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Andrew T.
Detroit, MI · April 15, 2026
Tech Support

Windows Update keeps failing with error code 0x80070002. I've tried running the troubleshooter but it didn't help.

HBE
HelpByExperts Research Team
Editorial Research Team
Verified Editorial

Error 0x80070002 means Windows cannot find the update files it downloaded, usually because they got corrupted during download. The fix is to clear the update cache and force Windows to download fresh copies. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands in order: net stop wuauserv (stops the update service), then net stop bits (stops background transfer), then navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete everything inside that folder. You can do this by running rd /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\* in the command prompt. Then restart the services: net start wuauserv and net start bits. Go back to Windows Update and try again — it will download fresh update files. If this does not work, try running the System File Checker by typing sfc /scannow in an elevated Command Prompt. This checks for and repairs corrupted Windows system files that may be preventing the update from installing. The scan takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

👍 63 people found this helpful·Answered April 15, 2026
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