Windows failed to install the following update with error 0x8024200b

Error Code 0x8024200B is a new update-related issue that prevents users from installing the recent cumulative updates on their devices. In this post, we will cover all probable causes leading to this bug and the corresponding solutions to them. 

What is Error 0x8024200B and when does it appear?

The error 0x8024200B is an installation error that appears when you try to install pending updates on your computer. This error might occur because of poor network connectivity, corrupt Windows images, missing/infected system files, or obsolete device drivers.

To address this issue, try upgrading all your device drivers via optional updates. Manually downloading and installing the available updates might also help to overcome this problem. However, if not, disable external antivirus, Run the Update Troubleshooter, clean SDF, or Reset update components. If none solves this bug, use previously created restore points or clean install Windows 11/10.

To solve the installation or update error 0x8024200B in Windows 10, try the following workarounds –

1. Manually Install Windows 11/10 Updates

While receiving any kind of update-related issues, users must try manually downloading the pending cumulative update and applying it to their system. At times, this alone solves several upgrade errors including 0x8024200B. However, you need to first know the “latest update number” to search over the Update Catalog. To do so, follow the below guideline –

Note: If you are on Windows 11, read this tutorial. Else, follow the steps illustrated below –

Part 1: Get the “KB” number 

• Press the Windows key and click over the gear icon.
• Doing so will launch the Windows Settings UI. 
• Click Update & Security thereafter “View Update history” on the next page.

Картинка с сайта: howtoedge.com

Part 2: Manually download/Install the Standalone Package

Since now you know the CU number, go through the below steps –

• Launch the default browser and visit the Update Catalog.
• Go to the search bar and type the “KB” number you copied earlier.
• Next, locate the patch fitting as per your system architecture and OS Build version.
• Once you find the pending cumulative update, hit the Download button next to it.
• On the succeeding window, hit the top link. 
• Now, reach out to the Download folder and click twice on the setup file.
• Usually, this takes a few minutes to complete installing the set-up, so wait accordingly.

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

In general, manually updating to the recent security patch solves any kind of update or installation errors. But, if the error persists even after, you should try running the Windows Update troubleshooter. Here’s how to proceed –

• Launch the Windows Settings UI (WinKey + I).
• Select Update & Security henceforth Troubleshoot.
• Jump to the right pane and expand “Windows Update“. 

Note: Windows 10 20H1 users should rather hit “Additional troubleshooters” first followed by “Windows Update” on the next screen.

As we all know, Windows 11 has made several changes to the Settings app, you can’t access the troubleshooter this way. Instead, you need to browse this path –

Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run

• Coming back to Windows 10, when the box expands, hit “Run the troubleshooter”.

Картинка с сайта: howtoedge.com

• Now, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the remaining steps. 

3. Scan for Malicious Files

At times, this error may occur due to some phishing files or trojans. Hence, we recommend performing a Full scan via Windows Defender. 

Note: If you are using a third-party antivirus program, it’s better to disable or remove them and try updating your PC again. 

4. Perform SFC/Scannow

If the troubleshooter doesn’t solve this issue, there may be some corrupt/missing system files. To confirm whether this indeed is the case or not, we suggest running a code i.e. sfc/scannow on the Command Prompt. Here are the essential steps –

• Right-click on the Taskbar and click Task Manager using the shortcut menu.
• Head over to the File Menu and choose Run new task.
• Type cmd (Admin) near the blinking cursor and press the Enter key.
• On the elevated console, type sfc/scannow and press Enter again.

Картинка с сайта: howtoedge.com

• This takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, so wait accordingly.
• Once over, Restart your computer and check whether you can install new cumulative updates or not.

5. Clean Boot Windows 10 

Many a time, the presence of corrupt apps or their leftover files may also cause the 0x8024200B error. To solve this, you should perform a clean boot using the below steps –  

• Press Win+Q, type MSConfig, and press Enter.
• When the System Configuration window comes into view, go to the Startup tab and click “Open Task Manager“.

