How to fix
Windows update error 0x80240020
on Windows

Windows fails to install the latest cumulative updates with an error code 0x80240020. It's the first time I'm dealing with this, so I don't know where to even start. Could you advise on how to resolve it?

Windows update error 0x80240020 is one of the most frequent issues when launching updates on a Windows device. The update cannot be installed, and hence the system can become open to certain impending functionality issues or security vulnerabilities because of missing patches.

Some customers confirm that this error, 0x80240020, has occurred while carrying out several updates on their systems, especially the infamous cumulative or feature update that has posed frustration when important enhancements in the system seem delayed.

The source of Error 0x80240020 is typically due to the faulty components that participate within Windows Update or may be due to several programs either interfering or conflicting, which would be running on your computer.

Antivirus software or running applications can be interfering with the update session; network instability can be another critical cause of an effective download and installation process failure. Sometimes, corrupted update files from any previously downloaded updates cause this particular update error.

While error 0x80240020 may seem challenging to resolve, several methods can help restore normal update functionality. Steps such as clearing the update cache, adjusting system settings, and ensuring all conflicting software is temporarily disabled are commonly effective.

For a more comprehensive fix, the [d1] repair tool can detect and address underlying Windows issues that may contribute to error 0x80240020 and other update-related problems.

Fix 1. Check related services

• Type in Services in Windows search and press Enter.
• Locate Windows Update Service.
• If it is already running, right-click and select Restart.
• if the service is not running, double-click it to open Properties.
• Under the Startup type, select Automatic from the drop-down menu.
• Click Start, Apply, and OK.
• Locate Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), Cryptographic service, and Windows Installer service, and repeat the process.

Fix 2. Run the troubleshooter

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Find Windows Update from the list and select Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• Wait till the scan is finished - you will be provided with potential causes so you can proceed with fixes.
• If no suggestions were provided, proceed with other solutions instead.

Fix 3. Disable third-party antivirus temporarily

Security software can interfere with Windows updates and cause error 0x80240020.

• Open your antivirus program.
• Locate the real-time protection settings.
• Disable it.
• Run the Windows update again.

Fix 4. Try Disk Cleanup

• Type Disk Cleanup in Windows search and hit Enter.
• If your Windows is installed on drive C, pick it from the list (should be by default) and press OK.
• Click Clean up system files.
• Select your main drive again and click OK.
• Here, select the largest portions of the data used - these typically include Temporary Internet Files, Windows Update, Temporary Files, Recycle Bin, Delivery Optimization Files, and others. Marking Windows Update is vital here.
• Click OK - the process should be finished shortly.

Fix 5. Install the update manually 

If automatic solutions do not work, you can always try installing the newest update manually.

• Type Updates in Windows search and hit Enter.
• Click View update history.
• Here, note down the KB number that failed to install with the error code 0x80240020.
• 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.

Fix 6. Reset Windows update components 

• Type cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and pick Run as administrator.
• User Account Control (UAC) will ask whether you want to allow changes - click Yes.
• Paste in each of these commands, pressing Enter every time:
  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 
• Reboot your system.

Fix 7. Use Media Creation Tool

If none of the solutions above help, you can always rely on Media Creation Tool by Microsoft. It can repair any corrupted files and update the operating system to the latest version. Make sure you uninstall any third-party security software and disconnect all unnecessary devices.

• 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 select Next.
• Windows will now download all the necessary files – it might take a while.
• Agree to the terms once again and click Next.
• Before installing, ensure you are happy with your choices (otherwise, you can click the Change what to keep option).
• Click Install to begin the upgrade process.