How to fix
Windows update error 0x8024000b
on Windows

Hi, I was trying to update Windows to version 23H2 and it just keeps failing with an error code 0x8024000b. Any tips on how to resolve it?

Windows updates are pivotal for ensuring the security, performance, and stability of your computer. They deliver crucial software fixes, security enhancements, and updated drivers. While regular updates are key to maintaining your system's health, they can occasionally encounter issues, one of which is the 0x8024000b error.

This error code appears during the update process, particularly when Windows Update encounters issues with the metadata of an update. It occurs in the scanning phase, where Windows evaluates the applicability of updates for your system but finds the metadata to be corrupt or incomplete. The presence of this error halts the installation of updates, posing a challenge to maintaining the system up-to-date.

The reasons behind the 0x8024000b error vary, including corrupted system files that are essential for the update process, problems within the Windows Update store, or conflicts from previously installed updates. Additionally, third-party security software can sometimes mistakenly block or interfere with the update process, contributing to this error.

Despite the inconvenience this error presents, it is typically resolvable through specific troubleshooting steps. These might involve ensuring the integrity of system files, resetting the Windows Update components to their default state, or making adjustments to the configurations of any software that could be causing interference.

Below you will find a detailed guide on how to fix the 0x8024000b error and update Windows to the newest version. If you prefer a faster solution, we recommend trying [d1] - a diagnostic and repair tool that can perform many of the troubleshooting steps automatically and resolve the underlying issue in Windows.

Fix 1. Run Windows Update troubleshooter

The Windows Update troubleshooter is a built-in utility that diagnoses and resolves common issues preventing updates from being installed. It automatically scans for problems related to Windows Update and attempts to fix them.

• Type Troubleshoot into the Windows search bar and press Enter.
• Next, on the right side of the window, select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Scroll down to locate the Windows update option and click on it.
• Click on Run the troubleshooter/Run and allow the process to complete.
• Once it is finished, implement any recommended fixes and restart your device.

Fix 2. Check relevant services

Windows Update relies on certain services to run correctly. Ensuring these services are active is critical for updates to install successfully.

• Type in Services in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Scroll down a bit to find Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
• If it is already running, right-click and select Restart.
• If the service is not running, double-click it, and pick Automatic under the Startup type drop-down menu.
• Click Start, Apply, and OK.
• Repeat this process for Windows Update and Cryptographic services.

Fix 3. Reset Windows update components

Resetting Windows Update components clears the update cache and reinitializes the update process, which can resolve issues.

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• The User Account Control (UAC) window will ask whether you want to allow changes to your computer - click Yes.
• Type the following commands one by one in Command Prompt and press Enter after each:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
  Ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  Ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
• When these commands are executed, the last thing to do is to re-enable relevant services:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
• Reboot your computer.

Fix 4. Repair corrupted files

By running the commands below, you can repair corrupted system and Windows image files, potentially fixing update errors.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator.
• Next, copy and paste the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
  sfc /scannow
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  (Note: if you get an error executing the last command, add /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess to it and try again.)
  
• Restart your computer.

Fix 5. Install the update manually

If automatic updates aren't working, you can manually download and install the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

• Type in Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select View update history.
• Find the update that failed with the 0x8024000b error and copy its KB number.
• Open your browser and go to Microsoft Update Catalog.
• Within the search bar, type in the KB number and clicks Search.
• Find the correct version of the update for your operating system (to check this, right-click on Start and pick System. Under Device specifications and check the System type) and click Download.
• Use on-screen guidelines to finish the installation process and restart your computer.

Fix 6. Use Media Creation Tool

The Media Creation Tool can update your system to the latest version of Windows, resolving persistent update problems by refreshing the Windows installation.

• Visit the official Microsoft website and download Windows 10 installation media (Windows 11 version).
• Double-click the installer and select Yes when UAC shows up.
• Agree to terms.
• Select Upgrade this PC now and click Next.
• Windows will start downloading the needed files.
• Agree to the terms once again and click Next.
• Before installing, make sure that you are happy with your choices (otherwise, you can click Change what to keep option).
• Finally, click Install to begin the upgrade process.