Картинка с сайта: howtoedge.com

• Select each one of the running programs and click Disable.
• After disabling all of the running applications, close Task Manager, and Restart your PC.

6. Reset Windows Update Components 

Cleaning Software Distribution folder 

Sometimes, this is all about the cache stored inside the Software Distribution folder. To rule out this possibility, just clean this following the below guideline –

• Start the Run dialog (Win & R), type services.msc, and hit OK.
• On the next screen, scroll down to Windows Update.
• Make a right-click on the same and click “Stop” to temporarily disable this service.

Картинка с сайта: howtoedge.com

• Now, reach out to the below location and clear all the contents that lie inside the folder –

C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download

• Afterward, re-visit the Services window and start the “Windows Update” service.
• Once over, Reboot the device to save the recent changes. 

If the error still occurs, follow the next part –

7. Reset Windows Update Components

The presence of corrupt update components may also erupt in error 0x8024200B. So, you better run a few codes on the Windows console to fix them. Here’s how to proceed –

• Press the Win & S shortcut and type cmd in the text box.
• Make a right-click on the top result and choose Run as Administrator.
• When the UAC window comes into view, tap Yes to go ahead.
• On the elevated prompt area, enter the below codes one by one. These commands will stop some of the essential services like BITS, Windows Update, Cryptographic, etc.

net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc

• Next, remove the qmgr*.dat files by running the below command –

Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\\Application Data\\Microsoft\\Network\\Downloader\\qmgr*.dat”

• Subsequently, execute cd /d %windir%\\system32 on the elevated interface. 
• You need to now re-register the .dll files using the below codes –

exe atl.dll
exe urlmon.dll
exe mshtml.dll
exe shdocvw.dll
exe browseui.dll
exe jscript.dll
exe vbscript.dll
exe scrrun.dll
exe msxml.dll
exe msxml3.dll
exe msxml6.dll
exe actxprxy.dll
exe softpub.dll
exe wintrust.dll
exe dssenh.dll
exe rsaenh.dll
exe gpkcsp.dll
exe sccbase.dll
exe slbcsp.dll
exe cryptdlg.dll
exe oleaut32.dll
exe ole32.dll
exe shell32.dll
exe initpki.dll
exe wuapi.dll
exe wuaueng.dll
exe wuaueng1.dll
exe wucltui.dll
exe wups.dll
exe wups2.dll
exe wuweb.dll
exe qmgr.dll
exe qmgrprxy.dll
exe wucltux.dll
exe muweb.dll
exe wuwebv.dll

• Once over, Restart the Windows Services that you stopped earlier. To do so, execute the following commands –

net start bits

net start wuauserv

net start appidsvc

net start cryptsvc

• At last, Reboot your system and see if the “Check for updates” starts working or is still causing you trouble.

8. Use System Restore

The above solutions should resolve any update-related issues. However, if not, you are left with two choices i.e. use System Restore or Clean install Windows. If you haven’t created any restore points in the past, download the latest Media creation tool and make a bootable file. 

The system restore points will take your PC back to the state where everything was working pretty normally. All you need is to follow the below steps –

• First of all, log into your device as an Administrator.
• Press the Win & S hotkey and type System Restore in the search field.
• Click on the top result to launch the System Protection wizard.
• Tap the System Restore button then OK to proceed further.

Картинка с сайта: howtoedge.com

• Click Next.
• Select the recent restore file and click “Scan for affected programs“.
• If none are found, hit Next again.

Картинка с сайта: howtoedge.com

• Tap Finish and wait for this task to complete.

That’s it, I hope the above set of solutions indeed fixes the 0x8024200B error. In case, you have any queries or suggestions, let us know through the comments below.  

How to stop Windows 10 Update in progress?

To stop an ongoing Windows update on your computer, do the following –

• Press Win + I to launch Settings.
• Select Update & Security and then Windows Update.
• Click “Pause updates for 7 days” and the system will stop downloading an ongoing cumulative update.

Restart your PC and check if this stops the Windows 10 update in progress. 

What is the Error 0x8024200b on Windows 10? You might encounter it when trying to upgrade to Windows 10 from a previous version of the operating system.

