FIX: Error 0x80070490 in Windows Update and Mail App

Work your way thru these instructions

Do you keep running into “Error code: 0x80070490” while using Windows Update or the Mail app in Windows 10/11? It’s an error that you can resolve quite easily (although you may run into instances that require advanced troubleshooting).

Work your way through the instructions below to fix “Error code: 0x80070490” in Windows Update or the Mail app. If the error occurs in both, apply the fixes in the order they appear.

Fix Error Code 0x80070490 in Windows Update

“Error code: 0x80070490” in Windows Update is often the result of conflicts with antimalware programs, a broken Windows Update cache, or corruption in the operating system. The following fixes should resolve the Windows Update error.

Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Microsoft knows that Windows Update is prone to numerous issues, which is why Windows 10/11 includes a built-in troubleshooter to help deal with them.

  1. Open theStartmenu (or press theWindowskey) and selectSettings.

  2. SelectSystem>Troubleshoot(Windows 11) orUpdate & Security>Troubleshoot(Windows 10).

  3. SelectOther troubleshooters(Windows 11) orAdditional troubleshooters(Windows 10).

  4. SelectRunnext toWindows Update(Windows 11) orWindows Update>Run the troubleshooter(Windows 10).

Once the Windows Update troubleshooter loads, follow all on-screen instructions to fix any detected issues.

Restart Your Computer

If the Windows Update troubleshooter failed to resolve “Error code: 0x80070490”, try restarting your computer – a simple action that usually takes care of most system-related anomalies. Once you’re back on the desktop, run Windows Update and see if the error recurs.

Pause Antivirus Utility Temporarily

Third-party antivirus software often creates conflicts with Windows Update. If you have one installed on your computer, try disabling its live shields temporarily and check if that makes a difference.

You can usually pause an antivirus utility via its system tray icon. If not, check its configuration pane; you may want to refer to its online documentation for specific instructions.

Configure Windows Update Services

You must confirm that each system service related to Windows Update runs correctly.

  1. PressWindows+R, typeservices.msc, and selectOKto open the Services applet.

  2. Right-clickWindows Update,Background Intelligent Transfer,  andCryptographic Servicesand selectProperties.

  3. Verify thatStartup typeis set toRunningand theService statusisRunning(if not, selectStart) in all three services.

Delete Windows Update Folder

Acorrupt Windows Update cacheis another reason that results in “Error code 0x80070490.” Try deleting the folder that stores the cached files. The procedure involves running a series of commands using an elevatedCommand Promptconsole.

  1. Open theStartmenu, typecmd, and selectRun as administratorto open Command Prompt with administrative privileges.

  2. Paste in the following command and pressEnterto disable the Windows Update service:

net stop wuauserv

  1. Run the command below to delete the Software Distribution folder:

rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /s

  1. Execute the following command to restart the Windows Update service.:

net start wuauserv

Run SFC and DISM Scan

You may also want torun an SFC or a DISM scan. Both command-line tools can fix Windows errors by repairing missing or corrupt system files.

  1. Right-click theStartbutton and selectWindows Terminal (Admin)orWindows PowerShell (Admin).

  2. Run the command below to initiate an SFC scan.

sfc /scannow

  1. Once the SFC scan finishes, run the following to invoke the DISM tool:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

If the DISM command above fails, insert yourWindows 10/11 installation USBor DVD and run the following command, replacingDwith the drive letter of the external media:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess

Update Windows Using Other Means

Updating Windows is another way to fix known issues Windows Update. However, since you can’t update the operating system normally, the alternative is downloading and installing the update files manually via the Microsoft Update Catalog.

  1. Check theWindows Update History for Windows 10orWindows 11and note down the latestKBID.

  2. Visit theMicrosoft Update Catalogand search for and download the update. Make sure to pick the file that matches the architecture (32 or 64-bit) of  Windows on your PC.

  3. Run the downloaded update file to install it.

Fix Error Code 0x80070490 in Mail App

“Error code: 0x80070490” in the Windows 10/11 Mail app mostly shows up while adding a new email account (e.g., Gmail or Outlook). The following suggestions and fixes will resolve the Mail error.

Run Windows Store Apps Troubleshooter

Windows 10/11 provides access to a built-in troubleshooter designed to address issues with Microsoft Store apps (including Mail).

UnderOther troubleshootersorAdditional troubleshooters, selectRunnext toWindows Store Apps(Windows 11) orWindows Store Apps>Run the troubleshooter(Windows 10) to open it.

Update Mail App

The following fix involves updating the Mail app. That should address any known issues behind “Error code: 0x80070490.”

  1. Open theMicrosoft Store.

  2. SelectLibraryat the lower-left corner of the screen.

  3. SelectGet updatesto update Mail and other Store apps on your computer.

Update Windows 10/11

If you aren’t running into the same error with Windows Update (if you are, use the above workaround), try applying any pending operating system updates next.

  1. Open theSettingsapp and selectWindows Updates.

  2. SelectCheck for updates.

  3. SelectDownload and installto apply the latest Windows updates.

Check Email Privacy Settings

Incorrectly configured email privacy settings can also result in the 0x80070490 Mail app error. Confirm if everything is set up correctly.

  1. Open theSettingsapp.

  2. SelectPrivacy & security>Email(Windows 11) orPrivacy>Email(Windows 10).

  3. Turn on the switches next toEmail access,Let apps access your email, andMail and Calendar.

Set Up Account in Calendar App

Another way to fix “Error code: 0x80070490” is by setting up your email account in the Calendar app first.

  1. Open theCalendarapp.

  2. Select theSettingsicon and chooseManage account.

  3. SelectAdd account.

  4. Select your email provider (e.g.,Outlook.comorGoogle) and follow the onscreen instructions to add it.

Upon signing into Calendar, open the Mail app, and you should find the account listed on the sidebar.

Repair Mail and Calendar

You can also try repairing Mail and Calendar in Windows. That should rule out issues caused by a corrupt app installation.

  1. Open theSettingsapp.

  2. SelectApps>Apps & features.

  3. Scroll down and selectAdvanced optionsnext toMail and Calendar.

  4. SelectTerminate>Repair.

If repairing doesn’t help, you can choose toreset Mail and Calendar to factory defaults. To do that, selectTerminate>Resetin the above screen.

Reinstall Mail and Calendar

Finally, reinstall both the Mail and Calendar apps in Windows. A fresh installation just might make “Error 0x80070490” disappear.

  1. Right-click theStartbutton and selectWindows Terminal (Admin)orWindows PowerShell (Admin)to open an elevatedWindows PowerShellconsole.

  2. Paste the command below and run it to uninstall the Mail and Calendar apps:

Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps | Remove-AppxPackage

  1. Open the Microsoft Store. Search for and install Mail and Calendar.

Hopefully, you fixed “Error 0x80070490” quickly. Keep the operating system and all Microsoft Store apps up-to-date to minimize the reoccurrence of this issue.

Dilum Senevirathne is a freelance tech writer and blogger with three years of experience writing for online technology publications. He specializes in topics related to iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and Google web apps. When he isn’t hammering away at his Magic Keyboard, you can catch him binge-watching productivity hacks on YouTube.Read Dilum’s Full Bio

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