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5 Ways to Fix Error 0x80070522: Required Privilege Is Not Held

Without proper permission, the error may be prompted on your PC

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Some of our readers have reported that the error0x80070522 Required privilege is not heldappears on their PCs. It indicates the Update process lacks permission to access the needed components. So, you need to resolve the privileges issue to install, download or apply updates.

Hence, we will proffer possible solutions to fix this. Likewise, we have a similar guide on fixing theWindows Update error 0x8007045b.

What causes the error 0x80070522?

Many factors may triggerError 0x80070522: A required privilege is not heldby the client on your PC during a Windows update. Also, it can occur when trying to alter the location of a file. Other causes are:

Though the error is critical and can be hard to deal with, there are some fixes you can follow to resolve it.

What can I do to fix the error code 0x80070522?

Before attempting any advanced troubleshooting steps, go through the following:

If you can’t resolve the error, try the steps below:

1. Disable User Account Control (UAC)

Disabling the User Account Control allows the system services to run in administrative mode without permission.

2. Run an SFC scan

Running an SFC scan will detect and repair corrupt system files causing the insufficient permissions error. You can checkhow to fix the run as administrator option if it’s not workingon your PC.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The troubleshooter will repair issues causing the Windows Update not to work on your PC. You can also check other ways torun the Windows Update troubleshooterin Windows 10 if you can’t get around the steps above.

4. Modify a Registry Key

Tweaking the Registry Editor can fix the Registry key causing the error.

5. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder

Clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder deletes Windows Update cache files and lets the system rebuild a usable distribution folder.

If your Windows Update services not running on your PC, read our guide to getting solutions.

Alternatively, you may be interested infixing slow Windows updateson your PC. Likewise, check our guide onWindows Update stuck at 100%and some fixes.

Should you have further questions or suggestions, kindly drop them in the comments section.

5 Ways to Fix Error 0x80070522: Required Privilege Is Not Held#

What causes the error 0x80070522?#

What can I do to fix the error code 0x80070522?#

1. Disable User Account Control (UAC)#

2. Run an SFC scan#

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter#

4. Modify a Registry Key#

5. Clear the SoftwareDistribution folder#