How to fix
Windows Update Error 0x80246010
on Windows

Hello. I can’t update my PC. Currently I’m trying to install cumulative update KB4038782, but it fails with an error code 0x80246010. The update gets almost done, but then the error shows up saying that the changes have to be undone. Can’t find any relevant information about it, so I would highly appreciate your help!

The Error Code 0x80246010 is a Windows Update[ref en-1] error, which prevents people from installing Windows updates for both system and apps. Many people reported the problem when installing Cumulative Update KB4038782 for Windows 10 OS, but we’ve detected quite a lot of threads escalating on this problem and indicating different cumulative updates.

Users complain about different issues caused by this Update and associated with the particular Error 0x802460010.[ref en-4] Microsoft’s technicians are aware of the problem, but they are not very active in responding to people’s comments. One of the solutions offered by them is to install the needed update manually from Windows Update Catalog. However, those who tried this method encountered another error - 0x80073712.

A plausible cause for this 0x80246010 error can be the issue with Microsofts's servers and the overload. Also, various third-party software may disturb the Windows Update Download Manager. It can be caused by antivirus program. VPN tool or other software. Although these issues should be fixed when the user updates the OS to the newest version, other methods can be used. 

The error 0x80246010 may be triggered by missing/corrupt DLL files, corrupted registry keys, incomplete updates, malware[ref en-2] and similar problems. The particular error with a pattern of 0x80246*** can be called Download Manager Error and it means that the main issue causing these problems relates to the Microsoft update servers.

Ways to fix issues related to error 0x80246010

In case the problem happens due to corrupted system’s files, we would strongly recommend running a scan with a powerful optimization utility,[ref en-3] say [d1]. If the scan did not reveal integrity violations, check your Internet connection. Quite frequently the problem behind the 0x80246010 error is an unreliable Internet connection. Try to restart your router or reconnect the LAN cable. If there are no problems with the Internet connection, try the following fixes.

Method 1. Restart Windows Update service

1. Press Windows key + R to open Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
   

   

   
   
3. Scroll down until you find Windows Update service.
4. Right-click on it and select Start.

Method 2. Repair the Registry keys

Try to fix 0x80246010 error with an automatic repair tool, which will fix all corrupted registry entries and system files.

1. Press Windows key and type Advanced Startup Options.
2. Select the Change Advanced Startup Options and open Recovery tab
3. Click on the Restart now button under Advanced Startup section. 
   

   

4. This will reboot your PC in advanced startup mode.
5. Select the Troubleshoot button and click on Advanced Options.
6. Now click Automatic Repair.
7. When the system restarts, select administrative account. Once the repair process is finished, check if the needed update can successfully be installed.

Method 3. Rename Software Distribution Folder

1. Press Windows key + R to open Run.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Scroll down until you find Windows Update service.
   

   

4. Right-click on Windows Update service and select Stop.
5. Now navigate to the Local Drive (C:) -> Windows.
6. Locate the SoftwareDistribution folder on it.
7. Right-click on SoftwareDistribution folder and select Rename.
   

   

   
   
8. Rename it to SoftwareDistributionOld.
9. Now perform the 1-4 steps above, but instead Stop select Start.
10. Finally, reboot your PC and check if the problem was resolved.

If none of the methods provided on this post helped to fix 0x80246010 error, you can find a couple of applicable methods on the 6 Tips to Fix Most of the Windows Update Problems article.