Update error 0x8024001e on Windows 10 [STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE]
- Updates are supposed to improve and fix software. But getting an error while installing updates seems strange, doesn't it? Nevertheless, these things happen.
- Error code 0x8024001e is mostly associated with missing dll. Repairing the system files in this case will let you continue installing updates. Read more on how to achieve this.
- We have a dedicated Windows Update Errors section where you can read more similar guides to fix these kind of problems.
- For any other issues with Windows, check out our Windows 10 Errors Hub. It's a great resource to learn about different ways to solve them.
Error code 0x8024001e is a Windows Update error that restricts Windows from installing system updates and updating applications. This error may show up due to one of several reasons.
Missing/corrupt DLL files or registry keys, incomplete updates, or malware infections may be some of the reasons behind this error.
In this article we are going to look into a few troubleshooting steps to resolve error message 0x8024001e on Windows 10.
How can I fix update error 0x8024001e on Windows 10?
Solution 1 – Check your Internet connection & restart the computer
The first logical thing to try here is to check your Internet connection. More often than not, the problem behind the 0x8024001e error is an unreliable Internet connection.
If your Internet connection has problems, this quick guide may help you. Also, contact your service provider.
Finally, also make sure your regional settings such as date and time are correct. Once you’ve made the necessary changes, restart your computer to see if the error persists. If it does, move on to the next solution.
Solution 2 – Fix or replace missing DLL files
Many Windows and Windows update errors occur when the process that is running fails to find a certain .dll file. Or the file is different than expected and such an unexpected error occurs.
When this happens, the fastest and most natural choice is to make sure all the .dll file are where they are supposed to be and in their original version as they should.
To achieve this, we can use an automated tool. Restoro, for example, scans the computer, checks the findings against the known .dll files and their contents and if it finds a mismatch or a missing file it restores it.
Solution 3 – Restart Microsoft Update
Sometimes when Microsoft Update service has been stopped for some reason, this can result in error code 0x8024001e. Just to be sure, try restarting the service. Follow these steps:
1. Click on Start and type Run. Alternatively, you can press the Windows + R keys.
2. On the Run dialogue, type in Services.msc and press Enter.
3. Navigate down the list of services to find Windows Update.
4. Right-click on Windows Update and select Start.
This will restart the service in case it had been stopped. Once the process is complete, restart your computer to check if the error persists. If if does, move on to the next solution.
If your Windows Update Service registration is missing or corrupt, follow these simple steps to fix it quick and easy.
Solution 4 – Repair the Registry key
Sometimes, a corrupt Registry key could result in error code 0x8024001e. Fortunately, it isn’t that difficult to resolve this. Running the Automatic repair tool will find and fix the corrupt entries.
It is absolutely vital that you do not interrupt this process while it is ongoing. Follow these steps:
1. Click on Start and type Advanced Startup Options.
2. Select Advanced Startup Options from the search results and this will open the general settings screen.
3. You will find the Advanced Startup option at the right side of the window.
4. Click on the Restart now button to restart your computer in advanced startup mode.
5. Select the Troubleshoot button and click on Advanced Options. The following window should open.
6. Click on Automatic Repair. This will restart your computer. Select the administrative account when prompted.
The automatic repair tool will now look for and fix any corrupt entries on the registry. Once the process is complete, error code 0x8024001e will most likely have been resolved. If it wasn’t, move on to the next solution.
Need more ideas on how to repair a corrupted registry? Check out this guide to learn more.
Stuck on Automatic repair loop? Don’t worry, we’ll throw you this amazing lifeline.
Solution 5 – Rename Software Distribution Folder
Sometimes error code 0x8024001e appears when Microsoft Update service is already running. If this is the case, you will have to rename the Software Distribution folder in order to resolve the error. Follow these steps:
1. Click on Start and type Run. Alternatively, you can press the Windows + R keys.
2. On the Run dialogue, type in Services.msc and press Enter.
3. Navigate down the list of services to find Windows Update.
4. Right-click on Windows Update and select Stop.
5. Navigate to C: (or which ever your Local Drive is) > Windows. Find the SoftwareDistribution folder.
6. Right-click on the SoftwareDistribution folder and click Rename. Rename the folder to something like SoftwareDistributionOld.
7. Click Start and type Run. Alternatively, you can press the Windows + R keys.
2. On the Run dialogue, type in Services.msc and press Enter.
6. Navigate down the list of services to find Windows Update.
4. Right-click on Windows Update and select Start.
Once the process is complete, restart your computer to check if the error persists. If if does, move on to the next solution.
For more info on how to rename the Software Distribution folder, take a look at this in-depth guide.
If you’re interested in how to delete the Software Distribution folder, we’ve written a dedicated guide about that. Do check it out.
Solution 6 – System Restore
If all else fails, try using system restore to restore your computer to a state from an earlier date. If the reason behind error code 0x8024001e showing up on your computer is due to some recent change, this should fix the problem.
1. Click on Start and type System Restore on the search box.
2. Select System Restore from the search results.
3. On the newly opened window, follow the on-screen instructions.
The system restore process will now start. Once the process is complete, restart your computer. This will most likely fix the 0x8024001e error.
If you’re interested in more info on how to create a restore point and how would that help you, take a look at this simple article to find out everything you need to know.
Your Windows search box is missing in Windows 10? Get it back with the help of this amazing article.
Hopefully one of these solutions worked for you. If not, try contacting Microsoft Support.
If you have any other suggestions or questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below and we’ll be sure to check them out.
FAQ: Learn more about Windows Update error 0x8024001e
- Can I delete SoftwareDistribution folder Windows 10?
If Windows Update gives you a problem, you can safely remove the contents of the folder. We have a complete guide on removing the Software Distribution folder.
- How do I clean my registry?
Keeping your registry cleaned means you will encounter fewer errors and software conflicts. Do this automatically using a registry cleaner.
- How do I fix missing DLL files in Windows 10?
Read our guide on how to fix missing DLL files, and see how easy it is to deal with this problem.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in October 2017 and has been since revamped and updated in May 2020 for freshness, accuracy, and comprehensiveness.