How to Fix Windows Update Download Error 0x8024a206
Windows Update is a feature that allows you to keep your Windows operating system up to date with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and improvements. However, sometimes you may encounter errors that prevent you from downloading or installing the updates. One of these errors is 0x8024a206, which usually occurs when your computer fails to download the updates due to various reasons.
In this article, we will show you how to troubleshoot and fix this error using different methods. You can try them one by one until you find the one that works for you. Before you start, make sure you have a stable Internet connection and enough disk space on your OS drive.
0x8024a206 download error
Method 1: Check your Internet connection and restart your router
The first thing you should do is check your Internet connection and make sure it is working properly. You can do this by opening a web browser and visiting a website like [Google](^1^) or [Bing](^2^). If you can access the website without any problems, then your connection is fine. If not, then you may have some issues with your network settings, router, or ISP.
To fix this, you can try restarting your router by unplugging it from the power source, waiting for a few seconds, and plugging it back in. This will refresh your network configuration and resolve any potential glitches. You can also try switching to a wired connection instead of a wireless one, or using a different network if possible.
Method 2: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in tool that can help you diagnose and fix common problems with Windows Update. It is called the Windows Update troubleshooter and you can access it by following these steps:
Navigate to Settings.
Select System.
Scroll down to Troubleshoot.
Click on Other troubleshooters.
Locate and run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
The troubleshooter will scan your system for any issues related to Windows Update and try to fix them automatically. It may ask you to restart your computer or perform some actions manually. Follow the instructions on the screen and see if the error is resolved.
Method 3: Reset the Windows Update components
Sometimes, the error 0x8024a206 can be caused by corrupted or misconfigured Windows Update components, such as the services, cache, or registry entries. To fix this, you can try resetting them using Command Prompt or PowerShell with administrator privileges. Here is how to do it:
Press Windows + X keys and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
Type the following commands one by one and press Enter after each one. Wait for each command to finish before entering the next one.
net stop wuauserv: This will stop the Windows Update service.
net stop cryptSvc: This will stop the Cryptographic service.
net stop bits: This will stop the Background Intelligent Transfer service.
net stop msiserver: This will stop the Windows Installer service.
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old: This will rename the SoftwareDistribution folder, which contains the Windows Update cache.
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old: This will rename the Catroot2 folder, which contains the Windows Update signatures.
net start wuauserv: This will start the Windows Update service.
net start cryptSvc: This will start the Cryptographic service.
net start bits: This will start the Background Intelligent Transfer service.
net start msiserver: This will start the Windows Installer service.
Close the Command Prompt or PowerShell window and restart your computer.
This will reset the Windows Update components and clear the cache. You can try downloading and installing the updates again and see if the error is fixed.
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Disable third-party antivirus and firewall to resolve error 0x8024a206
Free up disk space on C: drive to avoid error 0x8024a206
Disconnect external devices and peripherals before updating Windows
Delete corrupted Windows Update files to fix error 0x8024a206
Run System File Checker and DISM tools to repair error 0x8024a206
Perform an in-place upgrade to resolve Windows Update error 0x8024a206
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Error code 0x8024a206: how to disconnect any unnecessary devices or peripherals from your computer before updating
Error code 0x8024a206: how to delete any corrupted or incomplete update files from your computer
Error code 0x8024a206: how to run the System File Checker and DISM commands to repair any system file errors or corruption
Error code 0x8024a206: how to perform an in-place upgrade using the Media Creation Tool or the Update Assistant tool
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Method 4: Disable third-party apps
Another possible reason for the error 0x8024a206 is that some third-party apps, such as antivirus software, firewall, VPN, or proxy, may interfere with Windows Update and block the download process. To rule out this possibility, you can try disabling these apps temporarily and see if that helps. Here is how to do it:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to open Task Manager.
Select the Processes tab and look for any processes related to your third-party apps.
Select each process and click on End task. Be careful not to end any essential system processes.
Close Task Manager and try downloading and installing the updates again.
If this method works, then you should consider uninstalling or updating your third-party apps to avoid future conflicts with Windows Update. You can also try performing a clean boot of your computer, which means starting it with only the essential system services and drivers. This will help you identify which app is causing the problem and disable it permanently. To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:
Navigate to Settings.
Select System.
Select About.
Select Advanced system settings.
Select System Configuration.
Select Selective startup.
Deselect Load startup items.
Select Load system services.
Select User original boot configuration.
Select Services tab.
Select Hide all Microsoft services checkbox.
Select Deselect all button.
Select OK button.
Select Restart button.
After your computer restarts, try downloading and installing the updates again. If the error is gone, then you can enable the services and apps one by one until you find the culprit. You can then disable or uninstall it permanently.
Method 5: Free up some space on your OS drive
Another possible cause of the error 0x8024a206 is that you don't have enough free space on your OS drive to download and install the updates. Windows Update requires at least 10 GB of free space to operate properly, so you should make sure you have enough room for it. To free up some space on your OS drive, you can try the following methods:
Check your disk space and usage by navigating to Settings, selecting System, and selecting Storage. You will see how much space is available and how much is used by different categories of files and apps.
