How to fix
Windows update error 0x80246019
on Windows

Hello. While I was trying to install Windows updates I received the 0x80246019 error. What could be interfering with the process? Any tips would be helpful.

Windows update errors are more common than most of us would want. The updates include important security patches[ref en-1] and new features so not only people can become vulnerable but also miss out on the newest functionalities until they manage to fix the issue causing the error.

Some users have encountered Windows update error 0x80246019. Most update errors can be fixed with the built-in troubleshooter but when that does not work, users need to prepare to find the cause. Sometimes such errors can appear because of corrupted system files, or third-party antivirus compatibility issues. In some cases, users found that Windows own security system, Windows Defender was sabotaging the updating process.

The 0x80246019 error could also be triggered if there are plenty of USB devices connected to your computer. Certain USB devices can interfere with the system and prevent it from downloading the latest updates. So this is the first and easiest step you can try out.

The manual troubleshooting process could take a while because it is unclear what exactly is causing the issue. You can try using an automatic solution [d1] to avoid going through all of the possibilities. This repair tool can identify the damaged system components, fix BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry issues with the click of a button. This software could also be used to free up space by clearing cookies[ref en-3] and cache, which should boost the device's performance.

Below you will find a few manual methods that could fix the Windows update error 0x80246019. Note that this will take a while, so please follow all of the steps very carefully and in an orderly fashion:

Solution 1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings
• Go to the Update & Security section
• Click Troubleshoot on the left
• If you can't see troubleshooters listed on the right, click Additional troubleshooters
• Locate Windows Update, click and pick Run the troubleshooter

Solution 2. Repair Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Solution 3. Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

Some security programs might be conflicting with Microsoft servers and data packages that they send during the update process, mistakenly perceiving these servers as insecure. Thus, it is known that removing AV software helped some users when trying to remove Windows update errors.

• Right-click the antivirus icon and select Disable
• You can also double-click the antivirus icon and look for a Disable option there

Solution 4. Disable Real-Time Protection

• Press the Windows + I keys to open the Settings
• Choose Update & Security and go to the Windows Security tab
• Click on Virus & threat protection
• Go to the Virus & threat protection settings section, and then click Manage settings
• Turn off the Real-time protection feature

• Try to update your system again

Solution 5. Remove the $WINDOWS.~BT directory

• Type disk in the Search bar and select Disk Cleanup
• Make sure that your System drive is selected and click OK
• Wait for the scan to finish
• Select the files you want to remove and click OK

• Go to the Clean system files button and select Temporary Windows installation files
• Check if the problem still persists

Solution 6. Change Insider Program Settings

• Open Settings and then click Update & Security
• Go to the Windows Insider Program tab and click Stop Insider Preview builds

• Click Cancel to confirm
• Try to download the update again