Fixing Error Code 0x80070490 in the Windows Mail App

What is Error Code 0x80070490?

Error 0x80070490 can be experienced when trying to add an email account in the Windows Mail app that often comes up with something like, “Something went wrong. We couldn’t find your settings.” This may involve any email account, including Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook, among others.

Causes of the 0x80070490 Error

This error mainly occurs because of incorrect email settings, unstable internet access, an outdated application of Mail, or sometimes overprotective firewalls. It can also be due to damaged system files.

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How to Fix the 0x80070490 Error in the Mail App

Method 1. Restart the Mail App

First, before complicating things further, just restart the Mail application. Sometimes restarting simply solves the issue. 

Method 2. Reinstall or Update the Mail App

If the restart didn’t help, try resetting the Mail app to its default settings or updating it. To reset the app, do the following:

• Open Settings > Apps > Apps & features.
• Find Mail and Calendar.
• Click Advanced options and select Reset.

You also can open Microsoft Store and then search for Mail and Calendar, then click Update.

Method 3. Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files may be preventing the Mail app from functioning properly. Run an SFC scan to repair these files:

1. Open Command Prompt as an admin.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Method 4. Check Your Privacy Settings

Your Windows privacy settings might block apps from accessing email. Go to Settings > Privacy > Email and make sure apps have access to your email and calendar.

Method 5. Enable Built-in Administrator Account

Sometimes the problem stems from your administrator account not being active. To enable it:

1. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and run it as administrator.
2. Type net user administrator /active:yes and press Enter.
3. Restart your PC and try adding the email account again.

Method 6. Set up Calendar First

Some users have found that setting up the Calendar app before adding an email account resolves the error. Launch the Calendar app, add your account, and then try setting up your email again.

If the issue persists, try resetting the app but keep in mind this solution will also delete your app data. Go to Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & features > Mail & Calendar app. Then select Advanced options, hit the Reset button, re-launch the app and check the results.

Method 7. Uninstall and Reinstall the Mail App

Uninstalling and reinstalling the Mail app can often resolve issues like error 0x80070490:

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator.
2. Run this command: Get-AppxPackage Microsoft.windowscommunicationsapps | Remove-AppxPackage.
3. Reinstall the app from the Microsoft Store and check if the error persists.

Method 8. Add Your Account Using Advanced Options

If the above simple steps do not work, try adding your account via the advanced options:

1. Open Mail, then in Settings select Manage Accounts, then Add Account.
2. Click Advanced setup and create an account manually.

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