Delete unnecessary files and folders, such as temporary files, downloads, recycle bin, etc. You can do this manually or use a tool like [CCleaner] to do it automatically.
Use Disk Cleanup and Storage Sense to remove unwanted system files, such as previous Windows installations, update files, error logs, etc. You can access Disk Cleanup by typing disk cleanup in the search box and selecting it from the results. You can access Storage Sense by navigating to Settings, selecting System, selecting Storage, and selecting Configure Storage Sense or run it now.
After you have freed up some space on your OS drive, try downloading and installing the updates again and see if the error is fixed.
Method 6: Disconnect your peripherals
Sometimes, the error 0x8024a206 can be caused by some peripherals that are connected to your computer, such as external hard drives, USB flash drives, printers, scanners, etc. These devices may interfere with Windows Update and cause communication errors or driver conflicts. To fix this, you can try disconnecting them temporarily and see if that helps. Here is how to do it:
Unplug any peripherals that are connected to your computer, except for the mouse and keyboard.
Restart your computer and try downloading and installing the updates again.
If the error is gone, then you can reconnect your peripherals one by one until you find the one that is causing the problem. You can then update or uninstall its driver or software.
If this method works, then you should consider updating or replacing your peripherals to avoid future issues with Windows Update.
Method 7: Delete the recently downloaded Windows Update files
Sometimes, the error 0x8024a206 can be caused by corrupted or incomplete Windows Update files that are stored in a hidden folder called C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. These files are downloaded by Windows Update before they are installed on your computer. However, if they are damaged or interrupted during the download process, they may cause errors and prevent further updates. To fix this, you can try deleting these files and forcing Windows Update to download them again. Here is how to do it:
Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download.
Select all the files and folders in this folder and press Delete. You may need to provide administrator permission to do this.
Restart your computer and try downloading and installing the updates again.
This will delete the recently downloaded Windows Update files and force Windows Update to download them again from scratch. This may take some time depending on your Internet speed and the size of the updates. However, this may fix the error 0x8024a206 and allow you to install the updates successfully.
Method 8: Perform an in-place upgrade
If none of the above methods work for you, then you may have to resort to performing an in-place upgrade of your Windows operating system. This is a process that allows you to reinstall Windows without losing any of your personal files, settings, or apps. This will repair any system files or components that may be corrupted or missing and fix any errors that may prevent Windows Update from working properly. To perform an in-place upgrade, you will need a USB flash drive or a DVD with at least 8 GB of space and a tool called [Media Creation Tool]. Here is how to do it:
Download and run the Media Creation Tool from [Microsoft's website](^ 6^). You can also use this tool to create a bootable USB flash drive or DVD with the Windows installation files.
Select Upgrade this PC now and follow the instructions on the screen. You may need to enter your Windows product key and accept the license terms.
Select Keep personal files and apps when prompted. This will ensure that you don't lose any of your data or programs during the upgrade.
Wait for the upgrade process to complete. This may take some time depending on your computer's speed and the size of the updates. Your computer may restart several times during the process.
After the upgrade is finished, check for any remaining updates and install them if available.
This will perform an in-place upgrade of your Windows operating system and fix any errors that may prevent Windows Update from working properly. You should be able to download and install the updates without any issues.
Conclusion
In this article, we have shown you how to troubleshoot and fix the Windows Update download error 0x8024a206 using different methods. You can try them one by one until you find the one that works for you. We hope that this article has helped you resolve this error and keep your Windows operating system up to date with the latest security patches, bug fixes, and improvements. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about the error 0x8024a206 and their answers:
What is the cause of error 0x8024a206?
The error 0x8024a206 is a Windows Update download error that usually occurs when your computer fails to download the updates due to various reasons, such as network issues, corrupted or misconfigured Windows Update components, third-party app interference, low disk space, peripheral conflicts, or damaged update files.
How do I know if my Internet connection is working properly?
You can check your Internet connection by opening a web browser and visiting a website like Google or Bing. If you can access the website without any problems, then your connection is fine. If not, then you may have some issues with your network settings, router, or ISP. You can try restarting your router, switching to a wired connection, or using a different network if possible.
What are the benefits of resetting the Windows Update components?
Resetting the Windows Update components can help you fix any issues related to the services, cache, or registry entries that are involved in the Windows Update process. This can resolve any communication errors or configuration conflicts that may prevent Windows Update from working properly.
How do I uninstall third-party antivirus software?
You can uninstall third-party antivirus software by following these steps:
Navigate to Settings.
Select Apps.
Select Apps & features.
Locate and select your antivirus software from the list.
Select Uninstall.
Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the uninstallation process.
You can also use a tool like [Revo Uninstaller] to remove any leftover files or registry entries from your antivirus software.
What if none of the methods work for me?
If none of the methods work for you, then you may have to contact Microsoft support or visit their [community forum] for further assistance. You can also try searching for other solutions online or asking for help from other users who have experienced the same error.
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