How to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x80070002?

Summary: If you encounter the 0x80070002 Windows Update error message, the cause is probably corrupted system files. Use the inbuilt Microsoft system file scanner to repair these issues. Also, if you find that you have lost data as a result of the error, or its fixes, use Stellar Data Recovery Software to restore any lost files.

The 0x80070002 Windows update error typically occurs when the operating system is updating itself.

Windows updates usually require a restart to take effect. The 0x80070002 Windows update error shows up after this restart, if something went wrong during the update.

Table of Content:

1. What causes the 0x80070002 Windows Update error?

• Fix 1 — Check the system’s date and time
• Fix 2 — Manually reset the update agent
• Fix 3 — Use the system file checker tool
• Fix 4 — Check for file system errors- 0x80070002 Windows Update
• Fix 5 — Manually install the latest update

2. What if you lose data after error 0x80070002 Windows Update?

This is what the error screen might look like.

Or

Or

In this article, we will tell you what causes the 0x80070002 Windows update error, and how to solve it.

Also Read: How to Fix Blank White Screen of Death on Windows 11/10?

What Causes the 0x80070002 Windows Update Error?

The 0x80070002 Windows update error has been around since Microsoft began rolling out updates to Windows.

The main causes of the 0x80070002 Windows update error are damaged, missing, or corrupted system files. A failing hard drive may also be the cause of the error.

The 0x80070002 Windows update error is accompanied with the message “Error: File Not Found”.

Sometimes, you may also get the 0x80070003 error, which is the exact same problem.

The 0x80070003 error comes with the message “Error: The specified path could not be found”.

This error means that a whole folder of system files is missing.

In short, both these errors mean the same thing – that a particular system file is missing.

The fixes for the 0x80070002 Windows update error will also work for the 0x80070003 error.

And now, let us learn five easy ways to fix error code 0x80070002.

Also Read: Windows Update Error 0x80240017

Fix 1 — Check the System’s Date and Time

For the most part, your computer will get the current date, time, and time zone from the internet. 

If the date and time is out of sync by more than 24 hours, you could run into error code 0x80070002.

To adjust the date and time, there are three steps.

1. Right click the time in the bottom-right corner of your taskbar.

2. Click on “Adjust date/time”.

3. Toggle the “Set time automatically” and “Set time zone automatically” buttons on and off, as shown below.

If that still doesn’t work, try the steps below.

1. Open the Control Panel.

2. Click on “Clock and Region” as shown below.

3. Click on “Date and Time” as shown under.

4. In the pop up menu, navigate to the “Internet Time” tab, as under, and click “change settings.

5. Enter an administrator account password if prompted.

6. Check the “Synchronize time with an internet server” box, as shown.

7. From the drop-down menu, select time.nist.gov and click “Update Now”.

When done, you should see this message:

Restart your computer, and see if the error code persists.

Also Read: Windows 11 PC Keeps Crashing

Fix 2 — Manually Reset the Update Agent

The next potential fix to the 0x80070002 Windows 10 error is to manually stop and restart the Windows update agent.

Here is how to do that.

1. Open the start menu, and type in “Services”. Open the app of the same name.

2. Scroll down till you find the “Windows Update” list item. 

3. Right-click the “Windows Update” list item and click on “stop”, as shown below.

4. Next, open up the File Explorer. Navigate to C: > Windows > SoftwareDistribution, as shown under.

Note: if you have installed Windows on a different drive, look for the SoftwareDistribution folder there, it won’t be on the C drive.

5. Delete all the files inside this folder, and then go back to the services app.

6. Once again, scroll down until you find the “Windows Update” list item.

7. Right-click the “Windows Update” list item, and this time click on “Start”, as shown below.

Restart your computer, and check to see if you are still getting the 0x80070002 error message.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Boot Error 0xc0000098?

Fix 3 — Use the System File Checker Tool

If you are still encountering the 0x80070002 Windows 10 error, then you likely have corrupted system files.

Windows has utility to check for and repair missing, corrupted, or damaged system files.

Here’s how to use it.

1. Run the command prompt as an administrator, as shown under.

2. Enter the password for an administrator account if prompted to. Make sure you are connected to the internet.

3. Type in “sfc /scannow” without the quotes and hit enter.

4. You will get a progress percentage notification, that looks like this:

5. Windows will automatically repair any corrupt system files it finds. If it manages to repair them successfully, you will get a message that looks like the image below.

