7 Working Ways to Fix Windows Update Error 0x8024a204

Have you faced the Windows update error 0x8024a204 previously? Are you struggling with how to fix it? This post discusses seven working ways to address the issue. We'll start by outlining the common causes of the problem and then proceed to describe the fixes you can apply.

You'll also learn about an efficient backup tool you can use to protect your data from update issues. Keep reading. 

What Is Windows Update Error 0x8024a204

You may encounter this issue during a cumulative Windows update. The error indicates an underlying problem with the Windows update service. This hinders you from proceeding with the update process unless you fix the issues preventing the update. You may encounter error 0x82024a204 due to different reasons.

The issue could arise when the Windows Update components fail to respond to the update service. It could also emerge due to conflicts within your system that affect the normal update process. Despite that, fixing this error and proceeding with the update process is possible.

What Causes Windows Update Error 0x8024a204

The following issues could lead to this error:

• Corrupted system files: Broken or missing files may hinder a successful Windows update.
• Problems with the update services: Failing to configure the Windows Update services correctly may lead to error 0x8024a204.
• Third-party app interference: Some antivirus programs may prevent the update from proceeding.
• Unresponsive update components: These components are essential for any Windows update. If they become unresponsive, you'll need to restart them.
• Insufficient disk space: You need enough space to install the updates. If that's the case, try clearing some space.

📚You may be interested: Windows Update Download Error 0x80248007 | Windows Update Not Working

Bonus Tip: Backup Your Windows Before Any Update

It's important to back up your files since some updates can be unpredictable. The best way to create copies for your files is via an efficient third-party tool. EaseUS Todo Backup could get the job done easily. This backup and restore program allows you to back up your data in a few clicks.

Its "multi-path backup" feature saves your files to different locations. Whenever you want to access the backup data, Todo Backup allows you to do so easily. What more? This tool supports modern backup techniques like incremental and differential backups. It also supports a scheduled backup mechanism where you can set daily, weekly, or monthly automatic backups.

Key Features

• Multi-path file backup.
• Password-protected backups.
• Basic backup scheduling.
• It has an enhanced backup efficiency.
• Bootable backup and recovery.
• Incremental and differential backup.

Do you want to get started with this tool now? Ensure you download a free version today.

7 Working Ways to Fix Windows Update Download Error 0x8024a204

Way 1. Check Relevant Services

The Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is essential for a successful Windows update. This also applies to the Windows Update Service. Error 0x8024a204 may arise if you've disabled these services. You can fix the problem as follows:

Step 1. Open the Run command box. Type "services.msc" and select "OK."

Step 2. When the "Services" window displays, find and double-click "Background Intelligent Transfer Service."

Step 3. Click on "Startup type" and switch it to "Automatic." Choose the "Start" button to turn it on.

Step 4. Save the changes by clicking "Apply" then "OK." This will enable the BITS service.

Step 5. Repeat steps 2-4 to check the Windows Update Service and enable it. Once done, you can restart your device and resume the update process.

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Way 2. Fix Corrupted Files

These files can prevent a Windows update from reaching its completion. Deleting items in the SoftwareDistribution folder could fix the issue.

Step 1. Launch CMD as an admin. Type the following series of commands and press Enter after each (the commands will stop the mentioned services):

Net stop wuauserv

Net stop bits

Net stop cryptSvc

Net stop msiserver

Step 2. Next, open the following file path in File Explorer:

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

Step 3. Hit CTRL + A to select everything within the SoftwareDistribution folder. Choose the "Delete" option to erase the selected files from your system.

Step 4. Go back to Command Prompt and type the following commands to enable the services you had stopped. Ensure you press Enter after each command.

Net start wuauserv

Net start bits

Net start cryptSvc

Net start msiserver

Step 5. Restart your system and confirm whether you can proceed with the update.

Way 3. Install the Windows Update Manually

You can apply this fix by pasting the KB number of the erroneous update in the Microsoft Update Catalog website and manually updating it from there. Check the following steps:

Step 1. Open your Windows Settings and select "Update & Security." Click on the "View Update History" option.

Step 2. Find the update that had failed and note its KB number.

Step 3. Browse to the Microsoft Update Catalog web page. Type the KB number for the update to search for it.

Step 4. Find the update from the search results and click on "Download." Once done, you can manually install the download file on your PC.

Way 4. Reset Windows Update Components

An issue with these components could lead to error 0x8024a204. You can restart the components as follows:

Step 1. Open CMD as an admin.

Step 2. Type the following series of commands and hit Enter after each:

Net stop bits

Net stop wuauserv

Net stop appidsvc

Net stop cryptsvc

Del %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat /Q

Del "%HOMEDRIVE%\Users\All Users\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat" /Q

Del %WINDIR%\SoftwareDistribution\*.* /s /Q

Net start bits

Net start wuauserv

Net start appidsvc

Net start cryptsvc

Step 3. Stay patient as the above commands finish running. Restart your PC once done and resume the update.

Way 5. Run SFC/DISM Scan

SFC scan helps repair broken/missing system files that affect the update process. You can run the two scans as follows:

Step 1. Run Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Type the following SFC command and press Enter to check for broken system files:

sfc /scannow

Step 3. Next, you can run the following DISM commands.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 4. Restart your device when you finish running these scans. Check if the system has resolved the error.

Way 6. Perform Windows Update Troubleshooter

This fix is mostly applicable if you can't determine the actual cause of what is affecting the update. A troubleshooter helps to identify and fix all the Windows update issues. Below are the steps to run a Windows update troubleshooter:

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Settings. Click on "Update & Security."

Step 2. Choose "Troubleshoot">"Additional Troubleshooters."

Step 3. Click "Windows Update" and select "Run the troubleshooter.'' The troubleshooter will scan and fix issues affecting your update.

Step 4. Once done, you can resume the update process.

Way 7. Use a Media Creation Tool

You'll always experience issues when performing a Windows update. However, using a Media Creation Tool helps you avoid all this. It lets you upgrade your device simultaneously instead of completing many updates. Check the steps below:

Step 1. Browse to the Microsoft official website. Click the option to download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool.

Step 2. Double-click the download file to install it. Ensure you agree to the terms.

Step 3. Select "Upgrade this PC now when you reach the "What do you want to do?" screen." Click Next.

Step 4. The Media Creation Tool will download the files necessary for your Windows update. Click "Next" once done.

Step 5. You can then proceed with the onscreen instructions to initiate and complete the update installation process. 

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Wrapping Up

This post discusses solutions to Windows update error 0x8024a204. We hope the fixes will help you address the issue. Try each one to find the one that works best for you. Please ensure you save your files via EaseUS Todo Backup before initiating OS updates. This program supports multi-path backups for your files and password-protected backups.

FAQs About Windows Update Error 0x8024a204

1. How Do I Reset the Windows Update Error?

You can run the Windows Update Troubleshooter as follows:

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Settings. Click on Update & Security.

Step 2. Select the Troubleshoot>Additional Troubleshooters.

Step 3. Select Windows Update. Lastly, click on Run the troubleshooter.

2. How Do I Get Rid of a Windows Update That Is Failing?

You'll need to uninstall the update. Click on Update & Security in Settings and select the Troubleshoot option. Go to Additional Troubleshooters>View Update History and select the troublesome update to uninstall.