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Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) – Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

Hub: Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub

Quick Answer
Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) is a system error that occurs when Windows cannot find a required component or element during operations like updates, backups, or system restores. This error is often associated with component store corruption or missing system files. To fix it, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, run DISM and SFC scans, and reset Windows Update components. If the error persists, repair the component store with DISM or perform an in-place upgrade. For more Windows troubleshooting, visit our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Why Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) Happens

Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) is a system error that occurs when Windows cannot locate a specific element or component that is required for a particular operation. The error code 0x80070490 translates to ERROR_ELEMENT_NOT_FOUND, indicating that a requested element could not be located in the system. This error is commonly encountered during Windows Update installations, system restores, backup operations, and when using the Windows Component Store. For official Microsoft documentation, refer to the Microsoft System Error Codes reference.

When Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) appears, it often indicates corruption in the Windows Component Store (WinSxS) or missing registry keys. This error is similar to other update errors like Windows Cumulative Update Failure 0x80073701 and Windows Update Error 0x80070643, but it specifically points to a missing element rather than a corruption mismatch. Common triggers include incomplete update installations, corrupted system files, malware infections, and failed system restore operations.

Before diving into fixes, ensure you are logged in with an administrator account. If Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) occurs during a specific operation like Windows Update or System Restore, note the context as this can help narrow down the most effective fix. For a broader overview of Windows errors, see our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

⚠️ Warning: Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) often indicates component store corruption. Do not attempt to manually add or modify system components without proper guidance — use official Microsoft tools like DISM to repair them.

1. Restart Windows Update Services

Restarting the Windows Update services can resolve temporary glitches that cause Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found). This refreshes the service state and clears temporary issues.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Locate Windows Update in the list. Right-click and select Restart.
  3. Also restart Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Cryptographic Services.
  4. After restarting, close the Services window and attempt the operation again.

✅ Expected Result: The error may be resolved immediately. If not, proceed to the next method to fix Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found).

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common causes of Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found), especially when it appears during updates.

  1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Click Run next to Windows Update.
  3. Allow the tool to scan for issues and apply fixes.
  4. Restart your PC after the troubleshooter completes.

💡 Quick Tip: If the troubleshooter is not available, you can run it from Command Prompt: msdt.exe -id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic.

3. Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

Corrupted update cache in the SoftwareDistribution folder can cause Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found). Clearing it forces Windows to download fresh update files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Stop update services:
    net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
net stop msiserver
  3. Delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder:
    del /f /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\*.*
  4. Also clear the Catroot2 folder:
    del /f /s /q C:\Windows\System32\catroot2\*.*
  5. Restart services:
    net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptSvc
net start msiserver
  6. Restart your PC and retry the operation.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder will erase your update history, but installed updates remain unaffected. This is safe and effective for resolving Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found).

4. Run DISM and SFC Scans

Corrupted system files are a leading cause of Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found). Running DISM and SFC repairs system files and the component store. For a complete guide, see our How to Use DISM Windows 11 article.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run DISM to repair the component store:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for the process to complete (15-20 minutes).
  4. Then run SFC:
    sfc /scannow
  5. After both scans finish, restart your PC and check if Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) is resolved.

✅ Expected Result: DISM and SFC will repair corrupted files, which often resolves Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found).

5. Free Up Sufficient Disk Space

Insufficient disk space on the system drive can cause Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) by preventing system operations from completing. Ensure you have adequate free space.

  1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
  2. Check the available space on your system drive. If it’s below 10 GB, free up space.
  3. Use the built-in Storage Sense to clean temporary files.
  4. Delete unnecessary large files, uninstall unused applications, and empty the Recycle Bin.
  5. After freeing space, restart and try the operation again.

💡 Quick Tip: Use Disk Cleanup (run cleanmgr) to remove system files, including Windows Update cleanup, which can free up gigabytes of space.

6. Reset Windows Update Components Manually

If the previous methods fail, a full reset of Windows Update components can resolve Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found). This process stops services, renames folders, and re-registers DLL files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Stop services:
    net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
  3. Rename folders:
    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  4. Re-register Windows Update DLL files:
    regsvr32 wups2.dll /s
regsvr32 wuapi.dll /s
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll /s
regsvr32 wucltui.dll /s
regsvr32 wups.dll /s
regsvr32 wuwebv.dll /s
  5. Restart services:
    net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
  6. Restart your PC and attempt the operation again.

⚠️ Warning: Renaming these folders is safe but will clear your update history. The folders will be recreated automatically to fix Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found).

7. Repair the Component Store with DISM

Since Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) often indicates component store corruption, running a targeted DISM repair is essential.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run the enhanced DISM command with a local source if online repair fails:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\Windows\WinSxS /LimitAccess
  3. If you have a Windows installation ISO, mount it and use it as a source:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:esd:\\path\to\install.esd /LimitAccess
  4. After DISM completes, run SFC again:
    sfc /scannow
  5. Restart your PC and test if Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) is resolved.

