How to Fix 0x80070490 (Windows Update)
Quick Answer
Error code 0x80070490, 'Element not found,' typically indicates corrupted system files or issues within the Windows Component Store preventing Windows Update from functioning correctly. The fastest fix often involves running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to repair system integrity.
What Causes This Error
- Corrupted system files or Windows Component Store (CBS Manifest)
- Damaged or missing update components
- Conflicts with third-party software or security programs
- Incorrectly configured system settings or registry entries
- Hardware component failure (less common, but possible)
Step-by-Step Fixes
1Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tools
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Type 'cmd' in the Windows search bar, right-click 'Command Prompt,' and select 'Run as administrator.'
- Run the System File Checker: In the Command Prompt window, type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter. Allow the scan to complete, which may take several minutes.
- Run the DISM Restore Health command: After SFC completes, type 'DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth' and press Enter. This process can also take a significant amount of time.
- Restart your computer: Once both commands have finished, close Command Prompt and restart your system.
- Attempt Windows Update again: After restarting, try running Windows Update to see if error 0x80070490 is resolved.
2Reset Windows Update Components
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Type 'cmd' in the Windows search bar, right-click 'Command Prompt,' and select 'Run as administrator.'
- Stop Windows Update services: Type 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:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old' and press Enter. Then, type 'ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old' and press Enter.
- Restart Windows Update services: Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each: 'net start wuauserv', 'net start cryptSvc', 'net start bits', 'net start msiserver'.
- Restart your computer and retry Windows Update.
3Check for Third-Party Software Conflicts
- Perform a clean boot: Type 'msconfig' in the Windows search bar and press Enter to open System Configuration. Go to the 'Services' tab, check 'Hide all Microsoft services,' and then click 'Disable all.'
- Disable startup items: Go to the 'Startup' tab and click 'Open Task Manager.' In Task Manager, disable all startup items one by one.
- Restart your computer: Close Task Manager and System Configuration, then restart your computer.
- Attempt Windows Update: With non-Microsoft services and startup items disabled, try to run Windows Update.
- Re-enable services and startup items: If the update succeeds, re-enable services and startup items gradually to identify the conflicting software. If the update fails, re-enable everything and proceed to other fixes.
4Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
- Open Windows Settings: Press the Windows key + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Troubleshooters: Go to 'Update & Security' (Windows 10) or 'System' > 'Troubleshoot' (Windows 11).
- Run the Windows Update troubleshooter: Select 'Additional troubleshooters' (Windows 10) or 'Other troubleshooters' (Windows 11), then click 'Windows Update' and 'Run the troubleshooter.'
- Follow on-screen instructions: Allow the troubleshooter to detect and attempt to fix any issues.
- Restart your computer and check for updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'Element not found' mean in the context of Windows Update?
The 'Element not found' message (0x80070490) indicates that Windows Update is unable to locate or access a required component, file, or registry entry necessary for the update process. This often points to corruption within the system files or the Windows Component Store.
Is error 0x80070490 specific to Windows Update?
While 0x80070490 frequently appears with Windows Update, it can also manifest in other Windows components, such as when installing certain applications or drivers. However, its most common association is with update failures due to underlying system file integrity issues.
Can antivirus software cause error 0x80070490?
Yes, in some cases, overly aggressive antivirus or security software can interfere with Windows Update processes, leading to errors like 0x80070490. Temporarily disabling or configuring such software can help diagnose if it is the cause.
What is the Windows Component Store (CBS Manifest)?
The Windows Component Store, also known as the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) Manifest, is a critical part of Windows that manages and stores system files, components, and updates. Corruption in this store can prevent Windows Update from installing new updates or repairing existing components.