How to Fix 0x80070002 (Windows Update)
Quick Answer
Error code 0x80070002 indicates that Windows Update encountered an issue, often due to corrupted system files, incorrect date/time settings, or problems with update components. The fastest initial fix involves checking your system's date and time settings and then running the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
What Causes This Error
- Incorrect date and time settings on the system.
- Corrupted system files or Windows Update components.
- Issues with the update service or its dependencies.
- Problems with temporary update files or cache.
- Third-party software conflicts, such as antivirus programs.
- Damaged or missing registry entries related to Windows Update.
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Verify Date and Time Settings
- Right-click on the clock in the bottom-right corner of your screen and select "Adjust date and time."
- Ensure that "Set time automatically" and "Set time zone automatically" are both toggled to "On."
- If these options are already on, toggle them off and then back on to resynchronize. Manually set the correct date and time if automatic settings are unavailable or incorrect.
- Restart your computer and attempt to run Windows Update again.
2Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Open the Start Menu and navigate to "Settings" (gear icon).
- Click on "Update & Security," then select "Troubleshoot" from the left-hand menu.
- Click on "Additional troubleshooters" (or "Other troubleshooters" on newer Windows versions).
- Locate "Windows Update" in the list and click "Run the troubleshooter."
- Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any recommended fixes. Restart your computer if prompted.
3Reset Windows Update Components to Fix 0x80070002
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for "cmd" in the Start Menu, right-click "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
- Stop the BITS, Windows Update, and Cryptographic services by typing the following commands, pressing Enter after each: "net stop wuauserv", "net stop cryptSvc", "net stop bits", "net stop msiserver".
- Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders: Type "ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old" and "ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old", pressing Enter after each.
- Restart the BITS, Windows Update, and Cryptographic services by typing: "net start wuauserv", "net start cryptSvc", "net start bits", "net start msiserver", pressing Enter after each.
- Close Command Prompt and attempt to run Windows Update again.
4Delete Temporary Update Files
- Open the Start Menu and type "Disk Cleanup," then select the "Disk Cleanup" application.
- Choose your system drive (usually C:) and click "OK."
- Click on "Clean up system files."
- Again, choose your system drive and click "OK." Wait for the scan to complete.
- In the list of files to delete, check the box next to "Windows Update Cleanup" and any other temporary files you wish to remove. Click "OK" and then "Delete Files" to confirm.
Advanced Fixes
Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Search for "cmd" in the Start Menu, right-click "Command Prompt," and select "Run as administrator."
- Run the System File Checker by typing "sfc /scannow" and pressing Enter. Allow the scan to complete, which may take some time.
- If SFC reports unfixable issues or if the problem persists, run the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. Type "DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth" and press Enter.
- Allow the DISM process to complete. This may also take a significant amount of time and requires an internet connection. Do not close the window until it finishes.
- After both scans are complete, restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.
Perform a Clean Boot
- Open the System Configuration utility by typing "msconfig" in the Start Menu search bar and pressing Enter.
- Go to the "Services" tab. Check the box labeled "Hide all Microsoft services," then click "Disable all."
- Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager." In Task Manager, disable all startup items one by one by selecting each and clicking "Disable."
- Close Task Manager, then click "OK" in the System Configuration window. You will be prompted to restart your computer. Choose "Restart."
- After restarting, attempt to run Windows Update. If the update succeeds, re-enable services and startup items incrementally to identify the conflicting software. Remember to re-enable all services and startup items once troubleshooting is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does error code 0x80070002 mean?
Error code 0x80070002 typically indicates that Windows Update cannot find a specific file or directory needed to complete the update process. This can be due to corrupted system files, incorrect system settings, or issues with the update components themselves.
Will fixing 0x80070002 delete my files?
The troubleshooting steps provided, such as verifying date/time, running troubleshooters, or resetting update components, are generally safe and will not delete your personal files. Advanced steps like SFC and DISM repair system files but do not affect user data. A clean boot temporarily disables services and startup items without data loss.
How often should I check for Windows Updates?
Windows is designed to check for updates automatically. It is recommended to allow automatic updates to ensure your system remains secure and up-to-date. Manually checking for updates can be done periodically or when encountering issues.
Can antivirus software cause Windows Update errors?
Yes, sometimes third-party antivirus or security software can interfere with Windows Update processes, leading to errors like 0x80070002. Temporarily disabling your antivirus (if safe to do so) or performing a clean boot can help determine if this is the cause.