Fix Windows Error 0x80070038
ERROR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED
Windows cannot complete the requested operation because of a network configuration failure involving Network Discovery and SMB Protocol.
Severity: Medium
This error can disrupt normal use and should be resolved soon to prevent escalation.
Best next step: Follow the manual fix below, or use the automated Fix-Network repair for a one-click solution.
Main Troubleshooting Guide
How to Fix No Internet Connection →Complete symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions for this category of errors
What Does Error 0x80070038 Mean?
Windows cannot complete the requested operation because of a network configuration failure involving Network Discovery and SMB Protocol.
The Windows components directly involved are Network Discovery, SMB Protocol, File Sharing, Network Configuration. A failure in any of these components can trigger this error on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
When Does Error 0x80070038 Appear?
- 1When accessing network resources
- 2During file sharing
- 3When connecting to network printers
- 4When accessing shared folders
Symptoms of Error 0x80070038
- !Network file sharing fails with error 0x80070038 (ERROR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED)
- !Cannot access shared folders or printers on the network
- !Network discovery shows no other computers with 0x80070038 in logs
- !Remote connections fail with "ERROR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED" error message
Most Likely Causes of Error 0x80070038
How to Fix Error 0x80070038
There are two approaches: a manual fix for advanced users comfortable with Windows system tools, and an automatic fix using RescuePC Toolkit.
⚠️ Manual Fix (Advanced Users)
Check your network permissions.
Note: Manual fixes require administrative privileges and familiarity with Windows system tools. Incorrect modifications can cause additional issues.
✅ Automatic Fix (Recommended)
RescuePC Toolkit can run the Fix-Network repair automatically with one click.
The automated repair handles all the technical steps safely, creates a restore point before making changes, and provides a detailed log of all actions taken.
How RescuePC Toolkit Fixes Error 0x80070038
RescuePC Toolkit's Fix-Network repair automates the manual fix steps for error 0x80070038. Specifically, it:
- ✓Creates a system restore point before making any changes
- ✓Runs the automated repair sequence for network configuration errors
- ✓Logs every action taken so you can review what was changed
- ✓Does not touch personal files, documents, or installed applications
What it does not fix: If error 0x80070038 is caused by failing hardware (bad RAM, dying hard drive, or a defective component), no software tool can resolve the underlying physical problem. In that case, hardware replacement is necessary. RescuePC Toolkit will detect and report hardware-level issues when possible.
How to Prevent Error 0x80070038
- ✓Maintain stable network connectivity and use reliable DNS servers (8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1) to prevent 0x80070038.
- ✓Keep network discovery enabled on private networks
- ✓Configure firewall exceptions for network services
- ✓Keep network protocols updated
When Error 0x80070038 Points to a Bigger Problem
This error is often part of a broader network configuration problem. If it keeps happening or appears with related symptoms, use the full troubleshooting guide.
- →No Internet Connection — Full Troubleshooting Guide covers all related errors, symptoms, and solutions in this category
- →If the error returns after fixing, run
sfc /scannowandDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthto check for deeper system file corruption - →If multiple network configuration errors appear together, consider running the full RescuePC Toolkit "Fix All" scan to address all detected issues at once
Frequently Asked Questions About Error 0x80070038
Why does error 0x80070038 (ERROR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED) happen on my PC?
Error 0x80070038 occurs because network access is denied. The most common trigger is when you need to check your network permissions.
What is the fastest way to fix ERROR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED (0x80070038)?
The manual fix is to check your network permissions. For a faster solution, RescuePC Toolkit's Fix-Network repair automates this entire process in under 5 minutes, including creating a safety restore point first.
Does error 0x80070038 affect both Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, error 0x80070038 (ERROR_NETWORK_ACCESS_DENIED) can occur on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The underlying cause — network access is denied — exists in both operating system versions. The fix procedure (check your network permissions) works identically on both.
Related Network Configuration Errors
If you're experiencing error 0x80070038, you may also encounter these related errors:
Related Troubleshooting Guides
Error 0x80070038 is often related to broader Windows problems. These step-by-step guides cover the full troubleshooting process:
Explore Network Configuration Troubleshooting Hub
Error 0x80070038 is part of a broader category of network configuration issues. These comprehensive hubs collect all related guides, repairs, and error codes in one place:
Fix Error 0x80070038 Automatically
The Fix-Network repair handles error 0x80070038 in 1–5 minutes. RescuePC Toolkit includes 109+ repairs across all Windows error categories.
No credit card required • Works on Windows 10 & 11 • Upgrade anytime