Windows Error 0x80070490 — Element Not Found

Windows error 0x80070490 (Element Not Found) occurs during Windows Update or when adding email accounts, indicating corrupted system components. This guide covers everything you need to know about this topic, including common causes, step-by-step solutions, and answers to frequently asked questions.

Here are the key things to understand: ERROR_NOT_FOUND — the system cannot find the requested element. Two common contexts: Windows Update and Mail app account setup. In Windows Update: corrupted component store manifests. In Mail app: account configuration database corruption. Can block all Windows Updates until resolved. Understanding these fundamentals will help you diagnose and resolve this issue more effectively.

The most common reasons this occurs include: Corrupted Windows Update component store manifests. CBS (Component-Based Servicing) database inconsistency. Mail app profile database corruption. Recent system file corruption from improper shutdown. Third-party software modifying system update components. Identifying the root cause is the first step toward finding the right solution.

To resolve this, follow these recommended steps: Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth to diagnose. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair. Run sfc /scannow after DISM completes. Reset Windows Update components: stop services, rename SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders, restart services. For Mail app: reset it via Settings > Apps > Mail and Calendar > Advanced options > Reset. If these steps do not resolve the issue, consider consulting additional resources or a qualified professional.

This article is part of our Windows Error Codes collection on Error Codes Wiki. We provide comprehensive, up-to-date information to help you find solutions quickly.