How to Fix Feature Update to Windows 10, Version 1903 – Error 0x80070002

Windows Update failures can be inconvenient and occasionally expose you to security risks that may develop between patches. Today, we look into how to fix feature update to Windows 10.

In terms of updating, it’s regrettably not always as simple as we’d want. When something that should happen in the background goes wrong, you are left to clean up the mess on your own.

One of the most annoying errors you may encounter when trying to upgrade your Windows 10 computer is Error 0x80070002. Many customers have reported encountering the ‘Feature Update to Windows 10, Version 1903 – Error 0x80070002’ when updating Windows 10/11 to the most recent release. It can also occur when trying to activate a new feature update to Windows 10, Version 1903.

Incorrect dates and timings, corrupted system files, and a number of other factors could be to blame for the problem. This article will assist you in troubleshooting your Windows 10/11 if you have been experiencing this problem and are unable to update it to the most latest OS.

What is Feature Update to Windows 10 Version 1903 Error 0x80070002?

Ever experienced a 0x80070002 Windows Update error on your computer? Error 0x80070002 is an issue with Windows Update that prevents users from installing updates or upgrades on their computers. This error occurs when there are missing files or folders from your system due to corruption or accidental deletion.

When this problem arises, you’ll probably see a warning on your computer saying that Windows couldn’t finish installing the updates. This problem has been reported by users on both Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Here is the exact error message:

Windows could not search for new updates. An error occurred while checking for new updates for your computer. Error(s) found: code 80070002. Windows Update encountered an unknown error.

The same issue is referenced by the code “0x80070003” in some circumstances. Additionally, there are the alternate codes “80070002” or “80070003,” depending on the system version. “ERROR FILE NOT FOUND” is the message that these four potential codes can represent.

A missing file or a damaged file may be the cause of the Windows update process failing because a file could not be located. Downloading and unpacking of the installation files are the main operations that can be at fault for this. Windows doesn’t automatically fix this issue; instead, it shows error 0x80070002, therefore it’s a good idea to attempt a fix yourself and install the necessary update.

What Causes Microsoft Feature Update to Windows 10, Version 1903 – Error 0x80070002?

There may be a number of different potential causes of Windows update issues. The main offenders responsible for the issue in the question are listed below.

• System files that are damaged or missing may cause the Windows update error code 0x80070002.
• You can experience this problem if the system doesn’t have enough storage to download the update. Although Windows always keeps a specific amount of storage space available for updates, you can run into errors if you only have a small amount of free space. Check the available space on the OS drive using File Explorer. If you have limited storage space, consider deleting all unnecessary files. Alternatively, you can connect an external drive to transfer the files before attempting to download the update.
• Conflicts between the system’s hardware components may also result in the issue.
• Outdated drivers might also wreck havoc on your computer and trigger this error. If this is the case, use Driver Updater to keep all your drivers updated and prevent this problem.

Update error 0x80070002 is easy to deal with. Here are all the fixes to solve the issue permanently.

How To Fix Feature Update to Windows 10, Version 1903 – Error 0x80070002 Problem

When installing a Windows update, you may receive the error code “0x80070002” for a variety of reasons. One possibility is that the Windows service in charge of updates is not functioning properly, making installation impossible. It’s also possible that critical system files were lost or deleted, or there are incorrect system settings used. This may not be due to any changes you made; these system issues could also be caused by malware or defective hardware.

Read the solution suggestions below to determine how to deal with the 0x80070002 error in each case.

Fix #1: Check your PC’s time and date.

When you connect to the internet, the operating system will usually automatically determine the correct time zone, time, and date. If the synchronization process fails or you manually enter the time information, you may encounter issues such as the update error 0x80070002 if there are significant differences between the expected and actual values. First, look at the “Date and Time” menu, which can be accessed through the Control Panel (in the Windows Start menu). Take the following steps:

1. In the “Date and Time” tab, make sure the correct time zone is selected. If this is not the case, you can change the current time zone setting by clicking “Change time zone.”
2. Check the box next to “Automatically switch to summer/wintertime.”
3. Navigate to the “Internet time” tab and click the “Change settings” button.
4. Check “Synchronize with an internet time server” and choose one of the suggested servers.
5. To confirm the changes, click “Update now” and then “OK.”

Fix #2: Restart the Windows Update Service.

Windows operating systems include a diverse set of services and processes that are either always active or run only when the system requires them. The Windows Update Agent (WUA) is one of these services, and it is in charge of downloading and installing updates for the Windows OS and other installed Microsoft apps. It will be impossible to update the system if this system does not function properly. Restarting the Update Agent is one possible solution to the 0x80070002 error.

The Update Service, like all other Windows services, can be found in the Microsoft Management Console (Administration > Services) or the Start menu’s search function. In the latter case, enter the search term “services” and click on the link with the same name. In the list, look for the entry “Windows Update” and click “End the service” or the square stop symbol.

