How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070490?

Q: Is error 0x80070490 dangerous if I ignore it and skip the update?

Skipping one update is not immediately dangerous but it is not recommended long-term. Windows updates include security patches that protect your computer from new vulnerabilities. If you keep ignoring failed updates, your system becomes increasingly exposed to malware and exploits. Fix the error as soon as possible and install all pending updates to keep your computer secure.

Q: Can a third-party antivirus cause Windows Update error 0x80070490?

Yes, some antivirus programs interfere with Windows Update by blocking the update service from downloading or installing files. Temporarily disable your third-party antivirus, run Windows Update, and see if the error goes away. If the update succeeds with antivirus disabled, add the Windows Update service to the antivirus exclusion list so it does not block future updates. Windows Security built-in defender does not cause this issue.

Q: Does error 0x80070490 happen on Windows 11 too or only Windows 10?

Error 0x80070490 affects both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The causes and fixes are the same on both operating systems. The SFC, DISM, and component reset methods work identically on Windows 11. The only difference is the settings menu layout which is slightly different on Windows 11 but the paths mentioned in the fixes above work on both versions.

Error 0x80070490 pops up when Windows Update cannot find or install an update because of corrupted system files or a damaged component store. It usually shows up as "Windows Update failed" or "Something went wrong" with the error code 0x80070490 underneath. This error is common on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 and it blocks important security and feature updates from installing.

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Start with the built-in troubleshooter before trying anything manual. Go to Settings then System then Troubleshoot then Other Troubleshooters. Find Windows Update and click Run. The troubleshooter will check for common issues with the update service, reset components if needed, and try to fix the error automatically. It does not fix every case but it handles the simple ones and gives you useful information about what went wrong.

Run SFC to Repair Corrupted System Files

The System File Checker scans all protected Windows system files and replaces corrupted ones with the correct version. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type sfc /scannow then press Enter. The scan takes about 10 to 15 minutes. If it finds and fixes corrupted files, restart your computer and try running Windows Update again. If SFC reports that it found errors but could not fix some of them, move on to the DISM method below.

Run DISM to Fix the Component Store

DISM repairs the Windows component store which is where update files are stored before installation. If this store is damaged, updates fail with error 0x80070490. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands one at a time: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. The RestoreHealth command downloads fresh copies of damaged files from Microsoft servers so make sure you are connected to the internet. After DISM finishes, run sfc /scannow again and then restart your computer.

Reset Windows Update Components Manually

If SFC and DISM did not fix the error, manually resetting the Windows Update components often does. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands in order: net stop wuauserv then net stop cryptSvc then net stop bits then net stop msiserver. Next rename the update cache folders by running: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old then ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old. Finally restart the services: net start wuauserv then net start cryptSvc then net start bits then net start msiserver. This clears the entire update cache and forces Windows to rebuild it from scratch.

Check for Corrupted User Profiles

A damaged Windows user profile can sometimes trigger error 0x80070490 during updates. Create a new local administrator account by going to Settings then Accounts then Family and Other Users then Add Someone Else. Log into the new account and try running Windows Update from there. If the update works under the new account, your original profile has corrupted settings. You can either migrate your data to the new account or try repairing the original profile through the Registry Editor.

Manually Download and Install the Update

If the automatic update keeps failing, download it manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog. Go to catalog.update.microsoft.com in your browser, search for the KB number of the update that failed, and download the version that matches your system. Run the downloaded file to install the update directly without going through Windows Update. This bypasses the component store entirely and works even when the automatic update process is broken.

Perform an In-Place Upgrade

If nothing else works, an in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows while keeping all your files, apps, and settings intact. Download the Windows 10 or 11 Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website, run it, and select Upgrade This PC Now. This replaces all system files with fresh copies and fixes deep corruption that SFC and DISM cannot reach. It takes about 30 to 60 minutes and your personal files will not be deleted.

Windows Update Error 0x80070490 FAQ

Q.1 Is error 0x80070490 dangerous if I ignore it and skip the update?<- Ans Skipping one update is not immediately dangerous but it is not recommended long-term. Windows updates include security patches that protect your computer from new vulnerabilities. If you keep ignoring failed updates, your system becomes increasingly exposed to malware and exploits. Fix the error as soon as possible and install all pending updates to keep your computer secure.<-

Q.2 Can a third-party antivirus cause Windows Update error 0x80070490?<- Ans Yes, some antivirus programs interfere with Windows Update by blocking the update service from downloading or installing files. Temporarily disable your third-party antivirus, run Windows Update, and see if the error goes away. If the update succeeds with antivirus disabled, add the Windows Update service to the antivirus exclusion list so it does not block future updates. Windows Security built-in defender does not cause this issue.<-

Q.3 Does error 0x80070490 happen on Windows 11 too or only Windows 10? Ans Error 0x80070490 affects both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The causes and fixes are the same on both operating systems. The SFC, DISM, and component reset methods work identically on Windows 11. The only difference is the settings menu layout which is slightly different on Windows 11 but the paths mentioned in the fixes above work on both versions.