How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070490

Error 0x80070490 indicates a problem with the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) or the System Component Store, both of which are essential for Windows Update. The most common cause is damaged or missing system files. Additionally, issues with Windows Update services or interference from antivirus software can also trigger this error.

Now that you know the causes, let’s discuss the solutions. Before moving to advanced fixes, it’s recommended to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter first.

Press Win + I to open Settings, then go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Windows Update Troubleshooter.

Allow the troubleshooter to scan for problems and repair them.

1. Repair WU with the Windows Repair Suite

If basic troubleshooting hasn’t worked, try using the Windows Repair Suite for a more thorough fix. This tool is effective because it not only resolve simple problems but also resets important Windows Update services and fixes damaged system files that might be causing errors.

By restoring these parts to their original state, the suite removes obstacles that might prevent updates from working properly. This complete reset often solves deeper problems that simpler methods miss.

1. Download & Install Windows Repair from this link.
2. Open Windows Repair, select the Repair – Main tab, and click on Open Repairs.
   
3. In the Repairs window, use the drop-down menu under Repairs to select the Windows Updates preset. Once the repair strategies are selected, click the Start Repairs button and wait for the process to complete.
   
4. Restart your computer and check if you see the same error message when you apply the Windows update.

2. Run a System File Checker Scan

SFC scans and fixes broken or missing system files, helping Windows work properly for updates. DISM checks for deeper issues by fixing problems in the Windows Component Store, which can often cause update failures. Together, these tools help keep your system stable for updates.

1. Search for cmd in search box and run it as Administrator.
2. Type the following command:

   sfc /scannow
   Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

   

3. Press Windows key + R to open a Run window. Type “services.msc” and hit Enter to open the Services window.
   
4. In the Services window, locate the Windows Update entry, right-click on it and select Restart. Once the service is restarted, repeat the procedure with the Windows Module Installer.

   

5. Once you’ve restarted both services, try to update again.

3. Reset Windows Update Components

If the methods above have been unsuccessful, we have one more procedure to try before going to the last resort (a system restore). Manually resetting the Windows Update Components is quite a lengthy process, but it’s usually successful in removing any undiscovered damaged files that are preventing updates from taking place.

1. Search for “Notepad” in the Windows search box and click Open.
2. Copy and paste the following commands into Notepad:

   SC config trustedinstaller start=auto
   net stop bits
   net stop wuauserv
   net stop msiserver
   net stop cryptsvc
   net stop appidsvc
   Ren %Systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   Ren %Systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
   regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
   regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
   netsh winsock reset
   netsh winsock reset proxy
   rundll32.exe pnpclean.dll,RunDLL_PnpClean /DRIVERS /MAXCLEAN
   dism /Online /Cleanup-image /ScanHealth
   dism /Online /Cleanup-image /CheckHealth
   dism /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth
   dism /Online /Cleanup-image /StartComponentCleanup
   Sfc /ScanNow
   net start bits
   net start wuauserv
   net start msiserver
   net start cryptsvc
   net start appidsvc

3. Click on File in the top menu, then select Save As.
4. Select Desktop as the file location.
5. In the Save as type drop-down menu, select All Files.
6. Enter the file name as fix.bat and click Save.
7. Locate the newly created fix.bat file on your desktop, right-click it, and select Run as administrator.
8. The Command Prompt will open and start resetting the Windows Update components. Wait for the process to complete.

5. Perform a System Restore

If none of the solutions work, doing a System Restore can help by taking your PC back to a time before the error started. This works well if recent changes, updates, or installs caused issues. It fixes system settings and files to a stable condition, avoiding the error, while your personal files stay safe.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run command. Type rstrui and press Enter to open System Restore.

   

2. Click Next in the first window, then check the box for Show more restore points. Choose a restore point from before the application issue began and click Next.
   
3. Click Finish and then Yes to begin the restore process. Your PC will automatically restart once the restore is complete. After rebooting, your OS will be returned to the selected version.