Fix Windows Error 0x80070002 – Missing Files

Quick Answer (for pros)

Stop the Wuauserv and BITS services, delete C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and C:\Windows\System32\catroot2, restart the services, and retry the update. That clears the corrupted cache.

Why You're Seeing Error 0x80070002

This error shows up when Windows Update downloads an update but can't find a file it expects. Usually happens after a failed update attempt – maybe you shut down your PC mid-update, or your internet cut out. The update files are there, but they're incomplete or corrupted. I've seen it most on Windows 10 version 22H2 after a cumulative update fails. The system says “some files are missing” but doesn't tell you which ones. The real fix is to wipe the update cache and start clean.

Skip trying to repair installs or running SFC first – that wastes time. The cache is the problem 9 times out of 10.

Step-by-Step Fix: Clear the Update Cache

1. Open Command Prompt as admin. Click Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and pick “Run as administrator.” You'll get a black window. Don't skip this – normal mode won't work.
2. Stop the update services. Type these commands one at a time and press Enter after each:
   

   net stop wuauserv
   net stop cryptSvc
   net stop bits
   net stop msiserver

   You should see “The service was stopped successfully” for each. If one says “not running,” that's fine – move on.
3. Rename the cache folders. Don't delete them – renaming keeps a backup in case something goes wrong. Type these:
   

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

   You shouldn't see any errors. If you get “access denied,” you missed step 1 – close and reopen as admin.
4. Restart the services. Type these commands:
   

   net start wuauserv
   net start cryptSvc
   net start bits
   net start msiserver

   Each should say “service started successfully.” If one fails, it might be disabled – check Services.msc later.
5. Close the command prompt and retry the update. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.” The error should be gone. If it still shows up, reboot your PC and check again.

Alternative Fixes If the Cache Clear Doesn't Work

Sometimes the cache is clean but the update file itself is corrupt. Try these in order:

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters > Windows Update. Let it run – it'll reset the services automatically. I've seen it fix about 20% of cases where the manual cache clear fails.

Use DISM to Fix System Corruption

Open Command Prompt as admin again. Type:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Manually Download the Update

If you know the update's KB number (like KB5022352 for Windows 10), go to the Microsoft Update Catalog. Search for it, download the right version for your architecture (x64 or x86), and double-click the .msu file to install it. This bypasses the Windows Update service entirely.

Prevention: Stop This from Happening Again

The main cause is a sudden shutdown during an update. Always let updates complete – if your PC says “Don't turn off your computer,” don't. Also, make sure your system clock is correct. A wrong date can confuse update file checksums. Finally, once a month, run the Disk Cleanup tool and delete the “Windows Update Cleanup” files to keep the cache lean. I do this on the first of every month and haven't seen this error in years.