How to fix error code 0x80070490: Windows cannot install necessary files in Windows 8

Here are a few methods to resolve error code 0x80070490 in Windows 8:

1. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter: Navigate to Control Panel > Troubleshooting > System and Security > Windows Update > Run the troubleshooter.
2. Inspect for damaged system files: Launch Command Prompt as an administrator, type 'sfc /scannow' and press Enter. This will check and fix any corrupted system files.
3. Reset Windows Update components: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and enter these commands one by one:

 net stop wuauserv
 net stop cryptSvc
 net stop bits
 net stop msiserver
 ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
 ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
 net start wuauserv
 net start cryptSvc
 net start bits
 net start msiserver

4. Conduct a clean boot: Press Windows key + R, type 'msconfig' and press Enter. Go to the Services tab and tick 'Hide all Microsoft services'. Click 'Disable all', then move to the Startup tab and click 'Open Task Manager'. Disable all startup items and restart your PC.
5. Execute a system restore: Go to Control Panel > System and Security > System > System Protection > System Restore. Select a restore point prior to the error and follow the prompts to restore your system.

If these solutions do not work, you might need to reinstall Windows 8.