How to fix
Windows Update Error Code 0x8024402c
on Windows

Hello. I always try to keep my Windows up do date and usually I have no problems. However, when I tried to install recent updates, i couldn't because of the error 0x8024402c. I am not sure how to fix it? Could you help me? Thanks

Windows Updates are an essential part of computer security, and never should be delayed. System updates patch the critical vulnerabilities[ref en-1] that can be abused cybercriminals to infect machines with malware, as well as increase the stability of the operation. Therefore, when errors like 0x8024402c prevent users from installing updates, the issue should be fixed immediately.

Error Code 0x8024402c is one of multiple Windows Update errors (such as 0x80242006, 0x80070013, and many others) and users encounter it usually when Windows cannot search for new updates. In most cases, users fail to update their OS because of internet connection issues, as stable internet is necessary for Windows Update Server to connect to the device.

A 0x8024402c error can also occur due to several other reasons, such as:

• proxy[ref en-2] server problems,
• incorrect Firewall settings,
• junk files,
• the computer is connected to a local network (LAN),
• incorrect time settings.

In most cases, 0x8024402c error is encountered on Windows 8, 7 or Vista devices, although some Windows 10 users are affected as well. Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take in order to fix 0x8024402c error on your Windows machine.

How to fix 0x8024402c error on WIndows

There are several ways to fix 0x8024402c error because the reasons behind the issue differ. One solution that will solve the problem for somebody might not work for the other person. Therefore, we suggest you first make regular checks, such as a computer scan, before trying out the 0x8024402c fix methods provided below. Some solutions here might look difficult at first, but you should still give it a go (as long as you follow the steps correctly).

First of all, you should make sure that your computer’s time is synchronized with an Internet clock. If it’s not the problem, you can quickly fix 0x8024402c error by changing your time settings. Additionally, you should scan the device with security software or a PC repair app such as [d1], in order to make sure that no malware[ref en-3] is blocking Windows updates. Also, the software designed to keep the OS running smoothly can repair system files, registry, and other parts, so the issue might be fixed pretty quickly.

Fix proxy issues

First of all, you have to remove invalid characters in the proxy exception list:

1. In Cortana's search box, type in Internet Options and click on the search result
2. Go to Connections tab and select LAN settings
3. Check the box near “Use a proxy server for your LAN”
   
4. Open Advanced tab;
5. Delete everything in “Do not use a proxy server for addresses beginning with” field;
6. Click OK.
   

   

Then you have to clear proxy cache by following these steps:

1. Open the command prompt: type cmd in windows search bar and choose it from the results list;
2. When in command prompt, enter these commands and press Enter after typing each of them:

netsh winhttp reset proxy
net stop wuauserv
net start wuauserv

Once it’s done, the error code 0x8024402c should be fixed. If not, try the second method.

Change DNS servers to fix 0x8024402c error

• Open the run box by holding Win and R keys.
• Enter ncpa.cpl.
• Hit OK.
• Once the Internet Connection window is opened, double-click the active Network Adapter and choose properties.
• Then double-click on Internet Protocol Version 4.
• Locate the DNS server addresses and set:
  Preferred DNS server to be 8.8.8.8
  Alternate DNS server to be 8.8.4.4
• Try to install the update now.

Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall

Incorrect Firewall settings might be the cause of the error. Thus, turning off Firewall might help to fix the issue.

1. Type Firewall.cpl in the search box and hit Enter;
   
2. Select “Turn Windows Firewall On or Off” option;
3. Under Private Network Settings choose "Turn off Windows firewall.” Repeat this step again for Public Network Settings;
   
4. Click OK.
   

   

Now you should check Windows updates. Hopefully, the issue will be solved. If not, opt for the third method.

Remove junk files to fix 0x8024402c error

Junk files might be the reason why Windows cannot search for and install new updates. Thus, clear them and try to install updates:

1. Type cmd into the search box and select Run as administrator from search results
2. Hit Enter
3. Type cleanmgr and click Enter;
   
4. Wait until tool scans the system. Once it delivers results click OK to delete all junk files.

Enable Automatic Settings Detection

Enabling automatic detection might help to solve Windows update error 0x8024402c. The problem might be that your computer does not know how to connect to the Internet:

1. Type in Internet Options into the search box and click on the search result
2. Go to Connections tab and select LAN settings
3. In the Local Area Network (LAN) settings window check the box “Automatically detect settings”
   
4. Click OK.

Make use of Windows Updates Troubleshooter

A troubleshooter is a built-in tool that might be able to help you detect errors automatically:

1. Right-click on Start button and select Settings
2. Go to Update & Security > Troubleshoot
   

   

   
   
3. Click on Windows Update and pick Run the troubleshooter

Configure Updates Client to fix 0x8024402c error

If none of the previous methods helped to solve the error, you should try following these steps (note that tampering with Windows Registry[ref en-4] may damage your system and we are not responsible for any damage caused):

1. Open Registry Editor by typing regedit to Run dialogue box (type run into Windows search bar and choose it from the results list);
2. Click OK and then Yes in the User Account Control prompt;
3. When in Registry, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE > SOFTWARE > Policies > Microsoft > Windows > WindowsUpdate > AU;
   
4. Double-click on UseWUServe, which is on the right pane of AU key. In the Value data box enter 0 and click OK;
   Close Registry Editor and try to install updates.