How to fix
Windows update error 0x80246012
on Windows

Hey. I was wondering if you could help me with an issue I'm having with Windows update - I can't install it because I keep getting 0x80246012 error. It goes on as normal at the start, but then it stops at around 50%.

Windows updates are essential to render your Windows 10 or 11 operating system secure, stable, and feature-rich, offering important patches, performance enhancements, and new capabilities as monthly cumulative updates or significant feature updates. Updates render your device resistant to vulnerabilities and compatible with newest software. Users do, however, run into problems such as 0x80246012, which fails to install updates effectively, possibly leaving the system vulnerable to unpatched problems.

Error code 0x80246012 usually occurs during the installation of a Windows update, normally after download, with the message We couldn't install this update, but you can try again. The error has been reported by users on forums such as Microsoft Answers, where some individuals have indicated the update repeatedly failing at a certain percentage (for instance, 100% or 25%), after which rollback occurs, lasting for some hours.

A user reported that they encountered this error attempting to install a Windows 10 cumulative update, speculating there was a network problem after repeated attempts. The most frequent cause of this error is in relation to an issue with the Windows Update service, e.g., corrupt update files in the SoftwareDistribution folder, used temporarily to hold update data.

The other causes include network connectivity issues that interfere with the updating process, third-party antivirus software blocking system changes, or corrupted system files that do not permit installation correctly. Low disk space or incorrectly configured Windows services can also cause failure.

Some troubleshooting procedures can fix the 0x80246012 error, including resetting update components, fixing system files, or installing the update manually. The subsequent steps offer eight step-by-step resolutions to get your Windows update going again. If you need a quicker fix, we suggest you use [d1], a PC repair software that has the ability to automatically fix system file corruption, service failures, and other Windows problems that can trigger the 0x80246012 error.

Fix 1. Run the troubleshooters

• Type Troubleshoot in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select Additional troubleshooters/Other troubleshooters.
• Find Network troubleshooter from the list.
• Click it and select Run the troubleshooter/Run.
• The troubleshooter will automatically scan your system for potential problems and display any issues it finds.
• Repeat with Windows Update troubleshooter.

Fix 2. Use "Fix problems using Windows Update" feature

• Right-click on Start and pick Settings.
• Go to the System section and select Recovery.
• There, you should see the Fix problems using Windows Update option.
• Click Reinstall now.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the process.
• After your PC restarts and the fix process is complete, attempt to update Windows in a usual way.

Fix 3. Perform 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 4. Check relevant services

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

Fix 5. Reset Windows update components

• Type in cmd in Windows search.
• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
• User Account Control will ask you whether you want to allow to make changes to the system - click Yes.
• Stop the Windows Update-related services by running the following commands one at a time, pressing Enter after each one:
  net stop wuauserv
  net stop cryptSvc
  net stop bits
  net stop msiserver
• Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders by running the following commands:
  ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
  ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  Note: If your Windows installation is not on the C drive, replace "C" with the appropriate drive letter.
• Restart the Windows Update-related services by running the following commands:
  net start wuauserv
  net start cryptSvc
  net start bits
  net start msiserver
• Reboot your computer.

Fix 6. Disable third-party antivirus

• Right-click the antivirus icon in your system tray.
• Select Disable or Pause protection.
• Choose the option to disable it temporarily.
• Retry the update process.

Fix 7. Manually download and install the update

• Type in Updates in Windows search and press Enter.
• Select View update history.
• Find the update that failed with the 0x80246012 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 reboot your PC.