It can also happen when downloading or installing one or several Windows 10 updates. If you are facing this issue, this post will be of use to you.

What Causes Update Error 0x8024200b in Windows 10?

The Error 0x8024200b could be due to:

• Poor network connectivity
• Corrupt or missing system files
• Problematic temporary files
• Windows Update corruption
• Outdated device drivers
• Corrupt Windows images

How to Fix the Windows 10 Error 0x8024200b

You will find several troubleshooting procedures in this guide if you are currently dealing with the 0x8024200b error when downloading or installing Windows updates. Other users have proven these fixes effective.

By the time you complete the following procedures, you will have been able to resolve the Windows Update error.

Fix 1: Run a system clean-up tool to remove temporary files

Try clearing the temporary files in your PC if you find installing Windows Updates difficult.

We suggest you use Auslogics BoostSpeed to clean up the system. It is an industry-acclaimed tool that Microsoft backs.

Fix 2: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Your OS might be able to resolve the update issue automatically. The Update troubleshooter analyzes the WU component to identify what has gone wrong.

It then employs a viable repair strategy to fix the identified issue.

Here is how to run the utility:

• Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows key + I keyboard combination.
• Click on Update & Security.
• In the left pane of the new page, locate Troubleshoot and click on the tab.

Fix 3: Clear the software distribution folder

In Windows 10, the Software Distribution folder is located in the Windows directory and stores temporary files required to install Windows updates.

Clearing the contents of this folder may be sufficient in resolving the WU Error 0x8024300B:

• Open the Run dialog by pressing your keyboard’s Windows + R keys.
• Type Services.msc in the text box and click OK or press Enter.
• Scroll through the list of services in the Services window and locate Windows Update. Right-click on it and select Stop from the context menu to disable the service temporarily.
• Close the Services window. Then, open File Explorer (Press the Windows + E keyboard combo) and navigate to: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
• Clear all the contents in the folder.
• Invoke Services.msc again, as shown in Step 2.
• Locate Windows Update. Right-click on it and select on Start from the context menu to start the service.
• Restart your computer and try installing WU again.

Also Read: How to Delete Software Distribution Folder on Windows?

Fix 4: Reset the Windows Update Components

Corrupt WU components likely cause the error code you are facing. In such a situation, you must reset all associated Windows components and delete the folders where the temporary files are stored.

There are two methods you can use to carry out this fix. We’ll look at how to perform both methods.

1. Reset Windows Update using a Command Line

• Open an elevated Command Prompt window. You can do this by pressing the Windows + X and click on Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
• Click Yes when the User Account Control (UAC) prompt is displayed. The prompt requests to give Windows Command Processor administrator privileges.
• Once you are in the Administrator: Command Prompt window, the first action to take is stopping all services that are related to Windows Update, including Windows Update Services, Cryptographic services, BITS services, and MSI Installer. Simply run each of the following lines one after the other:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

• Once you’ve completed Step 3, rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders, which are used by WU, by running the following commands:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

Renaming the folders forces the system to create fresh folders.

• Now, you have to re-enable the Windows services we stopped in Step 3. Run the following commands:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

• Close the elevated Command Prompt window and restart your computer.

2. Reset Windows Update Using an Agent Script

• Visit the Microsoft Technet page.
• Download the Reset Windows Update Agent script.
• Extract the contents of the downloaded zip file and double-click on the ResetWUENG executable. Follow the on-screen instructions to run the script that resets your Windows Update components.
• After completing the process, restart your computer and check whether you can download and install WU.

Also Read: Ultimate Guide: How to Manually Check and Install Windows Updates

Fix 5: Clear the BITS Queue

Clearing the BITS queue of current jobs can help:

• Open an elevated command prompt. You can do this by typing “CMD” (no quotes) in the Start menu’s search bar. Then, right-click on Command Prompt and click on the Run as Administrator option.
• Click the Yes button when UAC (User Account Control) requests to grant Windows Command Processor admin privileges.
• Type or copy and paste bitsadmin.exe /reset /allusers and hit Enter to run it.
• Check whether the WU issue has been resolved.