Restart your computer and see if the 0x80070002 error message still shows up.

Also Read: Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80245006

Fix 4 — Check for File System Errors- 0x80070002 Windows Update

A failing/ corrupt hard drive can also be the cause of the 0x80070002 error. To try and fix corrupt sectors on the hard drive, we will use the system disk checker.

Here is how to do that.

1. Open the command prompt as an administrator.

2. Type in “chkdsk’ without the quotes and press the enter key.

3. Let the scan complete. You will see a progress percentage verification, as shown below.

4. Windows will attempt to fix any errors that it finds, and will give you a notification when done.

Restart your computer, and check to see if the error message has gone away.

Also Read: Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80245006

Fix 5 — Manually Install the Latest Update

If you still encounter the 0x80070002 error, then you should try manually installing the latest Windows update.

Here is how to do that.

1. Follow steps number 1, 2, and 3 from fix number 2. (Stop the Windows update agent service).

2. Make a note of the Windows build number that you are trying to update. These are the letters “KB” followed by some numbers.

3. In any browser, open the Microsoft Update Catalog.

4. In the MS Update Catalog, type in the build number and click “Search”, as shown below.

5. Make a note of your system architecture (x64, Server, or x86) and download the correct version as shown below.

6. You will get a pop-up box. In it, click the blue hyperlink.

7. Save the file where you like, and run it as an administrator when it downloads.

Restart your computer, and restart the Windows update agent service. The problem should be solved now.

Also Read: How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800700d8? 8 Methods

What if you Lose Data after Error 0x80070002 Windows Update?

Experiencing data loss can sometimes be a side effect of the 0x80070002 error. Although this is not a frequent issue, it’s important to be prepared for it.

You can use free data recovery software to scan and recover any files that you may have lost.

If you find yourself facing data loss after attempting to resolve this error, Stellar Data Recovery software offers a solution.

With over 35 years of experience in the industry, hundreds of people use our software to recover data every week.

In this case, our free data recovery software has everything you need to recover files lost after the 0x80070002 error.

Also Read: How to Evaluate Free Data Recovery Software for Windows 11?

It is 100% free to download and use, no credit card required, forever.

Also, it can recover all types of files and file formats, including video, audio, documents, and images.

1. Download Stellar Data Free Recovery Software, and install it.

2. Select the specific file type(s) you want to recover, or select “everything”. Click “Next”.

3. In the next window, select the drive that you want to recover the data from. We have selected C: drive, but you can select multiple drives if you want. Click “Scan”.

4. Wait for the scan to complete. This process can take a fair bit of time, so please be patient.

5. When the scan is complete, you will get a notification, as shown under.

6. You can now preview and select the items you would like to recover.

7. Select the file(s) you want to save, and click “Recover”, as shown below.

8. In the pop-up box, click on “Browse”, and select the location where you want your recovered files to go.

9. Click on “Start Saving”, and wait for the process to complete.

Your files will get saved to the location you specified, in this case, the “Documents” folder.

And that was how you could fix the 0x80070002 and 0x80070003 error messages on Windows.

Also Read: Get Stellar Data Recovery Activation Key

FAQs- 0x80070002 Windows Update

1. Can the 0x80070002 error affect Windows updates in the future?

No, this error typically doesn’t have a lasting impact on future updates. Once resolved, your system should be able to receive and install future updates normally. However, it’s always good practice to regularly check for updates to ensure your system stays up to date.

Also Read: How to Fix Error Code 0x80072f8f Windows 11/10?

2. Is it safe to delete files from the Software Distribution folder?

Yes, it’s safe to delete files from the Software Distribution folder. This folder contains temporary files used for updating Windows, and clearing it can often resolve update issues. Windows will automatically recreate the necessary files during the next update process.

3. If manual update installation fails, what should be my next step?

This would be quite rare. However, if manually installing the update doesn’t resolve the issue, consider using the Windows Update Assistant or the Media Creation Tool for updating. These tools can help bypass issues encountered with the standard update process.

4. Can system restore help in fixing the 0x80070002 error?

Yes, if you have a system restore point created before the error occurred, restoring your system to that point can potentially fix the error. However, this will also remove any system changes made after that point. You will lose any data that is not backed up since that restore point as well.

Also Read: Windows 11 March 2023 Update Issues: (KB5023706)