If you’re trying to install Windows Update KB5072033 and keep running into an installation failure with error code 0x80070002, you’re not alone. This error usually appears with a message saying “There was a problem installing this update”, and no matter how many times you retry, it just won’t go through.
The good news is: this issue is fixable. The bad news is: there isn’t just one cause. It can be triggered by paused updates, misconfigured services, corrupted system files, or even a partially broken Windows Update component.
In this guide, we’ll go step by step, starting with the simplest fixes and gradually moving toward more advanced—but still safe—solutions. Follow the steps in order, and do not skip ahead unless a step clearly doesn’t work for you.
Important clarification:
In many systems, this error is shown as 0x80070002 (missing update files). If you saw 0x8007002, that is almost certainly a truncated display of the same error.
Step 1: Pause and Resume Windows Updates (Quick Reset)
Before touching anything technical, it’s worth trying the simplest reset Windows offers.
Start by opening Windows Settings, then go to Windows Update.
You’ll see the Pause updates option there.
Pause updates once, wait a few seconds, and then resume updates.
After resuming, click Check for updates again.
Sometimes this alone clears a stuck update state.
If KB5072033 still fails to install, don’t worry—move on to the next step.
Step 2: Restart Critical Windows Update Services
When Windows Update errors persist, the next thing to check is whether its background services are running correctly.
Open the Windows search box, type Services, and open the Services app.
Now we’ll check three services—one by one.
Windows Update Service
Scroll down until you find Windows Update.
Double-click it.
- Set Startup type to Automatic
- Click Apply
- If the Start button is available, click it
- Click OK
Now right-click Windows Update and choose Restart.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Find Background Intelligent Transfer Service and double-click it.
- Set Startup type to Automatic
- Click Apply
- Click Start (if available)
- Click OK
Right-click it and select Restart.
App Readiness Service
Scroll up slightly and locate App Readiness.
- Double-click it
- Set Startup type to Automatic
- Click Apply
- Click Start (if available)
Then right-click App Readiness and choose Restart.
Once all three services are restarted, go back to Windows Update and click Retry if you see the option.
If the update still fails, continue below.
Step 3: Repair System Files Using Command Prompt (Administrator)
At this point, the problem may be corrupted system files. Windows provides built-in tools to fix this safely.
In the Windows search box, type cmd.
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Click Yes when prompted.
Now run the following commands in order.
First Command: System File Checker
sfc /scannow
Press Enter and wait patiently.
This scan can take several minutes and will automatically repair missing or corrupted system files.
Second Command: DISM Health Check
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Let it complete fully.
Third Command: DISM Restore Health
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This step may take longer than the previous ones. That’s normal.
Once all three commands finish at 100%, restart your computer.
After rebooting, try installing KB5072033 again.
If it still refuses to install, move to the manual method.
Step 4: Install KB5072033 Manually from Microsoft Update Catalog
If Windows Update can’t install the update automatically, installing it manually is often the most reliable solution.
Open this official Microsoft site in your browser:
https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/
In the search box, type:
KB5072033
Then click Search.
Make Sure You Choose the Correct Version
Before downloading, confirm your Windows version and system type.
- Press Windows + R, type
winver, and press Enter
This shows your Windows version (for example: Windows 11 25H2 or 24H2) - Open Settings → System → About
Check System type (x64-based or ARM-based)
Now download the update that exactly matches:
- Your Windows version (25H2, 24H2, etc.)
- Your system architecture (x64 or ARM)
Click Download, wait for it to finish, then double-click the downloaded file and follow the on-screen instructions.
Restart your PC once installation completes.
Step 5: Use “Fix Problems Using Windows Update” (In-Place Repair)
If the update still won’t install, Windows provides a repair option that reinstalls Windows without deleting your files or apps.
Go to:
Settings → Windows Update → Advanced options → Recovery
Look for:
Fix problems using Windows Update
Click Reinstall.
Windows will:
- Reinstall your current Windows version
- Keep your apps, files, and settings intact
This process takes time and requires a restart, but it often fixes stubborn update errors.
Step 6 (Last Resort): Repair Windows Using Media Creation Tool
If nothing above works, this is the final and most powerful fix—still safe when done correctly.
Open Microsoft’s official Windows download page:
https://www.microsoft.com/software-download/windows11
Scroll down to Media Creation Tool and click Download now.
Run the downloaded .exe file and follow these steps:
- Click Accept
- Confirm Windows 11 (default)
- Select ISO file
- Choose a save location (Desktop is fine)
- Wait for the download to complete
Once done:
- Double-click the ISO file
- Double-click setup.exe
- Click Yes when prompted
- Click Next, then Accept
On the Ready to install screen, make sure:
Keep personal files and apps is checked
Click Install.
After installation completes and you log back in, open Windows Update and check again. KB5072033 should now install normally.
Final Thoughts: Why This Error Happens
Error 0x80070002 usually means Windows Update can’t find or verify the files it needs. This can happen because of:
- Interrupted updates
- Corrupted system components
- Misconfigured update services
- Broken update cache
The steps above cover every known reliable fix, from basic to advanced. In most cases, manual installation or in-place repair resolves the issue permanently.
Disclaimer
This guide uses official Microsoft tools and supported recovery methods. While all steps are safe for standard systems, always back up important data before performing system repairs or reinstallations.
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