What is WU-0x80070002?
WU-0x80070002 shows up as a medium-severity Windows operating system fault. Windows cannot check for or install updates. Error code: 0x80070002. Common triggers are corrupt SoftwareDistribution folder and stopped BITS service. Work through the steps below in order.
Common Causes
- Corrupt SoftwareDistribution folder
- Stopped BITS service
- Error connecting to server
Step-by-Step Fix Guide
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1
Restart Windows Update
Start with Restart Windows Update — it clears the most frequent root cause behind WU-0x80070002 in the majority of cases we've seen.
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2
Clear the update cache
If it's still not resolved, work through the rest of the steps — they're aimed at rarer windows instability cases.
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3
Run the WU Troubleshooter
"Run the WU Troubleshooter" is the next step worth ruling out for WU-0x80070002.
Commands & Diagnostics
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
Frequently Asked Questions
In most cases, corrupt SoftwareDistribution folder is behind WU-0x80070002. Stopped BITS service and error connecting to server can trigger it too.
Most WU-0x80070002 reports resolve after "Restart Windows Update". The rest of the guide above is there for the cases that don't.
As a medium-severity issue, WU-0x80070002 is more of a stability annoyance than a hardware risk — the steps above should clear it up.
Usually. WU-0x80070002 is fixable with the steps above; a full Windows reinstall is rarely necessary unless everything else has failed.
Sometimes. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix known BSOD triggers including WU-0x80070002. Make sure Windows is fully up to date via Settings → Windows Update before attempting more advanced fixes.
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