The Microsoft System Update Readiness Tool can correct some conditions that cause Windows Update error 80070490.

Having run into this problem lately and browsing numerous posts after posts of long, complicated registry edits, file downloads, and other ridiculous failed attempts, we were reminded about the Microsoft System Update Readiness Tool. It's a large download and about as slow as Windows Updates is, but it gets the job done. Plan at least 30 minutes for download and installation. It tends to hang up at the end for 5 minutes or so but doesn't do anything. Wait for it.

The tool will check your Windows Updates for a problem and offer to download the latest hotfix to address your issue. Often, the Security Center is disabled, which is a good indicator that you're infected. Tweaking.com - Windows Repair came to the rescue, but if you want to try to fix the issue with Windows Updates failing, then this is worth a shot.

This problem is most commonly seen on Windows 7, 8, and Vista and has not been updated since 2014. We don't recommend trying this on other operating systems.

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