Windows is one of the best operating systems out there with easy-to-use functions and a simple graphic user interface. However, when it starts generating different error codes out of nowhere, one gets confused about how to resolve those issues. In this post, we are going to discuss an update error 0x80070002, the reasons why it occurs, and seven fixes that might help you overcome this error in Windows.
What is Error 0x80070002?
Error 0x80070002 is a system failure issue in which you are restricted from updating your OS or installing new updates on your PC. This error code comes in different forms including, 0x80070002 – 80244001 or 0x80070002 – 80244022.
In some cases, you might receive an error message that reads the following –
“Windows could not search for new updates. An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer. Error(s) found: code 80070002. Windows Update encountered an unknown error.”
Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070002
Now that you know what this error is, let’s explore the reasons why it occurs and seven working solutions for it.
Note: Make sure to take a backup of your files before making any changes to prevent data loss.
1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
The most effective method to resolve an update error is by troubleshooting Windows Update. Here’s how to utilize this tool on Windows 11/10 –
Windows 11:
- Press Windows + I, and navigate to the below path inside Settings –
System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters
- Locate Windows Update and click the Run button available on its right end.
- Now, follow the on-screen instructions and let this tool find and resolve the underlying issues on your PC.
Windows 10:
- Click on Start.
- Select Settings (gear icon) > Update & Security.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Click on the Windows Update and then hit the Run the troubleshooter.
- Wait until finished.
- Then restart your PC and check for the error code.
2. Check the Time & Date
Incorrect Date & Time settings on your computer may also result in an error code 0x80070002 on a Windows PC. If that’s the case, you should reset Date & Time and check if the issue resolves this way. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the Windows icon and select Settings.
- Select Time & Language from the left pane, and when it expands, select “Date & Time.”
- Turn off the toggle switches next to the Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
- Click on the Change button and set the new Date & Time.
- Restart your computer to check if the error has been rectified.
3. Disable Antivirus/ Firewall Temporarily
Third-party antivirus programs normally come with some firewall setting that restricts foreign access from making any changes to the operating system. Interacting with system apps is totally fine, however, when it increases beyond a limit, this starts corrupting the important files and folders. As a result of this, the Windows Update process might also start failing in some cases, like yours.
There’s no doubt that such apps are essential to protect your device from malware or viruses entering your PC. However, you need to make sure that you are using the right antivirus. Always remember, not to go for a free app, as they do more than any good. If you are looking for a free antivirus, you better opt for Windows Security, the built-in app on Windows.
As you are not able to update your Windows, disable your antivirus, and check if this resolves the error code 0x80070002 on your Windows PC. If it does help you know what to do next, right?
4. Run System File Checker
It is quite clear from the above section that an antivirus program infects system files and folders, which, in turn, prevents Windows Update from happening on its own. The real problem is that the corrupted files are still there on your PC, and you need to repair them before updating your Windows PC.
System File Checker (SFC) scan helps to restore broken or even missing files on your computer. Here’s how you may use this tool on your PC –
- Open an elevated Command Prompt window.
- Type the following command & press Enter to execute the command:
sfc /scannow
- After completion, restart your PC.
5. Purge or Rename the Software Distribution Folder
If the error code 0x80070002 is still appearing, this must be due to the presence of corrupt files and folders within your Windows Cache folders. SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 are two such folders that you must purge from time to time. Use the following steps on how to proceed ahead with this task –
- Open an elevated Command Prompt window.
- On the elevated console, execute the below codes one by one.
net stop wuauserv net stop bits
- The above two codes will stop Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Services.
- Open File Explorer next by pressing Windows + E and then navigate to the below location –
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder
- In the SoftwareDistribution folder, select all the files and delete them.
- After you delete all the files successfully, go back to Command Prompt, and restart the services that you stopped earlier.
net start wuauserv net start bits
- Close CMD, and restart your computer.
Sign back into your device again and check if you can update Windows normally now.
6. Reset Windows Update Components
Another useful workaround to resolve an update-related issue in Windows is by resetting the update components. This involves disabling/re-enabling all update-related services, purging Windows Cache folders, and resetting the network adapters.
Follow the below instructions on how to proceed ahead with this task –
- Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.
- Type CMD on it and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter.
- When the UAC window prompts, hit Yes to authorize opening Command Prompt as administrator.
- Next, run these commands on the elevated console one after another. Make sure to press the Enter key after each command –
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
netsh winsock reset
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
- Restart the PC and check if the error is fixed.
7. Manually download and install the pending updates
If none of the above fixes help to resolve the error code 0x80070002 on your Windows PC, you should manually download the relevant standalone package from Microsoft’s Update Catalog.
Make sure to download the update matching your system architecture. The setup file downloads as .msu file format, which you may install by double-clicking on it.
Here’s a complete guide on how to install updates manually on Windows 11 or Windows 10. Hopefully, this error code resolves after you apply the above seven fixes on your PC. Let us know in the comment section which solution works in your case.
