Troubleshooting Error Code 0x80070520 in Windows 11: Account Picture Error

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Introduction:

In the realm of operating systems, Windows 11 stands as a pinnacle of modern computing, offering users a sleek interface and robust functionality. However, even the most advanced systems are not immune to occasional hiccups. One such hiccup that Windows 11 users may encounter is error code 0x80070520, particularly when attempting to manage account pictures. In this blog post, we'll delve into the causes of this error and provide troubleshooting steps to help you resolve it.

Understanding Error Code 0x80070520:

Error code 0x80070520 is a common issue faced by Windows 11 users, often surfacing when trying to modify account-related settings, such as the account picture. This error can be frustrating, as it hinders users from personalizing their accounts and may indicate underlying system issues.

Causes of Error Code 0x80070520:

Several factors could contribute to the emergence of error code 0x80070520 on Windows 11 systems. These include:

1. Corrupted System Files: If essential system files are damaged or corrupted, it can lead to various errors, including 0x80070520.

  

2. Permissions Issues: Insufficient permissions or conflicts with user account settings may prevent users from making changes to account-related configurations.

  

3. Software Conflicts: Third-party software, especially antivirus programs or security suites, could interfere with system operations, triggering error code 0x80070520.

Troubleshooting Steps:

To address error code 0x80070520 and regain control over account picture settings, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Restart Your Computer: Begin with a simple yet effective solution – restart your computer. Sometimes, a reboot can resolve temporary glitches or errors.

  

2. Update Windows: Ensure your Windows 11 installation is up-to-date by checking for and installing any available updates via Settings > Windows Update.

  

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter: Utilize the built-in Windows Update troubleshooter to automatically detect and fix common update-related issues.

  

4. Check User Permissions: Verify that your user account has the necessary permissions to modify account-related settings. Sign in with an administrator account if needed.

  

5. Perform System File Checker (SFC) Scan: Run the SFC tool to scan for and repair corrupted system files. Open Command Prompt as an administrator and execute the command `sfc /scannow`.

  

6. Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts: Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software or security suites to determine if they are causing conflicts with system operations.

  

7. Perform a Clean Boot: Boot into a clean environment to isolate potential third-party software conflicts. Disable all non-essential startup items and services using System Configuration.

  

8. Restore from System Restore Point: If the error started recently, consider restoring your system to a previous restore point when the error was not present.

Best Solution for This :

If you really want to change your windows 11 profile picture than run both PowerShell Script in sequence.

Execution Policy: Ensure that you've set the PowerShell execution policy to allow script execution. Open PowerShell as an administrator and run:

       Set-ExecutionPolicy -Scope Process -ExecutionPolicy Bypass

This command temporarily sets the execution policy to allow script execution for the current session.

Main Script: Save it with  .ps1 extension

# Set the path to your new profile picture
$profilePicturePath = "C:\Users\Rinku\Logos\Rinku-Rapriya Logo512.jpg"

# Create the registry key if it doesn't exist
New-Item -Path "HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion" -Name "AccountPicture" -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue | Out-Null

# Set the registry key value for the new profile picture
Set-ItemProperty -Path "HKCU:\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AccountPicture" -Name "AccountPicturePath" -Value $profilePicturePath

# Trigger Windows to refresh the user's profile picture
$signature = @'
[DllImport("user32.dll", SetLastError = true)]
public static extern bool SendMessageTimeout(
    IntPtr hWnd,
    uint Msg,
    UIntPtr wParam,
    IntPtr lParam,
    uint fuFlags,
    uint uTimeout,
    out UIntPtr lpdwResult
);
'@
$WinMsg = Add-Type -MemberDefinition $signature -Name WinMsg -Namespace Win32Functions -PassThru
$HWND_BROADCAST = [IntPtr]0xffff;
$WM_SETTINGCHANGE = 0x001A;
$SMTO_ABORTIFHUNG = 0x2;
$timeout = 5000;
$Result = [UIntPtr]::Zero;
$WinMsg::SendMessageTimeout($HWND_BROADCAST, $WM_SETTINGCHANGE, [UIntPtr]::Zero, [IntPtr]::Zero, $SMTO_ABORTIFHUNG, $timeout, [ref]$Result)

# Pause the script to prevent the window from closing immediately
Read-Host "Press Enter to exit" (code-box)

Make sure to replace "C:\Users\Rinku\Logos\Rinku-Rapriya Logo512.jpg" with the actual path to your desired profile picture. Additionally, you may need to adjust permissions or run PowerShell as an administrator to make changes to the registry. Always be cautious when making changes to the registry.

Conclusion:

Error code 0x80070520 in Windows 11 can be a vexing obstacle for users attempting to manage account picture settings. By understanding the potential causes of this error and following the provided troubleshooting steps, users can effectively diagnose and resolve the issue, restoring full functionality to their systems. Remember, if the problem persists despite these efforts, seeking further assistance from Microsoft support or a technical expert may be necessary to ensure a swift resolution.