Windows Update Error 0x80070490 — Fix Element Not Found Error

What Does This Error Mean?

Windows Update error 0x80070490 means Windows cannot find a required element when trying to install an update. This is an 'element not found' error in the Windows component store or registry. It commonly appears when an optional Windows feature or component referenced by the update is missing or corrupted.

Affected Models

Windows 10
Windows 11
Windows 8.1

Common Causes

The Windows component store has a corrupted or missing entry for a feature referenced by the update
The update is trying to install a component that was removed by a custom Windows image or optimization tool
Registry entries for a Windows feature or component are corrupted or deleted
A previous failed update left orphaned registry entries that confuse the installer
Third-party system slimming tools removed Windows components that updates expect to find

How to Fix It

Run DISM to repair the component store. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This downloads and restores missing or corrupted component store entries. It is the primary fix for this error.
Run System File Checker after DISM completes. Type: sfc /scannow in the same elevated Command Prompt.

Running both DISM and sfc together gives the best chance of repairing all corrupted components.
Check if any optional Windows features are in a broken state. Open Command Prompt as Administrator and type: DISM /Online /Get-Features — look for features listed as 'Disabled with Payload Removed.'

Features removed from your Windows image cannot be re-enabled without installation media. Note any that appear.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.

The troubleshooter may detect registry issues or component problems that DISM does not address.
If the error persists, use the Microsoft Update Catalog to download and manually install the specific update. Visit catalog.update.microsoft.com and search for the KB number of the failing update.

Manually installing a standalone update package can bypass the component store issue in some cases.

When to Call a Professional

If you used a Windows debloating or slimming tool in the past, it may have removed components that Windows Update expects to find. A technician can help you identify what was removed and restore it using Windows installation media.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Windows debloating tools cause this error?

Yes. Tools that remove Windows components, features, or built-in apps to 'slim down' Windows can delete entries that future updates expect to find. This creates a situation where Windows Update fails because it is looking for something that was intentionally removed. This is one reason why aggressive debloating is not recommended.

What is the Microsoft Update Catalog?

The Microsoft Update Catalog at catalog.update.microsoft.com is a website where you can download individual Windows Update packages. Each update has a KB (Knowledge Base) number like KB5034441. You can find the KB number of a failing update in Windows Update error logs and download it manually.

Will a clean reinstall of Windows fix this permanently?

Yes. A fresh Windows installation restores all components to their original state. Before doing that, try the DISM and sfc repair steps above — they fix most cases without requiring a reinstall. A repair install (also called an in-place upgrade) is a less drastic option that keeps your files.