Fix: 0x80070002 or 0x80070003 Windows 11/10 Update Error Code

Sometimes during Windows 11 or Windows 10 update process, we may encounter error codes 0x80070002 or 0x80070003. These error codes prevent the update process. It occurs because of a missing file, incorrect system settings, malware or defective hardware etc. Depending on the system version, you may see the error code “80070002” or “80070003”. However, the message behind these all error codes is “ERROR_FILE_NOT_FOUND”. So how you can resolve this issue yourself.

How to Fix Windows 11/10 Update Error 0x80070002 or 0x80070003

Method 1: Check the Date and Time

Usually, when you connect to the internet, the Windows 11/10 operating system automatically sets the time zone, time, and date. Sometimes this synchronization process doesn’t work, so you must manually enter the time information. Otherwise, you may face update error 0x80070002 or 0x80070003. So head over to the “Date and Time” and check whether the right time zone is set or not. If this isn’t the case, you need to change the time zone and ensure “Synchronize with an internet time server” is enabled.

Method 2: Windows Update installation files modification

Due to the system update process failing or a corrupted installation file, the error 0x80070002 or 0x80070003 may occur. So to fix this, you need to follow the steps below:

Firstly, you need to Disable the Windows Update service. To do this, open Run Box, type services.msc, and click OK. Search for Windows Update (Double Click on it) and there Change the Startup type to Automatic> Tap on Start in the Service status> Apply. Now Restart your laptop and try the Windows 11/10 Update to see if it works.

You can also delete the Software Distribution Folder. To do this, double click the drive where your Windows is installed and go to folders: Windows > SoftwareDistribution. Now delete the folder named SoftwareDistribution. OR, you can also rename it with SoftwareDistributionOld.

Now re-enable the Windows Update service, and press the Windows + R to invoke the Run box. Type services.msc, and hit OK. Restart your PC and try Windows Update to see if it solves the issue.

Method 3: Check and Repair System Files

If Windows found missing system files, you may see the 0x80070002 or 0x80070003 error code. So you should check and repair all system files in your Windows installation. The SFC tool will analyze the affected file(s). To do so, follow the below steps:

Run Command Prompt as administrator.
Now execute the following commands to start the SFC:

sfc /scannow

Wait until the check process has been fully completed.
Now you will see a list of corrupted files that couldn’t be repaired. These files can be found in the log file cbs.log, which is located in the Windows/Logs/CBS directory.

Method 4: Check the Drive for File System Errors

Due to defective complex drive sectors, we may face a wide range of complications such as the 0x80070002 or 0x80070003 problem. The CHKDSK tool (CheckDisk) informs us of these errors in the file system structure and fixes them at any time. To do so, follow the below steps:

To launch the command prompt as an administrator, go to Start Menu> Enter the term CMD> Right-click on Command Prompt> Run as Administrator.
Enter the following command line: