How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 8024402

Tested solutions to fix the Windows Update error in no time

Fix » Windows 10

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by Henderson Jayden Harper 

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Key notes

  • Windows Update error code 8024402C indicates that there’s a connection error.
  • Note that issues with Windows Update services can cause errors.
  • Changing your DNS server address may fix the problem, so refer to our detailed procedure.
windows updates error code 8024402c

Windows updates are essential for fixing bugs affecting your PC and adding new features to your PC. However, error code 8024402C is an error users encounter when updating Windows.

Also, users report that Windows 10 couldn’t install on their PCs for some reason.

What does an error code 8024402C mean in Windows Update?

Windows Update error code 8024402C appears when Windows Update can’t connect to Microsoft’s update servers, making it impossible to complete updates. It is rampant on Windows 7 and 10.

Likewise, it can indicate issues with Windows Update services running correctly on your device.

What causes the Windows Update error 8024402C?

Windows Update errors can be due to many factors impeding the update process. They occur due to network connection issues that are causing the Windows Update services not to connect to Windows Server.

The process requires a stable and fast network connection. Other factors that can cause the error to occur are:

  • Third-party app interference – The Windows update on your PC may be affected by installing third-party apps like antivirus software. They can block the connection between your computer and the Windows update service, resulting in error 8024402C.
  • Issues with Windows Update components – The Windows update process on your computer needs some services to run smoothly. So, you can run into the error code 8024402C if the Windows update components are not intact.

Hence, we’ll take you through some fixes for the issue.

How do I fix the error code 8024402c?

We recommend you go through the following preliminary checks:

  • Turn off apps running in the background on your PC.
  • Disable third-party antivirus software on your computer.
  • Resolve network congestion issues.
  • Power cycle your network router or modem.
  • Restart Windows in Safe Mode, retry the update, and check if the error appears.

If you still can’t get through with the Windows update, proceed with the solutions below.

1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

  1. Press Windows + I key to open the Settings app.
  2. Click Update and Security.
  3. Select Troubleshoot and select Additional troubleshooters.
  4. Then click on Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
  5. Follow the on-screen prompts and restart your PC afterward.

The troubleshooter will repair issues causing the Windows Update not working on your PC.

If you can’t use the steps above, check other ways to run the Windows Update troubleshooter in Windows 10/11.

2. Reset the Windows Update process

  1. Left-click the Start button, type cmd, and choose Run as Administrator.
  2. Type the following commands and press Enter after each one to stop Window update services:net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver
  3. Type the following command one after the other: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old   ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  4. Input the following commands and press Enter after each one to start Windows update services:net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
  5. Exit the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

Resetting the Windows Update process will fix the problems with Windows update services and clear the update caches on your PC.

3. Disable Windows Firewall

  1. Click the Start button, type the control panel, then press Enter.
  2. Then click on the Windows Defender Firewall option and click the Turn Windows Defender Firewall on or off option from the left side.
  3. Go to the Private network settings and Public network settings, then click the radio buttons for the Turn off Windows Defender Firewall (not recommended) option.
  4. Close the Control Panel and restart your computer.

Disabling the Windows Defender Firewall will fix any interference it’s causing in the Windows update process.

4. Change your DNS server address

  1. Press Windows + R key to open the Run dialog box, type ncpa.cpl, then click OK to open the Network Connection page.
  2. Right-click your Network adapter and select Properties from the drop-down.
  3. Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) and click Properties.
  4. Tick the box for the Use the following DNS server addresses option, type 8.8.8.8 in the Preferred DNS server, and 8.8.4.4 for the Alternate DNS server, then click OK to save settings.
  5. Restart your PC, then try updating Windows to check if the error persists.

Changing your DNS server address can help fix network issues and help the Windows Update services connect to Windows Update servers.

Read more about checking and changing the DNS server on Windows 10 if you’re having trouble with the steps.

Alternatively, our readers can check our article to fix slow Windows updates on their PCs. Likewise, we have a guide on Windows Update error 0x8007045b and some fixes for it.

Do not hesitate to leave your comments if you have any suggestions or questions.

More about the topics: Windows Update

Henderson Jayden Harper

Henderson Jayden Harper Shield

Windows Software Expert

Passionate about technology, Crypto, software, Windows, and everything computer-related, he spends most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. He also enjoys gaming, writing, walking his dog, and reading and learning about new cultures. He also enjoys spending private time connecting with nature.