Resolve Windows 10 Feature Update Error 0x80070002 (Version 1903)

Resolve Windows 10 Feature Update Error 0x80070002 (Version 1903)

Windows 10 users occasionally face issues while updating their system, and one common error is 0x80070002, particularly when installing the Feature Update to Windows 10, version 1903. This error is usually caused by missing or corrupt update files, incorrect system settings, or problems with the Windows Update service. If you’re experiencing this frustrating error, here are several ways to fix it and get your system updated successfully.

CAUSES OF ERROR 0X80070002

Before diving into the solutions, it helps to understand what typically causes this issue:

• Corrupted or missing update files.
• System date and time settings that are incorrect.
• Issues with the Windows Update service or its components.
• Problems with the Software Distribution folder.
• Registry inconsistencies or third-party software interference.

1. CHECK YOUR DATE AND TIME SETTINGS

Incorrect date and time settings can cause communication errors between your device and Microsoft’s servers.

• Right-click on the Time in the taskbar and choose Adjust date/time.
• Enable Set time automatically and Set time zone automatically.
• Restart your computer and try updating again.

2. RUN THE WINDOWS UPDATE TROUBLESHOOTER

Windows has a built-in tool to automatically detect and resolve common update issues.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
• Click Additional troubleshooters.
• Select Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.
• Follow the on-screen instructions and restart your PC.

3. DELETE THE SOFTWARE DISTRIBUTION FOLDER

The Software Distribution folder temporarily stores update files. If any of these files are corrupt, it can prevent updates.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:

  net stop wuauserv
  net stop bits

• Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
• Delete all contents inside the folder.
• Go back to Command Prompt and restart the services:

  net start wuauserv
  net start bits

• Try running Windows Update again.

4. USE THE WINDOWS UPDATE ASSISTANT

If the built-in updater isn’t working, use the Windows Update Assistant to manually install version 1903.

• Visit the official Microsoft Windows 10 download page.
• Click Update now to download the Update Assistant.
• Run the tool and follow the prompts to update your system.

5. RESET WINDOWS UPDATE COMPONENTS MANUALLY

Sometimes deeper problems require a more thorough reset of update-related services.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type the following commands in order:

  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
  ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver

• Close Command Prompt and attempt the update again.

6. PERFORM A SYSTEM FILE CHECK (SFC SCAN)

Corrupted system files can block updates. Use the SFC scan to detect and fix these issues.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type:

  sfc /scannow

• Wait for the scan to finish and follow any repair suggestions.
• Restart your PC and check if the issue is resolved.

7. USE DISM TO FIX SYSTEM IMAGE CORRUPTION

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is another powerful tool to repair Windows images.

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run the following commands:

  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• After DISM completes, restart your computer and try updating again.

8. TEMPORARILY DISABLE ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE

Third-party antivirus software can sometimes interfere with the update process.

• Temporarily disable your antivirus and firewall.
• Attempt to update Windows.
• Re-enable your protection after updating.

9. USE SYSTEM RESTORE (IF AVAILABLE)

If the issue began recently, a system restore point may resolve it.

• Go to Control Panel > Recovery > Open System Restore.
• Choose a restore point before the error started.
• Follow the prompts and let your system roll back.
• Try updating again after the restoration.

10. PERFORM A CLEAN BOOT

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and services, helping eliminate conflicts.

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• Disable all startup items.
• Restart your PC and try the update.

CONCLUSION

The 0x80070002 error can be frustrating, but with these comprehensive methods, most users should be able to resolve the problem and install the feature update to version 1903 successfully. Start with the simpler steps and move to more advanced solutions if necessary. If all else fails, contacting Microsoft Support or performing an in-place upgrade might be the final fix.