Before restarting the agent, navigate to the following directory on your PC (replace the drive letter accordingly if you installed Windows on a different drive): C:/Windows/SoftwareDistribution

The Update Agent temporarily saves files required for the installation process in this directory. To prevent the service from reverting to these files after restarting and instead downloading and unpacking the respective update from scratch, delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution directory.

Now, restart the Update Service by clicking the Update Service button in the Microsoft Management Console, followed by a system restart. Following that, the agent will be able to retry downloading and installing the problematic update.

Fix #3: Check and repair corrupted system files.

The 0x80070002 error can also be caused by missing or corrupt system files. However, because the error message provides no information about where you should look in this case, you must rely on the built-in functionality of the SFC tool (System File Checker). This utility scans and repairs all corrupted system files in your Windows installation. If repairs are not feasible, the SFC will notify you of the affected file. Administrator privileges are required to use the command line tool because the command prompt must be launched as an administrator. To do so, take the following steps:

1. Launch the Start menu.
2. In the search bar, type “cmd.”
3. By right-clicking, select “Command Prompt” and then “Run as administrator.”
4. To start the SFC, enter the following commands as soon as you open the command line: sfc /scannow

Keep the command prompt window open until the checking process is finished. The tool will then display the outcome of the check. A list of damaged files that could not be repaired can be found in the log file cbs.log, which can be found in the directory Windows/Logs/CBS.

Fix #4: Check the hard drive for file system errors.

File system errors, also known as defective hard drive sectors, can occur as a result of system crashes or improper deletion. As a result, a variety of complications, such as the 0x80070002 update problem, can arise. Windows includes a solution as standard, the CHKDSK tool (CheckDisk), which allows you to detect and resolve these types of errors in the file system structure at any time. CHKDSK, like the SFC program described above, can be run from the command line.

It is also necessary to open the command prompt console as an administrator here:

1. Navigate to the Windows Start menu.
2. Enter “cmd” into the search box.
3. Right-click “Command Prompt”, then hit the “Run as administrator” option.
4. Enter the following command to scan and repair the drive on which Windows was installed (usually C:): chkdsk C: /F /R

Because the drive is currently being used by Windows and its various processes, you will be informed that CHKDSK cannot be started at this time. Instead, type “J” and press the [Enter] key to have the check program run before the next system startup.

Fix #5: Check for malware.

If important system files or settings are incorrect or missing, your computer may be infected with malware. In this case, your efforts to resolve the 0x80070002 error will most likely be futile until you locate and remove the malicious software from your system. Read our extensive malware article to learn about the best tools for detecting and removing spyware, Trojan horses, viruses, and other malicious software.

Fix #6: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.

For current Windows versions, the Update Troubleshooter offers a service that is specifically designed to resolve update errors such as 0x80070002. The latest version of the troubleshooter can be downloaded at any time from the official Microsoft Support Forum; it is only a few kilobytes (KB) in size. After opening the downloaded.diagcab file with the “Assistant for Troubleshooting by Diagnosis,” simply follow the steps below to resolve the 0x80070002 error.

Fix #7: Turn off your antivirus temporarily.

In general, Windows security software can safeguard your computer against virus attacks. However, in some cases, Windows security software may prevent Windows updates. To resolve the error 0x80070002, you can temporarily disable security software.

If you have installed third-party security software, simply right-click the antivirus software icon at the bottom of the taskbar and select the option that refers to temporarily disabling the security software. If you are using Windows 10/11, you must also disable Windows Defender and Windows Firewall.

After you’ve disabled the security software, restart your computer to see if the error code 0x80070002 has been resolved.

Fix #8: Perform a Clean Boot.

The conflict between startup services and the update process can cause Windows update error 0x80070002. To resolve this issue, restart the system in a clean boot state.

The system starts with the basic set of drivers and startup applications in the clean boot state. Follow the steps below to initiate a clean boot.

1. Enter msconfig into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
2. Select Selective startup from the General tab.
3. Navigate to the Services tab.
4. Select Hide all Microsoft services, and then click the Disable all button.
5. Navigate to the Startup tab.
6. Select Open Task Manager.
7. End task by right-clicking on all non-essential startup applications.
8. Click OK after pressing the Apply button.

On the next boot, the system will begin in a clean boot state.

Fix #9: Manually install the update.

If, after trying these solutions, the Update Center still displays the error code “0x80070002,” you should try downloading and installing the relevant update manually. Microsoft posts all newly released updates to its Online Update Catalog. Simply enter the update’s knowledge base number (always beginning with “KB”) into the search bar and press “Search”; the web application will then look for the appropriate installation files automatically.

Conclusion

Error 0x80070002 can be a frustrating issue to deal with when trying to upgrade your Windows 10/11 computer to Version 1903, but fortunately, it’s relatively easy to fix with just a few simple steps as outlined above! By following these steps, you would be able to successfully install the latest feature update without any more issues! Good luck!