Fix 6: Download the Windows Update directly from the Microsoft Website

You can download the cumulative update manually and apply it to your system. First, you will have to find the latest update number. You can then search for it in the Update Catalog.

Follow the easy steps below to get the KB number:

• Open the Settings app. You can do this by going to the Start menu (Press the Win key) and click on the gear icon that represents Settings. Alternatively, quickly open the Settings app.
• Click on Update & Security. Then, click on View Update History.

Once you have obtained the KB number, the next step is to manually download and install the standalone package. Here’s how:

• Launch your browser and visit the Microsoft Update Catalog website
• Enter the KB number you got earlier in the search field.
• Identify the patch that matches your Windows build and architecture.
• Click the Download button once you have found the pending cumulative update for your OS.
• Click the top link.
• Go to the location on your computer where you saved the downloaded setup file.
• Run the setup file by double-clicking on it. Then, wait for the process to complete.

Fix 7: Uninstall unknown printer drivers

Some users reported that the Event Viewer indicated that the 0x8024200B error code is related to multiple printer drivers.

Some outdated printer drivers not fully compatible with Windows 10 migrate into the new OS after a system upgrade. The drivers cause frequent update failures.

You can fix the issue by installing pending Windows updates other than the one that keeps failing. If that doesn’t work, go to the Device Manager and uninstall the incompatible drivers:

• Open the Run dialog and type Devmgmt.mscand click OK to open the Device Manager.
• Expand the Print Queues drop-down and right-click on any driver with a yellow exclamation mark.

Fix 8: Scan for malicious files

Some users said the Error 0x8024200B appeared on their PC due to Trojans and other malware.

Run a full system scan with Windows Defender to arrest malicious items hidden in your computer that are causing unexpected issues.

If you have a third-party antivirus program on your PC, disable it temporarily and try running WU again.

If your antivirus program causes compatibility issues on your computer, we suggest you get Auslogics Anti-Malware instead.

Microsoft backs the software application. A certified Microsoft Silver Application developer developed it.

Auslogics Anti-Malware is a reliable tool that detects and eliminates even the most stubborn viruses.

Related: Auslogics Anti-Malware: Features and Reviews

Fix 9: Run SFC scan

You might be dealing with some corrupt/missing system files. To see if that is the case, run the System File Checker:

• Turn on your Internet connection.
• Right-click on the Windows icon to open the Power-user menu. Alternatively, you can press the Windows Key + X.
• Click on Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
• When the UAC prompt comes up, click Yes to confirm that you want to grant Windows Command Processor administrator privileges to your computer.
• When the Administrator: Command Prompt window opens, enter  sfc /scannow and hit Enter on your keyboard.

• The scan might take a while to complete. It could be up to 15 minutes. So, ensure you have enough battery power or plug your computer to charge.
• You must run a DISM scan if SFC finds problems it cannot resolve. Simply type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and hit Enter to execute it.
• When the DISM scan is complete, run sfc /scannow again.
• Restart your computer and check whether you can download and install your Windows updates.

Fix 10: Run system restore

Performing a system restore makes your operating system regain its previous state when there were no issues. Here is how to get it done:

• Log into your PC with your administrator account.
• Go to the Start menu and type System Restore in the search field.
• Click the same option from the search results.
• Click the System Restore button when the System Protection window opens. Then click OK.
• Click Next and select a restore point.

• Click Next and confirm your chosen restore point. Then, click Finish.
• Restart your computer after the process is complete. Then check if the WU issue has been resolved.

Also Read: [FIXED] System Restore Not Working in Windows 10

Fix 11: Clean Boot Your OS

Conflicting apps might cause the 0x8024200B error. Perform a clean boot to find out if that is the case and identify the culprits:

• Open the Run accessory by pressing Windows key + R.
• Type msconfig in the text field and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
• Switch to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
• Disable each of the running applications one after the other.
• Afterward, close the Task Manager and restart your computer.

