0x8024800c Windows Update Error: 4 Ways to Fix it

This issue is likely caused by damaged system files

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Key notes

  • The 0x8024800c error is a timeout issue that can arise from a problem with the data store (SoftwareDistribution) folder.
  • Users have resolved the installer encountered an error 0x8024800c issue by clearing the data store for Windows Update.
  • Repairing the system files is another potential Windows Update error 0x8024800c solution that worked for some of our readers.
0x800f0831 Windows 11 update error

The 0x8024800c error is an issue some users have encountered when trying to update Windows. They have cited that issue to arise when trying to install updates with Windows Update Standalone Installer.

As a result, users canโ€™t manually apply updates with Windows Update Standalone Installer because of the 0x8024800c error.

What causes the Windows Update error 0x8024800c?

What causes Windows Update error 0x8024800c isnโ€™t entirely clear. However, this issue can have similar causes to other update errors. These are some of the potential 0x8024800c error causes:

  • Damaged system files – Some system files need repairing.
  • An out-of-sync SoftwareDistribution cache – The SoftwareDistribution data store is out of sync, meaning this error is a timeout issue (it has a WU_E_DS_LOCKTIMEOUTEXPIRED result string).
  • Corrupted Windows Update components – Error 0x8024800c is caused by faulty Windows Update components (files).

Now that we know the reasons behind this problem, let’s get to the actual solutions.

How can I fix error 0x8024800c?

1. Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

  1. To bring up the Run dialog, hold down the Windows key and press R at the same time.
  2. Type this command and press Enter or click OK: ms-settings:troubleshoot
    Run accessory 0x8024800c
  3. Youโ€™ll need to click Other trouble-shooters in Windows 11 Settings.
    Other trouble-shooters navigation option 0x8024800c
  4. Select the Run option for the Windows Update troubleshooting tool.
    Run button 0x8024800c
  5. Wait for the troubleshooting to finish and click close the troubleshooter when done.

2. Run an SFC scan

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd, and click the Run as administrator option along the right of your search tool.
    The Run as administrator option 0x8024800c
  2. Run a scan with the Windows SFC tool by executing this command: sfc /scannow
    sfc scannow command 0x8024800c
  3. When the SFC scanning has finished, stop the Windows Update service by inputting this command: net stop wuauserv
  4. Then restart the Windows Update by executing this command: net start wuauserv
    net stop wuauserv command 0x8024800c

3. Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd, and click the Run as administrator option from the results.
  2. Stop the update services by inputting these commands and pressing Enter:
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
  3. Open Windows File Explorer by pressing that file managerโ€™s taskbar button.
    File Explorer button 0x8024800c
  4. Then open DataStore by inputting this path inside Explorerโ€™s location bar: C:\WINDOWS\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore
    DataStore folder 0x8024800c
  5. Select everything in DataStore by pressing the Ctrl + A key combination.
  6. Press the Del (Delete) key.
  7. Repeat the previous two steps for the Download subfolder at: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download
    Download folder 0x8024800c
  8. Then restart services with the following commands:
    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver

4. Reset Update Components

Resetting Windows Update components will re-register update files and clear out some data folders. WRโ€™s Windows Update script post includes instructions for how to set up or download a WSUS reset script.

There arenโ€™t many potential resolutions confirmed to fix error 0x8024800c. However, the ones above have worked for some users. The third resolution is the most widely confirmed fix.

A full Windows reset might be another potential fix for error 0x8024800c. Consider applying such a resolution, as outlined in our guide to resetting Windows, if nothing above works for you.

Youโ€™re welcome to discuss the 0x8024800c error below. Have you found another way to fix this update issue in Windows 11? If so, let us know about your 0x8024800c solution in the comments section.

More about the topics: Windows Update