[FIX] Account Picture Error Code 0x80070520 in Windows 11

If you are getting “Account picture error, this picture couldn’t be saved” message with an error code 0x80070520 while trying to change your user profile photo in Windows 11, this article will help you in understanding and fixing the issue.

PROBLEM SYMPTOM: Windows 11 Displays Error Message While Trying to Change Profile Picture

When the user tries to customize or change profile picture or user account photo (also known as avatar) using any of following methods:

• Method 1: Open Start Menu, click on user name or profile icon and select “Change account settings” option.
• Method 2: Open Windows 11 Settings app by pressing WIN+I keys together or other methods, select Accounts tab in left-sidebar and click on Your Info option in right-side pane.

Now the user can select a different photo for the account profile by taking a new photo using the camera attached to the computer or by selecting an image stored on the hard disk. The user can click on “Open Camera” button given next to “Take a photo” option or click on “Browse files” button given next to “Choose a file” option present under “Adjust your photo” section.

As soon as the user selects a new image for profile picture, Windows 11 shows following error message:

Following screenshot shows the error message appearing on Windows 11 while changing user account picture:

The user is unable to change the profile picture and allowed to dismiss the dialog box by clicking on “OK” button. Windows 11 still shows the old photo on Settings page.

PROBLEM REASON: Unable to Change User Account Profile Picture is a Known Issue in Windows 11

This issue appears after installing a Windows Update released in April or May 2024. Microsoft has released 3 updates for Windows 11 operating system in April and May months which cause this issue:

April 09, 2024: KB5036894 for Windows 11 21H2 and KB5036893 for Windows 11 22H2/23H2

April 23, 2024: KB5036980 for Windows 11 22H2/23H2

May 14, 2024: KB5037770 for Windows 11 21H2 and KB5037771 for Windows 11 22H2/23H2

Microsoft has officially acknowledged this known issue and provided following information:

The issue exists in Windows 11 since April 09, 2024 and Microsoft is trying to fix the issue.

PROBLEM SOLUTION: Restart Windows 11 Device to Apply New User Account Profile Picture

Although Windows 11 shows an error message when the user tries to change the profile picture but the picture is changed successfully. You just need to restart your computer and you’ll see the new profile picture for your user account on Lock Screen, Start Menu and everywhere else.

You can also manually replace or delete the current profile photo for your user account by navigating to following folder in File Explorer:

Just copy above mentioned path and paste in RUN dialog box (WIN+R) and press Enter key. It’ll open AccountPictures folder where you’ll find one or more images containing the current and previous profile pictures selected for your user account.

You can delete unwanted images or replace current image with any other desired image. Restart the device to take effects.

Microsoft will soon resolve the issue by releasing another update for Windows 11 and we’ll update this article with the new information. So stay tuned.

Also Check:

[Tip] How to Install Windows 11 With Local User Account

[Tip] How to Switch to a Local User Account in Windows 11

[Tip] Disable User Account Notification Badges in Start Menu in Windows 11

[Tip] Disable Security Questions Requirement for Local User Accounts in Windows 10