Today, in this article, we analyze the reasons behind Update Error 0x80240fff along with some working ways to resolve the same. Windows OS automatically rolls new updates that comprise exciting features and fixes. Unfortunately, sometimes this forced installation stuck abruptly and rather leads to the update error code 0x80240fff. Obsolete Windows services and incorrect cumulative updates may cause this unexpected bug.
Run the Windows Troubleshooter, Reset the update components, turn on the defer updates option, and pause the faulty update will resolve this anomaly. If the above workarounds fail to fix the underlying causes, try to update your OS manually. Attempt fresh installing operating system as the last resort to resolve this update issue.
What is Error 0x80240fff?
The error code 0x80240fff signifies that the custom content uses a Product name that has already been assigned to a category. Windows users will see this error code under Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update. You can manually check for updates or wait until a Windows automatic update check fails. The error message typically looks like this:
There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help (0x80240fff)
Fix – Update Error Code 0x80240fff in Windows 11/10
Here are the fine approaches that may resolve the Update Error 0x80240fff on Windows 11/10 PC-
1] Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The Windows Update troubleshooter is the best tool to analyze and address the issue that occurs during upgrading OS. This tool inspects all the system’s files and looks out for the possible fault responsible for the Update Error 0x80240fff. Here are the steps to follow-
Windows 11
- Press the Windows+I keys to open the Settings menu.
- Select System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Go to the Windows Update and click on the Run option.
Windows 10
- Right-click on the Start menu and select Settings from the Power Menu.
- Click Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters.
- Move to the right pane and select Windows Update.
- Next, hit the Run the troubleshooter button.
- The scanning and repairing process begins immediately after, let it complete.
- Repeat the above process for the Internet connections under the Update & Security section and Run its troubleshooter.
- After you complete the above steps, Reboot your PC to save the changes performed so far.
2] Reset Windows Update Services
If the above process failed and you continue to get the error code 0x80240fff on your computer, the fault might be in the Windows Update components. To fix this problem, you should reset these buggy files by just following these easy steps-
- At first, type Command Prompt in the Search box and right-click on the well-matching result.
- From the context menu, select the Run as Administrator option.
- Execute the following command lines one after another to stop services like- BITS, Windows Update Services, MSI Installer, and Cryptographic.
net stop msiserver
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
- Moving ahead, run the below code on an elevated command prompt to rename the Catroot2 and Software Distribution directories.
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
- Thereupon, restart the services that you have earlier stopped; to perform this copy/ paste the below code and hit Enter key at the end.
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
- When the above process executes successfully; Reboot your computer and check if the Error 0x80240fff still persists.
3] Enable Defer updates using Group Policy Editor
In case you fail to resolve the update issue, this method will surely help you. Here’s how to proceed-
Step-1: Type Local Group Policy in the Search box and hit the well-matching result to invoke this app.
Step-2: Under the Computer Configuration category, expand Administrative Templates on the right pane of the same page.
Step-3: Henceforth, open the Windows Components directory followed by Windows Update.
Step-4: Scroll down on the adjacent right pane and locate Defer Upgrades and Updates.
Step-5: On the succeeding page, select the checkbox Enabled then Apply to save the changes.
Note: This unique tool is available only for Windows 11/10 Pro users.
4] Extend the Defer Update feature up to 8 month
Sometimes, when you enable the Defer update option; this helps to amend the update Error 0x80240fff. Here are the steps to follow-
- Jointly press the “Win logo & I” hotkey to invoke the Settings app.
- Under the Update & Security section; jump to the right panel and hit Advanced options.
- Here, tick against the Defer Update toggle switch henceforth defers the update for 1 to 8 months.
- Now Restart your computer; after the next login, download the pending patches and sees if the Error 0x80240fff is still there or not.
5] Pause Upgrades and Updates
If the specific patches file is stuck continuously, another way to solve this problem is to postpone this a few times. Pause update is the built-in tool of Windows that you may use to prohibit further updates. You may even set the deadline for an update for 35 days. Microsoft always tries to fix the update issue in its monthly cumulative updates.
- Right-click on the Start and choose Settings from Power Menu.
- From the list of categories, select Update & Security and move to the right pane on the succeeding page.
- Here, select Advanced options thereupon a specific date using the Drop-down menu under the Pause Updates section.
- Make sure to specify the date till you want to postpone the update.
Note: Using this method you can temporarily disable the updates for up to 35 days. After this grace period, your system will automatically receive new patches to install by Microsoft.
6] Install the latest cumulative Update manually
If the specific patch-up file is causing issues while downloading, you should try to install it manually from the Microsoft website. Let’s see how to do-
- At first, open the Microsoft Update Catalog link and type the KB number (eg: KB4520008) in the search box.
- On the succeeding window, select the Windows version either 32 or 64 bit then hit the Download button.
- Subsequently, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the updating process.
- Lastly, Restart your computer and try to update your computer without Error 0x80240fff.
7] Upgrade Windows OS manually
If you are having Windows Home, there won’t be any option to use the Defer updates. However, you may upgrade the OS manually to resolve this update bug. To do this task, download the particular patch-up using the media creation tool from the official website then install the file following the below procedure-
Step-1: First of all, Sign in to your PC as an Admin and go to the official Microsoft website.
Step-2: When the next screen appears, hit the Download tool now button to store the setup file on HDD.
Step-3: The .exe file starts downloading instantly, tap the same to update your existing OS.
Step-4: When the authentication window pops up, select Yes to give permission.
Step-5: The license terms page will appear next, select the Accept button to let the things ready.
Step-6: After a few seconds, press the Upgrade the PC now radio button then Next to go ahead. This is a lengthy process, so wait patiently.
Step-7: When the process reaches up to 100%, hit again the Next available at the bottom of the page.
Step-8: Now, select Keep your files and apps then proceed to the installation.
Note: When the installation process is over, don’t turn off your computer immediately.
Once finished, Restart your system to refresh the PC and download the essential update without any trouble.
