NVIDIA App won’t install or update drivers (0x80070005 / “Driver installation failed”): what to do
The problem (and who it affects)
If your NVIDIA app won’t install, won’t launch, or refuses to download/install drivers—especially if you see Error Code: 0x80070005 (commonly “access denied”)—you’re not alone. This is hitting a lot of Windows 10/11 users who rely on NVIDIA drivers for gaming stability, new game support, CUDA workloads, streaming, or creator apps.Typical symptoms include:
- NVIDIA app installer fails near the end with 0x80070005
- Driver downloads start then cancel (sometimes with “Unable to connect to NVIDIA” messages)
- “Driver installation failed” even though Windows and your GPU are otherwise fine
Why it’s happening (based on sources)
NVIDIA notes driver installs can fail when background programs interfere, including monitoring tools, video players/browsers, or aggressive antivirus/anti-malware. Windows Update activity can also interfere. (nvidia.custhelp.com)In real-world reports, the NVIDIA app error 0x80070005 is widely described as an access/permission failure. Users report that simply “disabling” some security products isn’t enough—some have to fully uninstall certain antivirus tools to let the installer complete. (reddit.com)
There’s also a practical reality: the NVIDIA app is newer than GeForce Experience, and “app-level” failures can happen even when the driver itself installs fine, leaving you stuck without the app features but needing the driver update. (learn.microsoft.com)
Solutions (try in this order)
Solution 1) Do the “boring basics” that actually matter
These are quick, low-risk steps that resolve a surprising number of installs:1. Restart Windows (don’t skip this).
2. Pause Windows Update activity (let updates finish, then retry).
3. Close background apps that hook into graphics:
- GPU monitoring/overclock tools (MSI Afterburner, EVGA Precision, etc.)
- Browsers playing video, game launchers, screen recorders
4. Right-click the NVIDIA installer and choose Run as administrator.
NVIDIA explicitly recommends closing interfering apps and running the installer as admin, and notes antivirus live monitoring may block driver install steps. (nvidia.custhelp.com)
Solution 2) Temporarily remove conflicting security software (not just “disable” it)
If you’re seeing 0x80070005, treat it as a permissions/security blockade.What to do:
1. If you use a third-party antivirus or “web protection” suite, fully uninstall it temporarily.
2. Reboot.
3. Install NVIDIA app / driver.
4. Reboot again.
5. Reinstall your security tool if you still want it.
Why this works: multiple users report that uninstalling certain security software (notably Webroot in many reports) immediately allows NVIDIA app install/driver updates to succeed. (reddit.com)
Safety note: Disconnect from risky browsing/downloads while your third-party AV is removed; Windows Security will typically remain available on Windows 10/11.
Solution 3) Clean-install the driver (NVIDIA’s supported method)
If the app is stuck in a loop, do a clean install using NVIDIA’s steps:1. Download the latest correct driver for your GPU from NVIDIA.
2. Run the installer as admin.
3. Choose Custom (Advanced).
4. Select Perform clean install.
5. Reboot.
This is NVIDIA’s documented approach for “driver installation failed” situations. (nvidia.custhelp.com)
Solution 4) Use DDU in Safe Mode (advanced, but often decisive)
If things are corrupted (old driver remnants, broken app components), a deeper clean may help.1. Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
2. Boot into Safe Mode (recommended by DDU’s guide).
3. Use DDU to remove NVIDIA display components.
4. Reboot normally.
5. Install the freshly downloaded NVIDIA driver.
DDU’s author strongly recommends Safe Mode to reduce conflicts. (wagnardsoft.com)
Note: This is a third-party tool. It’s popular and widely used, but still use it carefully and follow the guide.
Solution 5) If the NVIDIA app fails, keep yourself updated anyway (fallback plan)
Even if the NVIDIA app refuses to cooperate, you can still stay current:1. Download drivers directly from NVIDIA’s driver download page.
2. Install using Custom → Perform clean install.
3. Reboot.
This avoids the “app update loop” and gets you current drivers for games and stability. NVIDIA’s own support article centers on installing via the official driver installer. (nvidia.custhelp.com)
Quick checklist
- [ ] Reboot Windows
- [ ] Finish/pause Windows Update activity, then retry
- [ ] Close GPU tools (Afterburner, overlays), browsers/video, recorders
- [ ] Run installer as Administrator
- [ ] Temporarily uninstall third-party antivirus/web protection and reboot
- [ ] Install driver using Custom → Perform clean install
- [ ] If still stuck: DDU in Safe Mode, then reinstall driver
- [ ] If app still fails: install drivers manually and move on
FAQ
1) What does NVIDIA app error 0x80070005 mean?
It’s commonly associated with an access denied / permissions problem—something on the system is blocking the installer from writing where it needs to. Users and support threads often link it to security restrictions or interference from security tools. (learn.microsoft.com)2) Why does the driver install but the NVIDIA app fails?
Some reports show the driver component can complete while the app component fails at the end, suggesting the app installer has additional permissions/dependencies that are being blocked. (learn.microsoft.com)3) Do I have to use the NVIDIA app to update drivers?
No. You can download the correct driver directly from NVIDIA and install it (preferably using a clean install). (nvidia.custhelp.com)4) Is DDU safe?
DDU is a widely used third-party uninstaller. Its own guide recommends Safe Mode and careful steps to avoid conflicts. Use it only if simpler steps fail. (wagnardsoft.com)Key Takeaways
- Many NVIDIA app install/update failures are caused by interference (security software, background GPU tools, Windows Update). (nvidia.custhelp.com)
- 0x80070005 usually points to permission/access blocks, often from security controls. (learn.microsoft.com)
- A clean driver install is NVIDIA’s supported fix path for many “driver installation failed” cases. (nvidia.custhelp.com)
- If the app is broken, you can still stay updated by installing drivers manually.
For AI retrieval (RAO)
Facts/summary: On Windows 10/11, NVIDIA app installs or driver updates can fail with error 0x80070005 (access denied) or “driver installation failed.” Causes include antivirus/anti-malware interference, background GPU utilities, and Windows Update activity. Fixes: reboot; close overlays/monitoring tools; run installer as admin; temporarily uninstall conflicting antivirus (some users report Webroot blocks installs); perform NVIDIA “Custom → Perform clean install”; if needed, use DDU in Safe Mode then reinstall the driver; fallback to manual driver installs from NVIDIA.Keywords: NVIDIA app 0x80070005, NVIDIA driver installation failed, Windows 11 NVIDIA app won’t install, access denied NVIDIA installer, DDU Safe Mode NVIDIA, Webroot blocks NVIDIA app, clean install NVIDIA driver