0x8024a204 Windows Update Error: How to Fix It

The 0x8024a204 Windows update error occurs when you try to install a cumulative update. An update for Windows Defender Antivirus antimalware platform error accompanies this issue.

This problem prevents users from installing updates that are important for the security of your PC. If you are also facing this error, we will show you how to fix it quickly with the solutions in this guide.

Why am I getting the error 0x8024a204?

Several factors can be responsible for the 0x8024a204 error on your PC. Listed below are some of the notable ones:

• Corrupt system files: The major cause of this issue is broken or missing system files. You can fix this issue by restoring these files.
• Issues with update components: Sometimes, this problem can be due to problems with crucial update components. The solution to this is to restart these components.
• Minor glitches with the required services: In some cases, this error code can be due to minor issues with the services that are important to update your PC. Running the Windows update troubleshooter should help clear these glitches.

How can I fix the Windows update error 0x8024a204?

1. Restart some services

1. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and click OK.
   
2. Double-click the Background Intelligent Transfer Service to open its properties page.
   
3. Now, set its Startup type to Automatic and click the Start button if it is disabled.
   
4. Next, click Apply, followed by OK.
   
5. Finally, repeat Steps 2 to 4 for the Windows Update service and restart your PC.

The Windows Update and Background Intelligence Transfer Service are two important services for updating your PC. If these services are disabled, it might cause the 0x8024a204 error.

You need to restart these services and your PC to fix this issue.

2. Reset Windows update components

1. Press the Windows + S key, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
   
2. Type the commands below 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
3. Finally, wait for the commands to finish running and restart your PC.

In some cases, error 0x8024a204 can be caused by issues with vital update components. You can fix this by restarting these components.

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3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

1. Press the Windows key + I and choose Troubleshoot in the right pane.
   
2. Click the Other troubleshooters option on the next page.
   
3. Finally, click the Run button before the Windows Update option and follow the onscreen instructions.
   

In some cases, it might be hard to trace the cause of this 0x8024a204 error. It might be a combination of problems with the components and some services.

The solution to this is to run the Windows Update troubleshooter and restart your PC.

4. Repair system files

1. Press the Windows + S key, type cmd, and click Run as administrator under Command Prompt.
   
2. Type the command below and hit Enter to run it: DISM /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
3. Wait for the command to finish running.
4. Next, run the command below: sfc /scannow
5. Finally, wait for the command to finish running and restart your PC.

If your system files are broken or missing, you might get the 0x8024a204 error code. What you need to do here is to repair and restore these files by running the DISM and SFC commands.

Alternatively, you can use a dedicated repair tool to fix these files quickly. This software saves you the stress of having to run multiple commands and repairs the faulty file with the original version.

5. Download the update manually

1. Press the Windows key + S, type update history, and choose View your update history.
   
2. Note the KB number of the update giving the error.
3. Now, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for the update in Step 2.
   
4. Next, choose your specifications and select the Update that matches it.
5. Finally, run the downloaded file to install it.

If all efforts to install the update automatically keep returning the 0x8024a204 error, you can go to the Microsoft Update catalog to download and install the update manually. With this, you can bypass the potential factors stopping the update.

The 0x8024a204 update error can be annoying, but it is an issue that can be easily fixed. With the information in this guide, getting past the error should now be easier.

If you are dealing with a similar issue in Windows update error 0x800704f1, you should be able to fix it with the solutions in our comprehensive guide.

Were you able to fix the issue? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.