How to Fix Error Code 0x80070002 in Windows Update
See also: Windows could not search for new update.
Many Windows users are familiar with the frustrating error message "An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer. Error(s) found: Code 80070002 Windows Update encountered an unknown problem".
You're experiencing issues with installing Windows 10 updates, specifically with updates like KB3200970, where they download but fail to install, either immediately uninstalling or rebooting and then failing.
Solutions to Fix Error Code 0x80070002
If you encounter Windows Update errors 0x80070002 or 0x80070003, don't worry! These issues are relatively easy to resolve, even for those with limited technical expertise. By following the simple instructions in the methods below, you can quickly resolve these errors and get back to updating your Windows system.
Solution 1. Quick Fix: Check Time Settings
Ensuring accurate date and time settings is crucial for a successful Windows update. A simple check of the time settings may resolve the issue, making it a key factor in the update process.
- Click "Control Panel"
- Open "Date and Time"
- To change the date and time on your device, press the "Change date and time" option and make any necessary corrections to the current date and time settings.
- Configure your time zone before pressing OK
- Press on "Internet Time" tab before selecting "Change Settings"
- Before selecting a time server, ensure that "Synchronize with an Internet time server" is checked. This allows you to choose from a list of available time servers.
- Press "Update Now"
- To complete the configuration, press "OK" twice. This will finalize the setup and close all open windows, allowing you to use the software or feature without any further interruptions.
To resolve the 0x80070002 error, restart your computer, then access Windows Update. If the time was incorrectly set on your system, this should fix the issue.
Solution 2. Check and Remove the Corrupted System Files
If the quick fix doesn't work, it's recommended to run a system scan to check for any corrupted files that might be causing the issue.
First, Scan and Check the Corrupted System Files
- To run the Command Prompt as an administrator, follow these steps: Click the Windows icon, type "CMD" in the search bar, and then right-click on the Command Prompt icon that appears in the search results. From the context menu that appears, select "Run as Administrator".
- Type SFC /scannow and hit enter
- Wait for this process to complete
If you get a success message after running Windows Update, try it again. If you get an error saying corrupted files were found but can't be repaired, try removing the corrupted files.
Second, Remove the Corrupted Windows Update Files
1. To access the Administrative Tools in the Control Panel, click the "Start" button and select "Control Panel" from the menu. Then, type "Administrative Tools" in the search box and press Enter. This will open a window with various administrative tools, including the Event Viewer, Task Scheduler, and System Configuration.
2. On the pop-up windows, click on "Service" and then double-click on it. If prompted, enter your administrator password or provide confirmation.
3. To find and stop the Windows Update service, click the "Name" tab to sort items alphabetically, then right-click the Windows Update service and select Stop.
To resolve the 0x80070002 error, you can try deleting system files to see if it resolves the issue. If deleting system files does not help, you can try deleting the software distribution folder to help resolve the problem. This can be done by following Solution 3.
Solution 3. Delete Software Distribution Folder to Fix 0x80070002
The Software distribution folder is located on the C drive, where all downloaded Windows updates are stored.
Deleting the contents of the folder can help resolve error code 0x80070002, as some corrupt files may be preventing the installation of updates. To do this, follow these simple steps:
- Click "This PC" or "My computer"
- Navigate to "C:\Windows" folder.
- Delete the "SoftwareDistribution" folder, or rename it to "SoftwareDistributionOld" if you prefer not to delete it.
- Restart your computer before accessing the Windows Update Store. This will allow you to notice updates being downloaded and installed, which should resolve the error 0x80070002 code.
Solution 4. Try Windows Update Troubleshooter
When experiencing issues with Windows Update, the Windows Update Troubleshooter is a helpful tool to consider. To access it, visit the Microsoft official website, search for "Troubleshooter", and download it. This tool can automatically diagnose and fix common problems with Windows Update, providing an efficient solution to resolve any issues.
Important Note: Backup Data When Error 0x80070002 Occurs
Data loss is a common issue that can occur due to various solutions. To prevent this, it's essential to back up files. Contrary to popular belief, backing up files is a straightforward process when aided by a professional tool like Qiling Backup.
Step 1. Run Qiling Backup and choose "File backup" on the "Backup and recovery" window.
Step 2. On the "File Backup" window, you can choose almost every type of files from many directories.
When using the "Filer" mode, you can quickly select specific file types to back up, such as documents, pictures, videos, music, and more, making the backup process faster and more efficient. This mode allows you to choose the target files you want to backup, making it a convenient option for users.
To create a new backup plan, add the plan name or text description to the file backup and then select a backup location. This will allow you to define the specifics of your backup plan and ensure that your backups are organized and easily accessible.
To backup files to an external hard drive, click "Browse..." in the "Destination" area.
Connect the external hard drive to your computer, open the "Computer" window, select the external hard drive, and click "OK".
If you're interested in getting more backup features, click on "Schedule", "Image-reserve strategy" and "Backup options" to explore them.
Step 3. After settings were all made, click "Proceed".
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