Microsoft updates its Windows 10 Operating System every now and then. The main goal of this update is to improve the performance of the operating system as well as enhanced its security features. Although the update process is pretty easy there are instances when certain issues can occur such as Error 0x80070490. In this latest installment of our troubleshooting series we will tackle Windows Update Error 0x80070490 issue.

Why Windows Update Error 0x80070490 occurs

There are also instances wherein users report experiencing the error when upgrading from lower version of Windows (Windows 7 and Windows 8.1) to the new version Windows 10. Other than that, the error 0x80070490 was also reported when users updated an app from Microsoft Store via Windows updates.

There are several factors that can cause this particular problem ranging from a third-party security program to a corrupted file in the Component-Based Servicing (CBS) and System Component store, from services that requires Windows Update to be manually disabled to issues with the Registry Files. Listed below are the troubleshooting solution that you need to do to be able to fix windows update error.

Before performing the recommended troubleshooting steps below, its best to restart your Windows computer first. This action refreshes the operating system and remove any corrupt temporary data that could be causing the problem.

Method 1: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Check if Windows Update Error 0x80070490 still occurs.

Method 2: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Program

It is possible that the antivirus on your computer or even third-party antivirus program is blocking your computer from completing windows update. To check it this is what’s causing Windows update Error 0x80070490 to occur, try to disable the antivirus software or any third-party antivirus.

For Windows Security

1. Click on the Start or Windows logo key located at the lower left.
2. Click on Settings, an icon that looks like a gear to open Windows Settings section.
3. Click on Update and Security tab
4. Click Windows Security at the left pane.
5. Click Virus and Threat protection from the protection areas section, a new window opens.
6. Click Manage settings from Virus and Threat Protection settings.
7. Toggle OFF Real-time protection.

For Avast:

1. Double-click on Avast icon at computer system tray.
2. Click Avast shields control.
3. Locate the options to disable the program – Options are: Disable for 10 minutes, an hour, until the computer is restarted or permanently (until you yourself turn it back on). Select whatever option suits you best and use it to disable the program.

For AVG:

1. Double-click on AVG icon at computer system tray.
2. Click Temporarily disable AVG protection.
3. Select how long you want AVG to be turned off and whether you want AVG to disable its Firewall too. Click on OK to disable the antivirus program.

For McAfee

1. Double-click on McAfee icon at computer system tray.
2. Click Exit.
3. A dialog box warning you that McAfee protection will be turned off, click Yes in this dialog box to disable the antivirus program.

After antivirus or third party antivirus is disabled temporarily, restart your computer.

After computer completely reboots, check if Windows Update Error 0x80070490 issue still occurs.

Method 3: RUN DISM and SFC tool

It is recommended to run System File Checker and  DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan as it will search for corrupted and missing files and automatically repair it if there are any.

1. Type Command Prompt at the search bar on your Windows located at the lower left.
2. Right click on the Command Prompt result then click Run as Administrator from the drop-down menu. If a prompt User account control (UAC) appears, click OK.
3. Type the following command sfc /scannow and then hit Enter key . Scanning for corrupted or missing files will begin. Make sure not to abort and just wait for it to complete.

After System File Checker, check the result. If Component-Based Servicing (CBS) store is found to be corrupted, you need to do a DISM scan.

1. Type Command Prompt at the search bar on your Windows located at the lower left.
2. Right click on the first result and select “Run as administrator” for command prompt admin access. If a prompt User account control (UAC) appears, click OK.
3. At command prompt window, type the following commands in order then press the Enter key after each command.

• Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth and hit Enter key
• Type DISM /Online/Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth and hit Enter key

Wait for the process to complete as it can take a while.

After running System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management scan, check if Error code 0x80070490 on Windows updates issue still occurs.

Method 4: Reset Windows Update Components Using Command Prompt

If the methods mentioned above did not fix windows update error, try to manually reset windows update components. Although this method takes some time to perform, there have been reports that this method actually works by removing damaged files preventing windows update to finish.

1. Type Command Prompt at the search bar on your Windows located at the lower left.
2. Right click on the first result and select “Run as administrator” for command prompt admin access. If a prompt User account control (UAC) appears, click OK.
3. At command prompt window, type the following commands in order then hit Enter key after each command.
4. Type net stop bits then press Enter
5. Type net stop wuauserv then press Enter.
6. Type net stop cryptSvc then press Enter.
7. Type net stop msiserver then press Enter.
8. Type ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old then press Enter.
9. Type ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old then press Enter.
10. Type net start bits then press Enter.
11. Type net start wuauserv then press Enter.
12. Type net start cryptSvc then press Enter.
13. Type net start msiserver then press Enter.
14. Click Close to Exit
15. Restart your computer.

After computer completely reboots, check if Windows Update Error 0x80070490 still occurs.

Method 5: Do a system restore for Windows Update Error 0x80070490

System restore is a recovery tool that allows reversal of changes made on your Windows 10. Try to restore your windows to a version from when the operating system was functioning well to fix windows update error 0x80070490.

1. Press Windows key + R on your keyboard to open RUN dialog box.
2. At RUN dialog box, type “rstrui” and press Enter or click OK to open RUN dialog box.
3. Click Next at Recommended Restore tab.
4. Click on Scan for affected programs on the Recommended restore option. This will show programs that will be affected after the system restore. Click close if you are okay with it.
5. Click Finish. System Restore will now begin. Wait for system restore process to complete.
6. Click Yes when prompt window occurs. Computer will automatically restart.

After computer completely reboots, check if Windows Update Error 0x80070490 still occurs.