How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x8024800c?

By Piyusha Last updated Mar 31, 2023

Windows needs to be updated so that your system stays safe and up-to-date. They keep your computer running well by giving you security updates and bug fixes. Windows updates are usually installed by the system automatically, but users can also do it themselves. These updates are very important because they add new features and keep your computer safe from cyberattacks.

Windows updates are important, but sometimes they don’t work. When updates fail, they can send back a number of error codes, including 0x8024800c. This error code can happen on any version of Windows, and it can be annoying to deal with.

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Causes of the Error Code 0x8024800c

Update error 0x8024800c could be caused by a number of things. One common reason is that Windows can’t install updates correctly because system files are broken. A third possible cause is security software from a third party. It can mess up Windows updates and stop them from being installed. This error can also be caused by broken Software Distribution folder caches, not enough space, or network problems.

It can be annoying to get the update error 0x8024800c, but there are several ways to fix it. These fixes include clearing the Software Distribution folder cache, turning off third-party security software, freeing up space on the disc, fixing corrupted system files, and resetting the Windows Update components.

Damaged system files

There are some system files that need fixing.

A Software Distribution cache that isn’t in sync

The Software Distribution data store is out of sync, so this error is caused by a timeout. It sends back the string WU E DS LOCKTIMEOUTEXPIRED as the result.

Windows Update parts that are corrupted

Broken parts of Windows Update cause error 0x8024800c files.

Also Read: How To Fix .NET Framework Error 0x800736B3 On Windows 10?

Now that we know what went wrong, let’s talk about how to fix the problem.

1. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter Tool

Hold down the Windows key and press R at the same time to open the Run dialogue.
After you type this command, press Enter or click OK:
ms-settings:troubleshoot

You’ll need to click Other troubleshooters in Windows 11 Settings.
Click the Run button to start the Windows Update troubleshooting tool.
Wait until the problem has been fixed, and then click “Close.”

2. Run an SFC Scan

Click “Start,” type “cmd,” and then on the right side of your search tool, click “Run as administrator.”
To run a scan with the Windows SFC tool, use this command:
sfc /scannow
Type this command to stop the Windows Update service when the SFC scan is done:
net stop wuauserv
Then start Windows Update again by typing this command:
net start wuauserv

3. Windows Update Service Needs to Restart

It can also help to stop the Windows Update service, delete the temporary update files, and then start the service back up again. You will delete any temporary files that might be causing this problem, so Windows Update can continue without any problems. Note that to do the steps, you will need to be logged in as an administrator.

Press R while holding down the Windows key.
Type “services.msc” followed by “OK.”
You can find Windows Update or Automatic Updates in the Services window. Depending on what version of Windows you have, you can right-click on it and choose Stop from the menu.
File Explorer can be used to find the drive or partition on which Windows is installed. Almost always, this is the C.
Open the Windows folder, and then inside that, open the Software Distribution folder.
Find the folder named “DataStore” and open it. Then throw everything away.
If you get a UAC prompt, provide confirmation.

Also Read: How To Fix Display Connection Might Be Limited Error In Windows?

Go back to the SoftwareDistribution folder, open the Download folder, and delete everything inside.
If UAC asks if you want to continue, say yes and then close the window.
After you’ve done steps 1 and 2, you’ll be back at the Services window.
Find Windows Update or Automatic Updates, right-click on them, and then choose Start from the menu that appears.
Now give it a try, and the update should work just fine.

4. Use the Disk Cleanup Tool

If there isn’t enough space or some files are broken, Windows updates could fail. So, here’s how to clean your disc:

In the Windows search box, type “Disk Cleanup.”
Press Enter to open the Disk Cleanup tool.
Choose the drive where your Windows operating system is installed (usually drive C:) and click OK in the Disk Cleanup window.
Click the Delete files button.
Pick the drive again and click OK.
Choose the files with the most information, like Temporary Internet Files, Windows Update, Temporary Files, and others, from the list of files that can be deleted.
Click OK to start the clean-up process.
Disk Cleanup will be started.

5. Clear Out the Software Distribution folder

Type cmd into the Windows search box.
Right-click on Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator.”
User Account Control (UAC) will ask you if you want to make changes in a window. Choose Yes.
Copy and paste the following commands into the Command Prompt window and hit Enter after each one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
Go to the following places and empty the folders, making sure Hidden items are visible:
C:\Windows\System32\catroot2
C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

Open the Command Prompt window again and paste the following lines, pressing Enter after each one:
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Restart your device.
It’s easy to get into software now.

6. Check on Services

Type Services into the Windows search box and press the Enter key.
Find out more about the Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
If it’s already running, right-click and choose “Restart.”
If the service isn’t already running, double-click it and select Automatic from the Startup type drop-down menu.
Click “Start,” “Apply,” and “OK.”
Find Windows Update Service and repeat the steps from above.

General Check-ups You Should Try Before Using Any of Above Fix

Before you try more complicated ways to fix the problem, you should:

If you haven’t already, turn off your computer and then turn it back on.
You can use Microsoft to look for malware on your computer.
You can use Defender’s offline scan or a tool made by someone else.
If you are using security, VPN, or firewall software from a third party, temporarily turn it off and see if the problem goes away.
Make sure the time and date are correct by checking them.

Also Read: How to Fix the Windows PxHlpa64.sys Memory Integrity error?

Conclusion

If you get the update error 0x80248007, it means that Windows Update is missing files or can’t find the Microsoft Software License Terms. This error usually shows up when you try to use Windows Update to update Windows or a Windows driver. No matter how many times you try to download and install the updates, you might get this error. Microsoft knows about this error and will fix it in a future Windows update. Doing these things will fix the error and keep Windows and the drivers up to date until then.