What is 0x80070002?
Windows Update File Failure (0x80070002) (0x80070002) is a medium-severity fault affecting the Windows operating system. This error occurs when Windows Update or an installer attempts to access a critical installation file that has been deleted, moved, or corrupted. It's also often linked to damaged registry keys pointing to incorrect driver package paths. See the troubleshooting steps below for the fix.
Common Causes
- Corrupt download cache folder inside the SoftwareDistribution directory.
- Security software or anti-virus blocking file creations during system updates.
- Damaged registry keys pointing to incorrect driver package paths.
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Stop the Windows Update service and purge the SoftwareDistribution folder content.
"Stop the Windows Update service and purge the SoftwareDistribution folder content." is worth trying when corrupt download cache folder inside the SoftwareDistribution directory turns out to be the culprit.
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2
Run the SFC /scannow command to repair missing or broken system files.
"Run the SFC /scannow command to repair missing or broken system files." targets security software or anti-virus blocking file creations during system updates, one of the documented causes of 0x80070002.
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3
Re-register Windows update registry components and restart update process.
If earlier steps didn't help, "Re-register Windows update registry components and restart update process." directly addresses damaged registry keys pointing to incorrect driver package paths.
Commands & Diagnostics
net stop wuauserv
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
sfc /scannow
Frequently Asked Questions
0x80070002 is most often triggered by corrupt download cache folder inside the SoftwareDistribution directory. Other reports point to security software or anti-virus blocking file creations during system updates and damaged registry keys pointing to incorrect driver package paths as contributing factors.
The fastest fix is "Stop the Windows Update service and purge the SoftwareDistribution folder content". Only move on to the later steps if 0x80070002 keeps coming back.
As a medium-severity issue, 0x80070002 is more of a stability annoyance than a hardware risk — the steps above should clear it up.
You shouldn't need to. Work through the guide above first — a reinstall is only worth considering if none of those steps help.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including 0x80070002. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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