On December 10th, Microsoft rolled out a firmware update for the Surface Pro 2. Immediately upon downloading that firmware update, numerous users began experiencing an error code (80070490) when attempting to install the update. Microsoft explained a few days after that this update was triggering a false error message upon installation. Now, as the issue becomes much more widespread, Microsoft has decided to pull the firmware update – for now.
“To ensure the best experience for our customers during the holiday season, we have taken steps to remove the update for Surface Pro 2 that was previously published through Windows Update on December 10th, 2013. We are working to release an alternative update package after the holidays,” Microsoft stated.
Microsoft explained in a statement to us that the firmware update was installing correctly, but an error message was appearing and subsequently confusing Surface Pro 2 owners into thinking their update had failed to install. On top of that, some users were experiencing a reduced battery life thanks to the issue. Here is what Microsoft told us:
“Some people may by experiencing a false error message, 80070490. The firmware update should be installing correctly; however, if you received this error message, we recommend that you go to Device Manager check the firmware history to ensure the latest update installed. If it did not install correctly, please let us know on this forum so we can work to fix the issue. Thank you for your patience and know we are in the process of addressing this issue.”
As more Surface Pro 2 owners begin to complain on Microsoft’s official support forum, the company has decided to pull the update until the issue is resolved. Once it is fixed, Microsoft will roll out an “alternative update package” after the holidays. No exact date was given.
The Dec 2013 firmware update was supposed to improve the system’s stability especially when minimizing full screen games, provide an updated WiFi driver, improve the Surface Cover interaction, optimize the two-finger trackpad, improve color fidelity for applications, and much more. All these issues were addressed based on consumer feedback.
We will update you once the alternative update rolls out.
