Fix: Update error code 0x8024a000 in Windows 11/10

Windows 10 users receive new security patches every Patch Tuesday (the second Tuesday of a month). While installing these cumulative updates, there’s a possibility of the PC being stuck owing to some error code like 0x8024a000. If you are wondering why this error stops the update process or the how-to tips to solve this, follow our eight solutions, well explained in this guide. 

There are so many factors that may interrupt the smooth upgrade process like – poor net connectivity, hardware issues, faulty installation of apps/updates, or corrupt Windows Updates. At times, this is mainly due to either malware infection or unnecessary stored cache. 

To resolve error 0x8024a000, try these fixes – run the Windows update troubleshooter, perform a malware scan, or block the firewall. If the error exists even after this, repair the corrupt system files, or clear the unnecessary stored cache. Let’s explore these solutions in detail –

How to fix Update error 0x8024a000 on Windows 10

To solve the update error 0x8024a000 in Windows 10, use the following fixes –

1. Detach the faulty Peripheral devices

Peripheral devices like printers, modems, routers, etc. play a vital role in making the whole Windows function smooth. However, at times, one of them gets corrupted and thus starts causing different error codes and issues.

We suggest first checking them one by one including the connecting cables (wear & tear). Make sure to detach them and then re-attach the router to resolve any network glitches. Only when you are sure, everything working fine, try the below workarounds one after another.

2. Perform the full scan of the system

If there are any viruses or Trojans inside the PC, they may infect update-related services and programs as well. Microsoft Defender is an in-built security program, designed to remove malware from the PC. Here’s how to scan the entire PC for possible malware infection –

• Go to the navigation pane on the Taskbar and click Windows Security.
• Next, click the Shield icon (Virus & threat protection).
• Click Scan options thereafter mark the Full Scan radio button.
• Scroll down a bit and hit “Scan now“, the antivirus immediately starts looking for any threats inside the computer.

• Once this completes the scanning, it generates a report containing all the relevant data and suggestions to correct them.

That’s it, Restart your PC and check whether it does solve the 0x8024a000 error or not. If not, try the next set of solutions –

3. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter Tool

If there are no viruses or malware infections in the computer, run the Windows Troubleshooter to fix any update-related bugs or errors. Here’s how to proceed –

• Open the Settings app using Win and I shortcut.
• Select Update & Security thereafter Troubleshoot on the upcoming screen. 
• Move to the adjacent right, and click Additional Troubleshooters.
• Subsequently, hit “Run the troubleshooter” so that it starts troubleshooting for 0x8024a000 error.

• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the remaining steps. 
• Once over, Restart Windows so as to make the changes effective from the next login.

4. Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall

Windows Firewall (an in-built program) blocks malicious files from ever entering the computer. Although this is a great tool, this may sometimes restrict the update process from functioning properly.

If that’s the case, turn off the Firewall temporarily and check if you can update the OS without getting the 0x8024a000 error. Here’s how to disable Windows Defender Firewall –

• Start the Control Panel and reach out to the System and Security section.
• Jump to the right pane and click Windows Defender Firewall.
• Click “Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off” on the left column, 
• Now, select Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) in both private and public sections.

• Click OK to save the changes and Restart your computer.

Note: There is no need to turn On this feature again, as this gets activated automatically after a PC reboot. 

5. Clear Windows Update Temporary cache folder

If you regularly update the PC to the latest OS Build, there must have been a huge cache stored on the computer. When these files reach the threshold limit, this starts obstructing the update process. That’s why you must clean the unnecessary files and folders including the stored cache. To delete such files, follow the below guideline –

• Open the Run dialog (using the Win + R shortcut).
• In the text box, type services.msc and hit OK.
• A new window comes into view displaying all of the essential services. Locate Windows Update here.
• Once you find the “Windows Update service”, right-click on it, and choose the Stop option.
• Re-launch the Run command and copy/paste the below path –

%windir%SoftwareDistributionDataStore.

• Click OK to reach out to the Windows Explorer app.
• Use “Ctrl+A” to select all of the existing items and delete them all.
• Go back to the services window, right-click on the Windows Update, and click Start again.

After you successfully finish the above steps, try updating the Build OS to its next version. If the error 0x8024a000 persists even after this, try the next workarounds –

6. Repair corrupt system files using the SFC command

Running the SFC utility program is the best tool to resolve all update-related issues in Windows 10. The company designed this tool to locate and repair all corrupt files that exist in the operating system. Here’s how to run this command-line program –

• Start Command Prompt as an Admin.
• On the elevated prompt, type sfc/ scannow and press the Enter key.

• This will take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete the search/repair process, so wait patiently. 
• Once over, Restart the PC to incorporate the above changes. 

7. Perform Deployment Image Servicing and Management scan

DISM is another great utility program that checks whether there is any corruption inside the running Windows Image File. Here’s how to use this tool –

• Jointly press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys combination and select Task Manager.
• Go to the File menu and select Run new task.
• In the text box, type cmd (Admin) and tick the box left of “Create this task with administrative privileges“.
• Next, hit OK to start Command Prompt.
• Copy/paste the below commands one by one and press the Enter key.

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.

Dism /Image:C:offline /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:c:testmountwindows

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:c:testmountwindows /LimitAccess

• Once you successfully execute the above command lines, Restart Windows.

8] Restart Windows Update Services

An unnecessary cache stored inside the System Catroot2 and Distribution folders may also cause the update error 0x8024a000. To resolve this bug, you need to rename these two folders as discussed in the steps below –

• Press the Win & S shortcut to launch the search bar.
• Type cmd in the text field and simultaneously hit Ctrl+Shift+Enter keys together to start the Windows Console (Admin).
• When the User Account Control window comes into view, hit Yes.
• Now, run the following codes one after another to stop the basic Windows Services –

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

net stop cryptsvc

Next, execute the below commands to rename Catroot2 and SystemDistribution folders –

ren %systemroot%\System32\Catroot2 Catroot2.old

ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old

Now, restart the services that you have previously disabled using the below commands –

net start wuauserv

net start bits

net start cryptsvc

• Lastly, exit the command prompt by running the “exit” command and Restart your PC.

Hope this time you will succeed in fixing the update error code 0x8024a000 on Windows 11/10.