Microsoft releases updates to fix issues and roll out new features. But while downloading these updates, you might come across different update errors. One of these Windows update errors appears with the code 0x80070002.

As such, if you also face the Windows update error 0x80070002, follow the below solutions to get rid of the problem.

What Causes the Windows Update Error 0x80070002?

When it comes to Windows update errors, there can be many possible things causing the problem. Below are some primary culprits responsible for the problem in the question.

  1. The Windows update error 0x80070002 can result from corrupt or missing system files.
  2. If the system doesn't have enough space to download the update, you may encounter this error.
  3. The problem can also appear due to conflict between hardware devices attached to the system.

Like any other Windows issue, update error 0x80070002 can be easily fixed. Here are all the solutions to eliminate the problem for good.

1. Remove Any Unnecessary Peripherals and Reboot

Most Windows update errors result from conflict between different peripheral devices attached to the system. As a solution, remove all the extra peripheral devices like webcam, scanner, microphone, etc.

After that, reboot the system and try to download the update again. Check If the problem continues, or not.

2. Check Your Available Space

If the system doesn't have enough space to download the update, you'll most likely face the problem in the question. Although Windows always keeps a certain amount of space reserved for updates, you can run out of it if you have a little available room.

Open the File Explorer and check the available space in the OS drive. If there's very little available storage, consider clearing all the unnecessary files. Alternatively, you can attach an external drive to move the files and then try downloading the update.

3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows comes with a built-in troubleshooting application to fix update issues. You can run the Windows update troubleshooter by following the below steps.

  1. Open Settings using one of the many ways to open the Settings menu.
  2. Choose Troubleshoot under the System tab.
  3. Click on Other troubleshooters.
  4. Click on Run next to Windows Update.
    The Run button for Windows Update troubleshooter
  5. The update troubleshooter will pop up and look for any available issues.

Next, follow the onscreen instructions to remove the detected problems from the system.

4. Enable the Windows Update Service

Windows Update service ensures that the system can easily detect, download and install Windows updates. If the service is disabled, Windows will fail to download new updates.

As a solution, you will have to enable the service. Here's how.

  1. Open the Run dialogue box using Win + R.
  2. Type Services and press Enter.
  3. Locate and double-click on the Windows Update service.
  4. Change the Startup type to Automatic.
     Windows Update Properties in Services
  5. Click Start if the service isn't running.
  6. Click on Apply > OK.

You need to ensure some more updates-related services are enabled and running. Below are three other services you need to check as outlined above.

  • Cryptographic Services
  • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
  • Application Identify

5. Temporarily Disable the Microsoft Defender Firewall

Microsoft Defender Firewall is a great tool to keep the system free from malicious files and cyber attacks. But sometimes, the Firewall can become overprotective and affect the update process.

So, while downloading the update, disable the Firewall and check if it fixes the issue. Here's how to do it.

  1. Open the Start Menu, type Windows Security and press Enter.
  2. Choose Firewall & network protection from the left pane.
  3. Click on Private network.
  4. Disable the toggle under Microsoft Defender Firewall.
    Window showing Microsoft Defender Firewall toggle

That's it. Try to download the Windows update and check if you still face the error code. If yes, turn on the Firewall again by reverting the above changes.

6. Reset Windows Update's Components

The SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders contain essential files related to the Windows update process. But if the content of these two folders gets corrupted, you will face different difficulties while updating Windows.

You'll have to reset the Windows Update components to resolve the issue. Here's how.

  1. Open Command Prompt in administrator mode.
  2. Type the following command and press enter.
            net stop bits
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop appidsvc
    net stop cryptsvc
  3. To rename the SoftwareDistribution folder, type the following command and press Enter.
            Ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
        
  4. Type the following command and press Enter to rename the catroot2 folder.
            >Ren %systemroot%\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
        
  5. Restart the above services again by executing the following command.
            net start bits
    net start wuauserv
    net start appidsvc
    net start cryptsvc

After the process is complete, Windows will create a new SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folder featuring the Windows update files.

7. Troubleshoot the Problem With Clean Boot

Windows update error 0x80070002 can result from the conflict between the startup services and the update process. You will have to boot the system in a clean boot state to fix this issue.

In the clean boot state, the system starts with a minimal set of drivers and startup applications. You can perform a clean boot by following the below steps.

  1. Open the Run dialogue box, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the General tab, select Selective startup.
    System Configuration General tab
  3. Switch to the Services tab.
  4. Checkmark Hide all Microsoft services and click on Disable all.
    The Hide all Microsoft services option
  5. Switch to the Startup tab.
  6. Choose Open Task Manager.
  7. Right-click on all the non-essential startup applications and choose End task.
  8. Press the Apply button and click OK.

The system will start in a clean boot state on the next boot.

8. Run an SFC Scan

SFC scan in Windows 10

Corrupt system files can cause many issues, including update problems. You can get rid of these corrupt files by running an SFC scan.

SFC scan is an excellent tool by which you can locate and replace corrupt system files. Here's how to run an SFC scan on Windows 11.

  1. Open Command Prompt with admin rights.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter.
            sfc /scannow
        

The process will take some time. Once done, reboot the system and check if you're able to download the update or not.

Download Windows Updates With Ease

Windows update errors can appear for different reasons and at various points in the update process. Fortunately, it's a cakewalk to fix any Windows update error. But if none of the above steps were helpful, you'll have to reset the Windows PC.