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How to fix install error – 0x80070002?

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  • 5 min read

Many people have reported seeing a Windows Update Error 0x80070002 while downloading updates. The complete error message looks like this: An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer. Error(s) found: Code 80070002.

It can be a frustrating experience for some users, especially when they are trying to download updates during a time crunch. Fortunately, there are a few ways to fix the issue. In this article, we’ll explain the cause of error 0x80070002 and ways to fix it.


What are the reasons behind the error code 0x80070002?

There are a few possible causes of error 0x80070002 in Windows. Some of the most common ones are:

  • Corrupt and missing files.
  • Lack of system space.
  • Faulty date and time settings.
  • Conflict between hardware peripheries.

Also read: How to fix the Windows 11 NSIS error?


How to fix error 0x80070002?

Now that we have understood the causes of the error 0x80070002 let us head to the fixes.

Check date and time settings

The first step that you should take is to check the date and time settings on your Windows computer. Usually, Windows automatically updates the date and time based on your location.

However, if this doesn’t happen, you can head to our article on how to change the date and time in Windows 10.


Remove the peripherals

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As explained earlier, peripherals may interfere with the Windows update, causing the error 0x80070002.

So, remove the peripherals one by one to find out and keep trying to update the OS to find out the culprit. Usually, the necessary peripherals like the keyboard or the mouse are not the cause of this error.

However, peripherals like webcams, printers, or scanners can sometimes cause issues. So, you should start with them.


Clear some hard drive space

Windows updates require space — from a few MBs to a few GBs — on your hard disk. If you are not clearing the hard disk regularly, there may be no space left for the update to download, and you’ll see the error 0x80070002.

Delete or transfer the large files on Windows and then rerun the update. This time, it should work.


Troubleshoot Windows Update

Windows has an in-built troubleshooting mechanism that you can run when there’s something wrong with the operating system.

Here’s how to start the troubleshooting:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + I and head to System > Troubleshoot.

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Step 2: Click on Other troubleshooters.

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Step 3: Now, click on Run beside Windows Update.

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Wait for the troubleshooting to finish, and then rerun the update.

Also read: Fix: This group can’t be displayed on Telegram


Set the Windows Update Service to automatic

Windows Update Service detects and downloads the updates automatically without you having to go for it manually. However, sometimes the software may get glitches or bugs, and you may need to start it yourself.

Here’s how to do this:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue box. Here, type services.msc and press Enter.

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Step 2: Now, locate and double-click on Windows Update Services.

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Step 3: Finally, set the Windows Update Service to Automatic.

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Run a SFC scan

System File Checker is a built-in tool in the Windows operating system that can locate and repair damaged system files.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + X to open the Terminal.

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Step 2: Type sfc/scannow to run the scan.

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Step 3: If the scan finds any issue, run the command below to resolve it:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

In conclusion, Windows Update Error 0x80070002 can easily be resolved if you remove the unnecessary peripherals, run the Windows Update troubleshooter, tweak the Windows Update Services, and perform an SFC scan.

Also read: Why is the Touchpad not working on your Windows 11 laptop? Quick Fix

Kumar Hemant

Kumar Hemant

Deputy Editor at Candid.Technology. Hemant writes at the intersection of tech and culture and has a keen interest in science, social issues and international relations. You can contact him here: kumarhemant@pm.me

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