0x80070057 — Parameter is incorrect / invalid arguments – How to Fix
The error code 0x80070057, often labeled “Parameter is incorrect,” appears when Windows receives input it cannot process. This problem is most common during system updates, file transfers, disk operations, or when installing Windows from a USB drive. The root cause is usually corrupted data, damaged settings, or mismatched parameters that Windows cannot interpret correctly.
Have a different error code? Figure out how to fix it with our free Windows error code decoder.
Causes
Several factors can trigger this error:
- Invalid registry entries or corrupted parameter values
- Damaged Windows Update cache files
- Faulty or outdated installation media
- Disk formatting or partitioning errors
- Less common issues such as malware interference, incorrect date or time settings, low disk space, or mismatched regional settings like decimal separators
Fixes
Run Windows Update troubleshooter
Go to Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters and select the Windows Update troubleshooter. This tool automatically checks for and resolves common issues that may block updates.
Reset the Windows Update cache
- Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:
net stop wuauserv net stop bits - Navigate to
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\and delete everything in that folder. - Restart the services with:
net start wuauserv net start bits
This clears out potentially corrupted update data and forces Windows to download fresh copies.
Run SFC and DISM
Corrupted or missing system files can cause 0x80070057. Run these commands in an elevated terminal:
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
SFC checks and repairs core Windows files, while DISM restores a healthy copy of the Windows image.
Recreate installation media (if using USB)
If you encounter the error while installing from USB, the media may be outdated or corrupted. Download the latest Media Creation Tool from Microsoft, recreate the bootable USB drive, and restart the installation.
Check disk health
Use the built-in disk checker to find and repair file system errors:
chkdsk C: /scan
This will scan the system drive and report any issues that could trigger the error.
Additional checks
- Run a malware scan to ensure malicious software isn’t corrupting files or registry entries.
- Verify system date and time to make sure they are accurate and synced, as mismatched settings can cause Windows operations to fail.
- Free up disk space on the system drive, since low storage can block updates and installations.
- Check regional settings under Control Panel → Region → Additional settings to ensure the decimal separator matches the expected format. Incorrect locale settings can cause the error during backups or file operations.
Conclusion
The 0x80070057 error almost always boils down to Windows receiving corrupted or invalid data. By clearing update caches, running system repair tools, checking hardware and disk health, and ensuring your installation media and settings are correct, you can usually resolve the issue quickly. If the problem persists, an in-place repair install with the latest Windows ISO may be the most effective final step.
Have a different error code? Figure out how to fix it with our free Windows error code decoder.