How to fix
Windows update error 0x8024a223
on Windows

Hello, I have been trying to patch Windows 10 version 21H1 with cumulative updates. However, every time I try, I receive the error code 0x8024a223. I have tried restarting my PC and waiting a few days but to no avail. Any tips would be appreciated.

Windows updates are something that people should not neglect - not only do they implement various new features to increase usability but also fix bugs[ref en-1] and patch security vulnerabilities that prevent cyberattacks. Those who do want to keep their systems up to date might also sometimes encounter difficulties due to errors that occur during the update process. In this case, a 0x8024a223 error has been reported by many people, and we will provide solutions to solve the issue for good.

Windows update errors are not uncommon - we have already talked about many of them, including 0x8024418, 0x8009001D, 0xc1900401, and many others. The error typically occurs when an automatic or manual Windows update is initiated, and sometime later stopped abruptly, only for the 0x8024a223 error message to show up:

There was some problem installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x8024a223)

Error text does not differ much from any other message and does not provide a cause or solution for the problem, which is typical behavior for all Windows errors. It is impossible to provide a solution under these circumstances because there could be many reasons causing the problem in the first place.

There could be many reasons why the updates fail with error 0x8024a223. For example, system file corruption might prevent data packets from being implemented or the Windows update cache[ref en-3] might be bugged. Below we will show several methods that should help you solve the problem, just keep in mind that you might have to try several solutions until one works for you.

Before you proceed, we recommend you perform a full system scan with [d1] PC repair and maintenance utility. The app can remove corrupted system files and replace them with new ones, consequently resolving the issue. Likewise, it can remove already installed malware,[ref en-2] which could, in some cases, be the primary reason for Windows update errors.

Solution 1. Run the troubleshooter

Whenever dealing with a Windows update error, we always recommend our visitors start by running the built-in troubleshooter.

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search
• Select Additional troubleshooters
• Find Windows Update from the list
• Click it and select Run the troubleshooter

  

• Once the download is finished, apply the offered fixes and restart your PC.

Solution 2. (Re)start services

When some of the services responsible for the Windows update process are not running, updates might fail. If Windows Update and Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) processes are already running, you should restart them:

• Type in Services in Windows search and press Enter
• Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)

  

• If it is already running, right-click and select Restart
• if the service is not running, double-click it, select Automatic under the Startup type from the drop-down menu
• Click Start, Apply, and OK
• Do the same with the Windows Update service.

Solution 3. Check for corrupted system files

• Type cmd in Windows search
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator
• When User Account Control shows up, click Yes
• Use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  sfc /scannow
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  

• Restart your device.

Solution 4. Reset Windows update components

• Open Command Prompt as administrator, as we explained in the previous solution
• Copy and paste each of the command lines, pressing Enter after each and waiting till each of the commands is executed properly:
  net stop bits
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop appidsvc
  net stop cryptsvc
  Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\\Application Data\\Microsoft\\Network\\Downloader\\*.*”
  rmdir %systemroot%\\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
  rmdir %systemroot%\\system32\\catroot2 /S /Q
  regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
  regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
  netsh winsock reset
  netsh winsock reset proxy
  net start bits
  net start wuauserv
  net start appidsvc
  net start cryptsvc
• Restart your PC and attempt to update Windows once again.

Solution 5. Install the update manually

• Type Updates in Windows search and hit Enter
• Click View update history
• Here, note down the KB number which failed to be installed
• Go to the official Microsoft Update Catalog website
• Type the KB number into the search bar, and press Enter or click Search
• You will find many different versions on the update – you need to find the one that matches your PC specs and Windows version (as a home user, ignore Windows server versions)
• Right-click on Start and pick System
• Under Device specifications, check the System type section: it should either be 64-bit or 32 bit
• Scroll down to Windows specifications and check the Version section
• With all this information, pick the correct version for your device
• Go back to the Microsoft Update catalog, download the appropriate version, and install it

  

• Reboot your system.

Solution 6. Use Media Creation Tool

• Visit the official Microsoft website to download Windows 10 files
• Double-click the installer, agree to Terms and click Next
• Select Upgrade this PC now and click Next

  

• Wait till Windows downloads all the necessary files
• Restart your PC once finished.

Other solutions

In some cases, the solutions are much more simple than one might think. Here are a few options that you might have missed when troubleshooting:

• Uninstall or disable third-party security software (or any software that interferes with your internet connection) and reinstall it once the update is finished;
• Make sure your clock and time are correct;
• Ensure you have enough space on your HDD/SSD for the update files to be inserted;
• Restart your system if you haven't yet;
• Restart your router to ensure your internet connection is stable.