How to Fix Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070490 on Windows
Windows Update failing with error 0x80070490 — "Element not found"? This error typically means CBS manifest corruption. Fix it on Windows 10 and 11.
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Main Troubleshooting Guide
How to Fix Windows Update Errors →Complete symptoms, causes, and step-by-step solutions
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •Windows Update fails with error code 0x80070490
- •"Element not found" error during update installation
- •Cumulative update downloads but fails to install with this error
- •DISM or SFC reports errors related to component store
- •Multiple updates failing with the same 0x80070490 code
- •Error appears in Windows Update History repeatedly
- •Optional updates also failing with this error
Common Causes
- ⚠Component-Based Servicing (CBS) manifest corrupted
- ⚠Windows Update database needs repair
- ⚠System file corruption affecting update components
- ⚠Previous failed update left corrupted state
- ⚠Third-party security software blocking update file operations
- ⚠Incorrect system permissions on update folders
- ⚠Windows component store inconsistency
Solutions
Solution 1: Run DISM and SFC Repair
- 1Open CMD as Administrator
- 2Step 1: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- 3Wait for completion (can take 15-30 minutes)
- 4Step 2: sfc /scannow
- 5If SFC finds and fixes errors: restart and retry the update
- 6If DISM fails: try with a source: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\path\to\mount\windows
- 7You can use a Windows ISO mounted as a drive as the source
Solution 2: Reset Windows Update Components
- 1Open CMD as Administrator and run these commands in order:
- 2net stop wuauserv
- 3net stop cryptSvc
- 4net stop bits
- 5net stop msiserver
- 6ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
- 7ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
- 8net start wuauserv && net start cryptSvc && net start bits && net start msiserver
- 9Restart and retry Windows Update
Solution 3: Fix CBS Manifest Corruption
- 1The 0x80070490 error specifically points to CBS issues:
- 2Check CBS log: C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log
- 3Search for "0x80070490" to find the specific failing component
- 4Try: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup
- 5Then: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- 6If component store is too corrupted: an in-place upgrade may be needed
- 7Download Windows Media Creation Tool → select "Upgrade this PC now" (keeps files and apps)
Solution 4: Manual Update Installation
- 1If automatic update keeps failing:
- 2Note the KB number of the failing update (e.g., KB5034441)
- 3Go to: catalog.update.microsoft.com
- 4Search for the KB number
- 5Download the .msu file for your architecture (x64 or ARM64)
- 6Double-click to install manually
- 7Manual installation often succeeds when automatic fails
- 8After installing: check for remaining updates normally
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