Windows Upgrade Failed 0x80070490: Complete Fix Guide

What is Windows Error 0x80070490?

If you’ve landed here, chances are your Windows update or upgrade crashed and burned with the dreaded message "Windows upgrade failed 0x80070490". Annoying, right? You’re not alone.

This error usually pops up when Windows runs into corrupted system files or damaged update components, stopping the upgrade process halfway—like a car running out of fuel mid-highway.

Understanding the Error Code Meaning

Error 0x80070490 translates to “Element not found.” In simple terms, Windows can’t locate certain files or settings it needs to complete the upgrade.

When Does Error 0x80070490 Occur?

You may encounter this error when:

• Upgrading from Windows 10 to Windows 11.
• Installing feature updates.
• Running Windows Update.
• Performing a system repair or reset.

Common Symptoms of Windows Upgrade Failed 0x80070490

Here’s how this error usually shows up:

• Windows update gets stuck at a certain percentage.
• Upgrade fails repeatedly.
• Error message appears after restart.
• System becomes slow or unstable.
• Update rollback occurs automatically.

Sound familiar? Let’s dig into why it happens.

Why Does Windows Upgrade Fail with Error 0x80070490?

Corrupted System Files

Broken or missing system files are the #1 culprit. Think of it like missing pages in an instruction manual—Windows doesn’t know what to do next.

Damaged Windows Update Components

If Windows Update services or folders are corrupted, the upgrade process can’t move forward.

Registry Issues

Invalid or broken registry entries can confuse Windows, especially during major upgrades.

Malware or Virus Infection

Malware loves to mess with system files. Even a small infection can derail your upgrade.

Conflicting Third-Party Software

Antivirus tools, firewalls, or system optimizers can block essential Windows update processes.

How to Solve Windows Upgrade Failed 0x80070490

There are a few things to do before fixing error 0x80070490.

1. Back Up Important Data: Before troubleshooting, back up your files. Even safe fixes can go sideways sometimes.

2. Check Disk Space and System Requirements

Make sure:

• You have at least 20–30 GB free space.
• Your PC meets Windows upgrade requirements.

Then, you can solve this error now.

Method 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Clear steps for you to run the Troubleshooter.

1. Press Win + I → Settings.

2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

3. Click Run next to Windows Update.

4. Follow on-screen instructions.

5. Restart your PC.

This built-in tool fixes common update issues automatically.

Method 2: Repair Corrupted System Files Using SFC

Let’s know how to run SFC scan.

1. Type cmd in the search bar.

2. Right-click Command Prompt → Run as administrator.

3. Enter: sfc /scannow.

4. Wait for the scan to complete.

5. Restart your computer.

SFC replaces corrupted files with cached healthy versions.

Method 3: Use DISM to Fix Windows Image

DISM repairs deeper system image issues that SFC can’t fix.

RestoreHealth Command

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

2. Run: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

3. Let the process finish (it may take time).

4. Reboot and retry the upgrade.

Method 4: Reset Windows Update Components

There are manual reset steps.

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin)

2. Stop update services:

net stop wuauserv

net stop cryptsvc

net stop bits

net stop msiserver

3. Rename update folders:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

4. Restart services:

net start wuauserv

net start cryptsvc

net start bits

net start msiserver

This clears corrupted update cache files.

Method 5: Perform an In-Place Upgrade

An in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows without deleting files or apps.

Steps:

1. Download Windows ISO from Microsoft.

2. Mount the ISO.

3. Run setup.exe.

4. Choose Keep personal files and apps.

This method fixes stubborn upgrade errors.

Method 6: Check and Repair Registry Errors

Use a trusted registry cleaner or manually check registry entries if you’re experienced. Incorrect registry keys can break upgrade processes.

Method 7: Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Third-party antivirus software can block Windows upgrades.

Steps:

• Disable antivirus temporarily.
• Disconnect from the internet.
• Run the upgrade again.
• Re-enable antivirus afterward.

Method 8: Scan for Malware and Viruses

Run:

• Windows Security Full Scan
• Or a reputable anti-malware tool

Malware-free systems upgrade much more smoothly.

Method 9: Update Windows Using Media Creation Tool

Microsoft’s Media Creation Tool bypasses Windows Update glitches.

Steps:

1. Download the tool.

2. Choose Upgrade this PC now.

3. Follow instructions.

This is often the most reliable fix.

Best Way to Recover Lost Data After Solving Error 0x80070490 – MyRecover

Let’s be honest—sometimes fixing Windows upgrade failed 0x80070490 isn’t the end of the story. During failed upgrades, forced restarts, or in-place repairs, files can quietly disappear. Photos, documents, work folders—gone in the blink of an eye. Painful, right?

That’s where MyRecover comes in as a lifesaver. MyRecover is a professional Windows data recovery tool designed to retrieve lost, deleted, or inaccessible files after system errors like 0x80070490.

What makes it stand out?

• Recovers data from failed Windows upgrades.
• Works with NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS.
• Supports recovery from system drives, external disks, SSDs, and HDDs.
• Restores documents, photos, videos, emails, and more.
• Clean interface—no technical headaches.

Even if Windows looks fine now, MyRecover digs underneath the surface where your files may still exist.

How to Recover Lost Data Using MyRecover

Recovering files is surprisingly simple—no tech wizardry needed.

1. Install MyRecover on a drive different from the one where data was lost.

2. Launch the software and select the affected drive or partition. Click Scan.

3. Preview recoverable files in real time.

4. Select the files you need and click Recover.

5. Save them to a secure location.

It’s like rewinding time and grabbing your files before they vanished.

Conclusion

The Windows upgrade failed 0x80070490 error may look intimidating, but it’s completely fixable. In most cases, corrupted system files or broken update components are to blame. By following the step-by-step solutions above—from running SFC and DISM scans to resetting Windows Update and performing an in-place upgrade—you can get your system back on track.

Think of it like fixing a jammed zipper: patience, the right tools, and a calm approach make all the difference.