How to fix
0x8024a21e Windows update error
on Windows

Hello. I tries to install updates on my Windows PC but I received the 0x8024a21e error. How could this be fixed?

Microsoft regularly releases updates for the Windows operating system. They may include new features, bug fixes, and security patches. They are important for keeping the operating system running smoothly and safe from vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit for malicious purposes.[ref en-1]

It is recommended to install Windows updates as soon as they come out. However, often people are met with difficulties when trying to do so. Recently, some people encountered the 0x8024a21e error when trying to install updates. It is unknown why exactly this error code appears.

Most of the time, Windows updates fail to install because of corrupted system files, malfunctioning Windows services and update components. In this guide, you will find 7 steps that should help you fix the 0x8024a21e Windows update error. You will also learn how to use the built-in troubleshooter that can automatically fix minor OS problems.

Unfortunately, manual troubleshooting can become a lengthy process. You can try using a maintenance tool like [d1] to scan your machine. It can fix most system errors, BSODs,[ref en-2] corrupted files, and registry[ref en-3] issues. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions below.

Solution 1. Run the Update Troubleshooter

• Press the Windows + X keys and go to Settings
• Go to Update and Security
• Click Troubleshooter

• Select Additional troubleshooters
• Run the Update troubleshooter
• Restart

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. Delete Files in the SoftwareDistribution Folder

• Press Windows key + R to open the Run command box
• Type services.msc and click OK
• In Services control panel locate the Windows Update service
• Right-click on Windows Update service and select Stop

• Now open Windows Explorer and navigate to: C:\Windows folder
• Find the SoftwareDistribution folder and Delete its contents

Solution 4. Reset Services used by Windows Updates

• Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box
• Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open up an elevated Command Prompt
• If you’re prompted by the User Account Control (UAC), click Yes at the window
• Type the following commands and hit Enter after each one:

SC config trustedinstaller start=auto

SC config bits start=auto

SC config cryptsvc start=auto

• Perform a system reboot and check if the issue persists

Solution 5. Install the Update Manually

Whenever Windows updates fail to install automatically, you can always try doing it manually. First, you need to find out which KB number is relevant to you.

• Right-click Start button and pick Settings
• Go to Update & Security
• On the right, locate and click View update history

• From the list, note the KB number that fails to install with the error code
• Go to Microsoft Update Catalog page, type in the KB number and press Search

• Download the update and install it manually

Solution 6. Reset Windows Update Components

• Open Command Prompt as administrator again
• Copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  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

Solution 7. Repair Install Windows

• Download the Windows 10 ISO file
• Now mount the ISO file
• Double-click on the file setup.exe to start the repair, install from the mounted drive
• When the installation provides the License Terms, read them and click Accept

• Windows 10 will now check for updates and will install the ones available
• When all is set, click Install
• When the installation is complete, follow the on-screen instructions