Related: How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10?

Fix 12: Contact a Microsoft Virtual Agent

You can always reach out to a Microsoft Virtual agent for support. They can determine the cause of the error you are dealing with and help you fix it.

Conclusion

We hope that the solutions we presented in this guide have enabled you to get past the Windows 10 Update Download Error 0x8024200B.

If you have any questions or comments, please don’t hesitate to share them with us in the comments section below.

Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links.

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team. Read more

Many users have reported getting the error code 0x8024200b when upgrading to Windows 10/11 from their previous versions. Don’t worry; we can fix this error in no time.

This guide contains all the methods to fix this error and install the Windows updates successfully. Let’s begin! 

What causes Windows 10 Update download error 0x8024200b?

There could be several reasons for the error code to appear when trying to upgrade; some of the popular ones are: 

• Corrupted Windows Update – If the downloaded update files got damaged, then while installing these updates, you might get this error. You need to reset Windows update components to fix the issue.
• Outdated printer driver – If your printer driver is obsolete, it might cause an issue. It is suggested to uninstall the driver to get rid of the problem.
• Damaged temp files –  Your system stores temp files while updating your Windows. If these files get corrupted, then you might get this error code.
• Windows hotfix missing – Microsoft came up with a hotfix for users switching to Windows 10 from an older version of the OS to fix issues due to incompatible drivers. If the update with the hotfix is missing, then you might get this error.
• Missing system files – If your computer is missing important system files used for updating or upgrading Windows, then you can face the issue.

What can I do to fix Windows 10 Update download error 0x8024200b?

Before we go to the advanced fixes, here are a few preliminary checks you should do:

• Restart your computer.
• Use a Clean boot environment to update Windows. 
• Run Disk Cleanup.
• Make sure your computer is not infected with viruses or malware.

1. Reset Windows Update components

1. Go to the Search bar, type CMD and click Run as administrator.
   

   Картинка с сайта: windowsreport.com

2. To stop BITS, Cryptographic, Windows Update and MSI Installer services, type all these commands one by one and press Enter after each command: net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
3. Now to rename SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folder, copy and paste these commands and press Enter after each command: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
4. To restart the BITS, Cryptographic, Windows Update, and MSI Installer services, type all these commands one by one and press Enter after each command: net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver

2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + I to get Settings.
2. Go to Update & Security.
   

   Картинка с сайта: windowsreport.com

3. Now, select Troubleshooting, and click Additional troubleshooters.
   

   Картинка с сайта: windowsreport.com

4. Under Get up and running, click Windows Update and select Run the troubleshooter.
   

   Картинка с сайта: windowsreport.com

5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process.

3. Use the SFC and DISM commands

1. Open Command Prompt with admin rights using the steps mentioned in Method 1.
2. Copy and paste the following commands and press Enter after every command: sfc/scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
   

   Картинка с сайта: windowsreport.com

3. Once the process is complete, restart your computer.

4. Uninstall printer drivers

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run window.
2. Type devmgmt.msc and press Enter to open Device Manager.
3. Go to the Print queues and expand it. Then, inspect all the listed drivers and locate the one with the yellow triangle beside it.
   

   Картинка с сайта: windowsreport.com

4. Right-click on that driver, and select Uninstall device.
5. Restart your computer to let the changes take effect.

5. Clear the BITS queue 

1. Launch Command Prompt with administrator privileges using the steps in Method 1.
2. Copy and paste the following command to clear the BITS queue and press Enter: bitsadmin.exe /reset /allusers
   

   Картинка с сайта: windowsreport.com

So, these are methods that you need to follow to get rid of the error code 0x8024200b. Try them and let us know which worked for you in the comments below.

Being an artist his entire life while also playing handball at a professional level, Vladimir has also developed a passion for all things computer-related.

With an innate fascination for research and analysis, and realizing many other people share his passion for this subject, he delved into writing Windows-related articles, so other people can also benefit from the acquired information.

When not writing kick-ass articles, Vladimir likes to spend his time doing Crossfit and creating art.