How to Fix Error Code 0x80070570 in Windows 11

Few things are more frustrating than getting halfway through a Windows update or file installation — only to be greeted with the error message: “Error Code 0x80070570: The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable.”

This error usually appears when Windows can’t read or process a file correctly — whether it’s during installation, a system update, or when copying/deleting files. The root cause can range from corrupted files and bad sectors on your hard drive to faulty RAM or even temporary glitches.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective ways to fix error 0x80070570 in Windows 11 — step by step.

When You Might See Error 0x80070570

You can encounter this error in several situations:

While installing or upgrading to Windows 11.
During a Windows Update installation.
When copying or deleting files from your computer or external drive.
While installing software or games from an ISO or USB drive.

The fixes below cover all of these scenarios, so let’s get started.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

It sounds basic, but restarting clears temporary system glitches and reloads essential services that might be interfering with the installation process.

Save your work and click Start → Power → Restart.
After rebooting, try the installation or update again.

If the error persists, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Re-download the Installation Files

If you’re seeing this error while installing Windows 11 or a large program, the installation files themselves might be corrupted.

For Windows Updates:
Go to Settings → Windows Update → Check for updates.
Re-download the update if it failed earlier.
For installation media (USB or ISO):
1. Download the Windows 11 ISO again from Microsoft’s official site.
2. Use the Media Creation Tool or Rufus to create a new bootable USB.
3. Try the installation again.

Using verified installation media ensures you’re not working with damaged files.

Step 3: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If the error shows up during Windows Update, the built-in troubleshooter can automatically detect and repair common problems.

Press Windows + I to open Settings.
Navigate to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
Find Windows Update and click Run.
Follow the on-screen instructions to fix detected issues.

Once done, restart your PC and check if the update installs successfully.

Step 4: Check Disk for Errors (CHKDSK)

A corrupted file system or bad sectors on your drive can trigger this error. Use Check Disk (CHKDSK) to repair disk issues.

Press Windows + S, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator.
In Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk C: /f /r (Replace C: with your system drive letter if it’s different.)
When prompted, type Y and press Enter.
Restart your computer — Windows will scan and repair your drive during reboot.

This may take a while, but it’s one of the most effective fixes for file corruption errors.

Step 5: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

If system files are corrupted, Windows may fail to read or write data correctly. Running SFC and DISM can automatically repair damaged components.

Open Command Prompt (Admin) again.
Type these commands one at a time and press Enter after each: sfc /scannow Wait for the scan to complete, then run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
After both commands finish, restart your PC.

Try reinstalling or updating Windows again.

Step 6: Check Your RAM for Errors

Bad memory modules can also cause file corruption and trigger the 0x80070570 error. Use Windows’ built-in diagnostic tool to check your RAM.

Press Windows + R, type: mdsched.exe and press Enter.
Choose Restart now and check for problems.
Let the tool scan your RAM — this process may take several minutes.

If it reports memory errors, try reseating your RAM modules or testing one stick at a time. In some cases, replacing faulty RAM is the only solution.

Step 7: Disable Your Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, third-party antivirus software mistakenly interferes with file operations or installations. Try disabling it temporarily:

Right-click your antivirus icon in the system tray.
Select Pause protection or Disable for 10 minutes.
Retry the Windows installation or file operation.

Important: Re-enable your antivirus once you’ve completed the installation to stay protected.

Step 8: Use Safe Mode to Install or Delete Files

If the error prevents you from deleting or installing files normally, booting into Safe Mode can help.

Press Windows + I → System → Recovery.
Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
Choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings → Restart.
Press 4 or F4 to boot into Safe Mode.
Once in Safe Mode, retry the installation or file operation.

Safe Mode loads only essential services, making it easier to bypass corrupted processes.

Step 9: Clean Boot Your PC

A background program or driver might be interfering with Windows setup. Perform a clean boot to eliminate conflicts.

Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
Check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
Disable all startup programs.
Restart your computer and try the installation again.

If the installation succeeds, re-enable your services one by one to find the culprit.

Step 10: Reset Windows (as a Last Resort)

If none of the above methods work, performing a Windows Reset can resolve deep system corruption.

Open Settings → System → Recovery.
Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
Choose Keep my files to preserve your personal data.
Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall Windows.

This will give you a clean Windows 11 installation while fixing any system-level issues that caused the error.

Wrapping Up

Error code 0x80070570 in Windows 11 can look intimidating, but it usually points to corrupted files, bad storage sectors, or temporary glitches. In most cases, running CHKDSK, SFC, or re-downloading installation media resolves it quickly.

If you still encounter the issue, inspect your RAM and storage hardware — these are often the hidden culprits behind persistent installation failures.

Once you’ve fixed the error, make sure to keep your system updated, regularly check for drive health, and always use official installation media from Microsoft to prevent it from coming back.