One such frustrating Windows update error is 0x8024401f. In this blog, we will understand the common reasons behind encountering this error and share 9 ways to fix the 0x8024401f Windows Update error. Keeping our Windows Operating System up to date is essential to maintain performance, security, and compatibility with the latest software.

Ignoring these updates and having an outdated Windows can leave your system vulnerable to security threats, cause compatibility issues with newer programs, and decrease its performance over time. But sometimes, we encounter errors that stop us from installing the latest updates for our system. So, without further delay, let’s get into the solutions!

How to Fix the Windows Update Error 0x8024401f

Fix – 1 Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Running the Windows update troubleshooter is one of the first steps to take while encountering error 0x8024401F. Windows update troubleshooter is an in-built tool that detects and fixes common errors related to Windows updates. Here is how to use it:

• Press the ‘Windows + S’ keys to open the search bar.
• In the search bar type ‘Troubleshoot’ and press the Enter
• Under the ‘Troubleshoot settings’ window, select the ‘Other troubleshooter’ option.
• Now, click the ‘Windows update’ option.
• To Run the Windows troubleshooter, click the ‘Run’ button next to Windows update.
• After finishing the process, if the troubleshooter presents any fix, click on ‘Apply this fix’ to apply it.

Fix – 2 Turn off Third-Party Antivirus Software

Sometimes, your third-party antivirus software can interfere with the Windows updates leading to the 0x8024401F error. It might happen if your antivirus detects any false threat through the update. You should disable your third-party antivirus temporarily to solve this error. Just select your antivirus and disable it.

Fix – 3 Disable Proxy Server

Your Proxy server might cause communication problems between your computer and the Windows update server. You can overcome these complications by disabling your proxy server while installing Windows updates. Here is how:

• Press the ‘Windows + S’ keys to open the search bar.
• In the search bar, type ‘Proxy settings’ and press the Enter key to open this setting.

• In the Proxy setting window, slide the switch to the OFF

After disabling the proxy server, try to install the updates again and see if the 0x8024401F error is resolved and Windows updates are installed smoothly.

Fix – 4 Reset Windows Update Components

Resetting Windows Update Components helps fix error 0x88024401f by clearing corrupted settings, restarting stuck update processes, and repairing any issues with the update database. Follow these steps to reset the Windows update components:

• Press the ‘Windows + S’ keys to open the search bar.
• In the search bar, type ‘cmd’, right-click on the command prompt result, and choose “Run as administrator.”
• Type these commands in the command prompt and press the Enter key after each one.

         net stop wuauserv
         net stop cryptSvc
         net stop bits
         net stop msiserver
         Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
         Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

• After executing these commands, re-enable the relevant services:

         net start wuauserv
         net start crypticSvc
         net start bits
         net start msiserver

• Restart your computer.

Fix – 5 Clean Temporary Files

Another reason behind encountering the Windows update error 0x8024401f is the lack of needed space for the updates.  You can deal with it by cleaning temporary files using Disk Cleanup. It is a built-in tool that helps in removing unnecessary files from your hard drive and makes space for new updates. You can clean the temporary files by following these steps:

• Go to the Start button and in the search bar type ‘Disk cleanup.’
• By default your windows should be installed in the C drive. Click on it and press ‘OK.’
• Now, click ‘Cleanup system files’ and select your main disk again.
• Then click on the ‘OK’ button.
• Choose the biggest sections of data to delete, like Temporary Internet files, Windows Update files, Temporary files, Recycle Bin items, Delivery Optimization files, and anything else taking up a lot of space.
• Click ‘OK’ and wait for the process to complete.

Fix – 6 Update Drivers

Outdated drivers can also cause problems while installing the latest Windows updates. Check if your drivers need to be updated.

• Press the ‘Windows + S’ keys to open the search bar.
• In the search bar type ‘Device Manager’ and press the Enter key to open the program.
• Go to ‘Display adaptor’ right-click on your driver and select the option ‘Update Driver.’
• Now, from the available options, select the ‘Search automatically for updated driver software.’
• Repeat the process for all drivers.
• Once the update is completed, restart your computer.

Now, try to reinstall the Windows update and see if you can install them smoothly without encountering the 0x8024401f error.

Fix – 7 Install the Update Manually

If you keep getting the 0x8024401f error and thus can’t install the Windows update automatically, try installing the update manually. Yes, sometimes the issue doesn’t require an advanced technical fix just switch the process from automatic to manual.

• Press the ‘Windows + S’ keys to open the search bar.
• Here, type ‘Updates’ and press the Enter
• Now select ‘View update history.’
• Look for the update that faced the error 0x8024401f and copy its KB number.
• Now, open your browser and go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
• Under its search bar, enter the KB number you copied earlier and click ‘Search.’
• Pick the right version for your OS and click on ‘Download.’
• Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation.
• Once it is done, restart your computer.

Fix – 8 Reset the Microsoft Store Cache

If you encounter the 0x8024401f error while downloading the MS Store app updates, you can reset your Microsoft Store cache to fix it.

• Go to the Start menu and type ‘cmd’ in the search bar.
• Right-click on the ‘Command Prompt’ and choose ‘Run as administrator.’
• Now, open the command prompt and enter the command ‘wsreset.exe’.

• Then press Enter to execute the command.

This will allow you to reset the MS Store cache and fix the Windows update error.

Fix – 9 Reset your Windows OS

If none of the fixes worked in fixing the error, you can try resetting your Windows OS to solve the 0x8024401f error.

Note – Back up your important files and data before resetting your Windows OS.

• Go to the search bar and type ‘reset.’
• Click on the ‘Reset this PC’ option to open the recovery tab.

• From the available choices, select the ‘Keep my files’ option.

• Click ‘Next’ and tap on the ‘Reset’ button to initiate the process.
• Wait for the process to complete and then restart your computer.

Here are the potential solutions to fix the 0x8024401f error. Now, let’s see why you might encounter this error.

What are the Causes of Encountering the 0x8024401f Error?

You might encounter the 0x8024401f error due to various reasons. It includes weak or unstable internet connection, or connectivity issues between your computer and the updating servers. Your anti-virus software might block the new update for security reasons or false threat detection. Not having enough hard drive space will affect the installation and might cause it to fail. If you have previous pending updates, it might interfere with the installation of the latest update.

Know More:- 8 Ways to Fix the “Your IT Administrator Has Limited Access” Error

Conclusion

That is all we have to share for now. We hope this blog helped you understand the potential reasons behind encountering the Windows update error 0x8024401f. We have shared the possible solutions to deal with this error, start by using Window’s in-built troubleshooter.

Then turn off the third-party anti-virus and also any proxy server you might have been using. If these primary solutions don’t work for you, advanced solutions like resetting Windows will be able to overcome the error and install the latest Windows updates smoothly. If you still have more questions about this error, let us know in the comments, we are happy to help.

FAQs

1. What is Windows Update error 0x8024401f?

Error 0x8024401f is a common Windows Update error code. It indicates that there is a problem with updating your system.

2. What causes error 0x8024401f?

Network connectivity issues, proxy server settings, corrupted system files, and third-party antivirus interference can cause error 0x8024401f.

3. How do I fix Windows Update error 0x8024401f?

You can try fixing error 0x8024401f by checking your internet connection, disabling proxy servers, running Windows Update troubleshooter, resetting Windows Update components, and MS Store cache.

4. Does error 0x8024401f affect all Windows versions?

Yes, error 0x8024401f can affect various versions of Windows. It includes Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

5. What if none of the troubleshooting steps resolve error 0x8024401f?

If none of the troubleshooting steps resolve the error, you may need to reach out to the Microsoft Support team for further assistance.