How to Fix Fix Error 0x80070491 — Windows Update Component Not Found on Windows
Getting error 0x80070491 during Windows Update? "Element not found" or update component missing? Fix this Windows Update CBS error.
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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 0x80070491
- •"Element not found" during update installation
- •Specific KB update keeps failing with this error
- •DISM or SFC report errors alongside this code
- •Update downloads but fails during installation phase
- •Windows Update troubleshooter can't fix 0x80070491
Common Causes
- ⚠CBS (Component-Based Servicing) manifest corrupted
- ⚠Required update component missing from component store
- ⚠Previous update partially installed and left orphaned data
- ⚠Windows Update agent version outdated
- ⚠System file corruption in update service DLLs
- ⚠Registry entries for update components damaged
Solutions
Solution 1: Repair Component Store
- 1CMD as Admin:
- 2DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- 3Wait for completion (may take 15-30 minutes)
- 4If successful: sfc /scannow
- 5Restart PC → retry Windows Update
- 6If DISM reports errors: mount Windows ISO and specify source:
- 7DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\Sources\install.wim
- 8Replace D: with your mounted ISO drive letter
Solution 2: Reset Windows Update Components
- 1CMD as Admin — run these commands:
- 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
- 9net start cryptSvc
- 10net start bits
- 11net start msiserver
- 12Check for updates again
Solution 3: Manual Update Installation
- 1If automatic update keeps failing:
- 2Go to catalog.update.microsoft.com
- 3Search for the failing KB number (e.g., KB5034441)
- 4Download the correct version for your system (x64, ARM64)
- 5Install the .msu file directly by double-clicking
- 6This bypasses the Windows Update service entirely
- 7If even manual install fails: in-place upgrade with Media Creation Tool
- 8This repairs all components while keeping your files and apps
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