Windows Update Error 0x80070002 — File Not Found Fix

What Does This Error Mean?

The 0x80070002 error means Windows Update cannot find a file it needs to install an update. This is essentially a 'file not found' error inside the update system. It is usually caused by corrupted update files, a damaged update cache, or incorrect date and time settings.

Affected Models

Windows 10
Windows 11
Windows 8.1

Common Causes

The Windows Update cache folder contains corrupted or incomplete download files
Your computer's date and time settings are incorrect, confusing the update system
Windows system files needed by the update process are corrupted
A previous update installation was interrupted and left things in a broken state
Third-party antivirus software is blocking Windows Update from accessing files

How to Fix It

Check your date and time. Right-click the clock in the taskbar and choose 'Adjust date/time.' Make sure 'Set time automatically' is turned on.

Incorrect date and time is a surprisingly common cause of update errors. Windows Update checks timestamps on files.
Clear the Windows Update cache. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run these commands one at a time: net stop wuauserv — then: del /f /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download\* — then: net start wuauserv

This deletes downloaded update files and forces Windows to download fresh copies.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and click 'Run' next to Windows Update.

The troubleshooter automatically detects and fixes many common update problems.
Run System File Checker. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type: sfc /scannow

Corrupted system files can prevent Windows Update from working. This repairs them.
Run the DISM repair tool. In Administrator Command Prompt, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth — then try Windows Update again.

DISM repairs the Windows component store, which Windows Update depends on to function correctly.

When to Call a Professional

This error is almost always fixable without professional help. However, if none of the steps below work, a technician can perform a more thorough repair of the Windows Update components. In rare cases, a Windows repair install (in-place upgrade) may be needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose any data by clearing the update cache?

No. The update cache only contains temporary download files for Windows updates. Clearing it does not affect your personal files, programs, or settings. Windows will simply re-download the updates it needs.

Why does wrong date and time cause update errors?

Windows Update uses timestamps and security certificates to verify that updates are genuine. If your clock is wrong, these checks fail because the certificates appear expired or not yet valid. Setting the correct time fixes this verification process.

This error keeps coming back. What should I do?

If the error returns after clearing the cache, try resetting all Windows Update components. Search online for the 'Windows Update Reset Script' from Microsoft. As a last resort, you can download the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog website.