🔁 Alternative Solution: If DISM cannot repair the component store online, use a Windows installation USB to boot into the recovery environment and run DISM from there.

8. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Third-party antivirus or security software can block system operations and trigger Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found). Temporarily disabling it can help identify if it is the cause.

  1. Open your antivirus application.
  2. Turn off real-time protection or pause protection temporarily.
  3. Also disable any firewall or VPN that may interfere.
  4. Attempt the operation that caused the error again.
  5. If the error is resolved, add the application or operation to the exclusion list.
  6. Remember to re-enable your security software after testing.

❌ Common Mistake: Forgetting to re-enable antivirus after testing. Always turn it back on to maintain system security.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If the error persists, try these advanced solutions.

Perform a System Restore

If the error started after a system change, use System Restore to revert to a previous state. Boot into the Recovery Environment, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > System Restore, and choose a restore point before the issue began. For detailed steps, see our How to Use System Restore Windows 11 guide.

Check and Repair Registry Issues

Use the Microsoft System Update Readiness Tool (for older Windows versions) or run DISM to repair registry corruption that may cause Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found).

Use the Windows Update Medic Service

Windows 11 includes a Windows Update Medic Service that can repair the update service itself. Enable it by running in Command Prompt as Admin:

sc config wuauserv start=auto
sc config wuauserv depend= "RpcSs/Winmgmt"
sc start wuauserv

Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Repair Install)

An in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows while preserving your files and apps. Download the Windows 11 ISO, mount it, and run setup.exe. Choose “Keep personal files and apps.” This often resolves persistent Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found). This method is also effective for Windows Installation Failed in Safe_OS Phase and Windows Update Error 0x80240020.

Scan for Malware

Malware can corrupt system files and cause Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found). Run a full scan with Windows Defender Offline. For detailed steps, see How to Scan Malware Windows 11.

Check Event Viewer for Detailed Error Information

Open Event Viewer (Win + R, type eventvwr.msc), navigate to Windows Logs > Application, and look for errors related to the operation that is failing. This can provide more specific information about the cause of Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found).

If you have exhausted all options, contact Microsoft Support or visit the Microsoft Windows Update Resources for additional guidance.

Conclusion

Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) is a system error that indicates a missing element or component corruption. The most reliable solutions are restarting update services, clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder, running DISM and SFC scans, and resetting Windows Update components. If the error persists, performing an in-place upgrade or System Restore will usually resolve the issue. Always ensure you have sufficient disk space and are logged in with administrator privileges before attempting fixes.

Regular system maintenance, such as keeping your system updated and periodically running DISM, can prevent Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) from recurring. For more Windows troubleshooting, explore our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub and check out related articles on Cumulative Update Failure 0x80073701, Windows Update Error 0x80070643, and Windows 11 Update Stuck.

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FAQ

What causes Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found)?

Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) is caused by component store corruption, missing system files, corrupted registry entries, or insufficient disk space. It commonly occurs during Windows Update installations and system restore operations.

How do I fix Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found)?

Restart Windows Update services, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, run DISM and SFC scans, and reset Windows Update components. If the error persists, repair the component store with DISM or perform an in-place upgrade.

Can DISM fix Error 0x80070490?

Yes, DISM is specifically designed to repair the component store and is one of the most effective ways to fix Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found).

Is Error 0x80070490 related to disk space?

Yes, insufficient disk space can trigger Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found). Free up at least 10 GB on the system drive to resolve the issue.

What is the difference between Error 0x80070490 and 0x80073701?

0x80070490 indicates an element not found (missing component), while 0x80073701 indicates a corrupted or mismatched assembly. Both are component store errors, but 0x80070490 suggests a missing element rather than corruption.

Can antivirus cause Windows Error 0x80070490?

Yes, third-party antivirus software can block system operations and trigger this error. Temporarily disabling it can help identify the cause.

How do I clear the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Open Command Prompt as Administrator, stop the update services, delete the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, and restart the services.

Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Yes, it is safe. Windows will recreate it automatically. Deleting it forces Windows to download fresh update files and can resolve Windows Error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found).

What should I do if the error persists after all fixes?

If the error continues, perform a System Restore to a point before the error appeared, run an in-place upgrade to repair Windows without losing your files, or as a last resort, perform a clean installation of Windows.

Can outdated drivers cause Error 0x80070490?

While less common, outdated or incompatible drivers can interfere with system operations. Update your drivers via Device Manager or visit your manufacturer’s website.

HowToFixPro Editorial Team

We’re a team of system administrators, technical writers, and platform specialists who genuinely enjoy solving the problems most users find frustrating. From persistent Windows errors and Android sync failures to browser crashes and network drops — we’ve seen it all, and we document every fix properly. Our guides are built on official documentation, direct testing, and real troubleshooting experience. No filler, no guesswork — just reliable, step-by-step solutions you can trust.

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