security-controlled location.

A mistake we see constantly is treating this code as proof that the simulator itself is corrupt. Where the error appears is the better guide:

How do I fix the Microsoft Store Flight Simulator error?

For a Microsoft Store or Xbox app installation, repair the ownership and Windows gaming components before touching the simulator’s large content folders.

1. Record when the error occurs. Note whether it appears while installing the app, opening the launcher, checking for updates or downloading a named package. Close Microsoft Flight Simulator, Microsoft Store, the Xbox app and Steam, then restart Windows once before continuing.
2. Confirm the licence account. In Microsoft Store, check that the signed-in account owns Microsoft Flight Simulator or has the applicable active subscription. In the Xbox app, confirm the intended Xbox profile is selected. If the problem began after changing accounts, sign out of both applications, restart Windows and authenticate them again.
3. Install pending Windows and Store updates. Open the Microsoft Store Library and check for app updates, especially those for the Xbox app and Gaming Services. Complete any pending Windows updates and restart rather than leaving the restart queued.
4. Repair the Windows gaming apps. Search Windows for Installed apps, open the advanced options for Microsoft Store, the Xbox app and Gaming Services, then select Repair wherever it is offered. Restart Windows after repairing them.
5. Clear a stuck Store cache. Close Microsoft Store, run wsreset.exe from Windows search or the Run box, and wait for the Store to reopen. Sign in again and retry the failed operation.
6. Use Reset only after Repair fails. Resetting Microsoft Store, the Xbox app or Gaming Services clears local app data and signs you out. Do not reset Microsoft Flight Simulator first: that can make an existing content installation appear missing until its package location is selected again.
7. Inspect Windows Security. Open Protection history and look for a blocked simulator, launcher or Gaming Services file. If Controlled folder access denied it, permit the legitimate application instead of disabling protection permanently. Check equivalent quarantine and folder-protection controls in any third-party security software.
8. Test the package drive and folder. Confirm that the drive is connected, has retained the same drive letter and has free space. For a custom package location, verify that your Windows account can create and delete a test file in its parent folder. Do not perform this permissions test inside the protected WindowsApps directory.
9. Repair the simulator last. For a Store or Xbox app copy, use the simulator’s Windows Repair option. For Steam, verify the installed game files through Steam. These operations repair launcher or storefront-managed files, but they do not guarantee that every downloaded content package will be repaired.

What changes for the Steam edition?

Steam owners should skip the Microsoft Store ownership and cache steps because Steam supplies the game licence. Use the Steam account that owns the simulator, verify its files, confirm the Microsoft/Xbox sign-in inside the simulator and check Windows Security and the Packages folder.

Steam verification mainly checks Steam-managed files. Content downloaded by the simulator may remain damaged or inaccessible, so do not assume verification has repaired the entire installation.

Why does error 0x80070005 return during an MSFS update?

An update-specific 0x80070005 usually means the installer cannot create, replace or rename a package file. Check both the content drive and the Windows system drive because updates may use the system drive for temporary staging.

1. Free space on both drives. Leave enough working space for the download to be unpacked, not merely enough for its advertised download size.
2. Remove Community add-ons temporarily. Move the contents of the Community folder to a holding folder outside the active Packages location. Do not delete them while diagnosing the error.
3. Release locked package files. Pause backup or synchronisation software that is actively using the folder, reconnect external drives and check that the drive letter has not changed.
4. Isolate the failed package. If Content Manager names one aircraft, scenery region or package, remove and reinstall only that item. Do not delete the complete Official folder or the entire Packages directory.

If the update produces additional codes or repeatedly restarts, follow our platform-specific Store, Xbox app and Steam update checks. For an MSFS 2020 mandatory-package failure, use the targeted steps for recovering an Essential Packages update without wiping the installation.

If the error changes into an endless update check rather than a download failure, work through the account, cache and package checks for a Checking for updates loop.

What if Access denied appears before Flight Simulator opens?

If no simulator window appears, treat 0x80070005 as a launcher, ownership or Windows-service failure rather than an aircraft or scenery problem.

• Confirm the Store licence or Steam ownership account before changing folders.
• Make sure the Windows date, time and time zone are correct, because an incorrect system clock can disrupt account authentication.
• Repair the Xbox app and Gaming Services for Store/Xbox installations.
• Review Windows Security for a blocked launcher or service file.
• Repair the simulator application only after those checks fail.

If Microsoft Flight Simulator reports that the licence is unavailable, the account is not entitled to play or ownership cannot be verified, use our Windows activation and ownership troubleshooting steps.

I can’t find Repair or Gaming Services in Windows — where is it?

Search the Start menu for Installed apps; older Windows builds may call the same area Apps & features. Select the app’s menu and open Advanced options to find Repair or Reset where Windows provides them.

Gaming Services may be listed as a system component, and available controls vary between Windows builds. If it is not visible, open the Xbox app and act on any Gaming Services repair or installation notice, then check Microsoft Store Library for updates. On non-English versions of Windows, all these labels are translated.

Should I reset or reinstall Microsoft Flight Simulator?

Reinstall Microsoft Flight Simulator only after account, service, security and folder checks have failed. Reinstalling to the same blocked location usually reproduces error 0x80070005.

Before a reset or reinstall, record the active Packages location and move third-party Community add-ons somewhere safe. Reinstall through the same storefront that owns the licence.

Do not take ownership of WindowsApps, grant Everyone full control or rewrite its permissions recursively. Windows manages that protected folder, and altering it can break updates for Microsoft Flight Simulator and other Store applications. Use an ordinary custom content folder or repair the Store/Xbox installation instead.