Windows offers a built-in backup and restore feature, which is very handy and sets up a once and forget feature. However, if you open it, and find no backup available (which was available earlier), try to disable it. You may receive an error message as Element not found. (0x80070490). The full error message says—
Windows could not disable the automatic backup job for the following reason: Element not found. (0x80070490). Try again.
In this post, we will suggest some methods that will help you resolve the problem.
Why does this error occur?
One of the reported issues or reasons was when the user ran a Spybot or malware scan, and after that, the backup stopped working. It is possible that the malware-infected part of the registry that is related to the Backup Restore feature, and it was deleted during the malware removal procedure. It is possible that someone may have run a cleaner, which may have accidentally removed the required files.
Element not Found (0x80070490), Windows Backup error
Follow these suggestions to fix the problem. You will need admin permission to execute these.
- Check Status of VSS and SPP services
- Run DISM Tool
- Run System Restore
- Reschedule Windows Backup
While you can clean and start the backup process, let’s try the other fixes first.
1] Check Status of VSS and SPP services
Type services.msc in the Run Prompt and press the Enter key.
In the Services Manager, locate Volume Shadow Copy Service and Software Protection Service.
Double-click to open each of them, and make sure that their Startup status is set as follows:
- Volume Shadow Copy Service – Manual
- Software Protection Service – Automatic (Delayed Start)
Next click on the Start button to manually start these Services, if they are not already started. Now run the Backup and Restore function and see.
2] Run SFC & DISM
System File Checker and DISM tool can fix any corrupt system file by replacing it with a new one. If any dependable file is corrupt that the Windows Backup Restore needs, then both of these can help. Check out our detailed guide on using System File Checker and DISM Tool before running the tool.
3] Run System Restore
Every time you install a critical update or install software, Windows or that software creates a System Restore point. If you have at least one such point, you can restore the PC to a working state.
- Type System Restore in Windows Search (Win + S)
- Click on the Recovery from the search result
- Click on Open System Restore and then on the Next button
- Select one of the restore points at which the backup was working as expected
- Then click on the Next button, and follow the wizard.
- Post this; the PC will reboot.
Once you are back into your account, check if the Element not Found (0x80070490) is fixed.
4] Reschedule Windows Backup
If nothing else is working, it’s best to remove the old backup and reschedule Windows Backup. You will lose an entire backup, but if it is the only tool you are using, there is no other way. Some users have also reported that rescheduling did not work, and they had to reset Windows to fix it. While the latter solution is a bit too much, I suggest looking for another backup tool.
I hope the post was easy to follow, and you were able to fix the Windows could not disable the automatic backup job, Element not Found (0x80070490) error.
Related: Windows could not disable the automatic backup job (0x80070002)
Are File History and Windows backup the same?
No, they are different. While File History only maintains the versions or changes of the file, Windows Backup creates an image of the system. The former can replace the files, but the latter can restore an entire OS along with the files. So it’s helpful if your PC has crashed or you cannot boot into the OS.
Does Windows offer Cloud Backup?
No. While Windows settings are synced across PC for the same accounts, there is no way to backup everything on the cloud. However, you can use a combination of File History and OneDrive to backup files. However, there is no way to backup the entire image.
