In this post, I will show you how to fix Windows Update download error 0x8024a206 that appears when you attempt to download the latest Windows updates online.
On my Windows 11 PC, I encountered error 0x8024a206 while downloading an update via Windows updates. The same error also prevented the download of the other updates on the computer.
The failure of Windows Updates to download could be caused by a variety of factors, but the error code is essential to identifying the cause. Computers running Windows 10 and Windows 11 can both experience the 0x8024a206 error.
Recommended: Run Windows 11 PC health check
How to Fix Windows Update Download Error 0x8024a206
The error 0x8024a206 appears when the computer fails to download the Windows Updates and this can happen if there is a problem with the internet connection, router, or Windows Update components.
The below screenshot shows an example of Windows Update download error 0x8024a206 that appears during the downloading of updates. There is no option to retry the update installation.
If you want to get rid of error 0x8024a206 that prevents the downloading of Windows updates, follow the troubleshooting steps provided in this article.
Also Read: How to upgrade Windows 11 Home to Pro edition
1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows 11 comes with a new update troubleshooter that you can use to resolve update-related issues automatically. You can run this tool whenever you encounter issues with Windows Updates.
To run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:
- Click Start and launch the Settings App.
- Select System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- Run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
There are many troubleshooters available in Windows 11, and for Windows Update issues, you must run the Windows Update troubleshooter.
Related: How to update Windows 11 Apps
The Windows Update troubleshooter launches, and this tool scans for issues related to Windows updates. The Windows update troubleshooter can identify the error 0x8024a206 and resolve it. The Windows update troubleshooting report shows the list of issues found on the PC. Normally, a restart is recommended after running the Windows update troubleshooter.
Close the Windows update troubleshooter and restart your Windows computer and now the Windows update download error 0x8024a206 should be resolved.
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2. Reset Windows Update Components
Corrupt Windows update components can cause errors such as 0x8024a206 while downloading the updates. You can reset the Windows update components to resolve the update download error 0x8024a206.
To manually reset Windows update components, open a Windows command prompt. To open a command prompt, click Start > Run. Copy and paste (or type) the following commands in order and then press ENTER.
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
After you reset the Windows update components, the Windows updates should download without any errors. Restart your computer and then attempt to install the problematic updates.
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3. Resolve Hard Drive Issues
One of the reasons you encounter Windows update download error 0x8024a206 is due to corrupt system files and disk errors. Especially the C: drive on which the operating system is installed.
On your PC, a Windows update may fail to download due to hard drive issues such as corrupt system files, errors on the hard drives etc. Thankfully, you can fix hard drive issues with few easy steps. You may also use third-party softwares that can fix hard drive errors.
- Launch Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Then, run the commands below one by one:
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
- sfc /scannow
- chkdsk/f C:
- Restart your computer, and install the problematic updates.
Helpful Article: Recover Deleted data from Hard Drives
4. Check the Network Connection
Typically, most Windows update download errors occur when there is a problem with internet connectivity. On my Windows 11 PC, the Windows update download error 0x8024a206 occurred due to connectivity issues.
Whenever there are network connectivity issues, all the updates fail to download. At this point, you must check your internet connection and verify if you can browse the sites by opening browser. If the computer is connected to VPN, disconnect it and then attempt to download the updates.
The router, a device that is placed in between your computer and the ISP, is the final piece of the puzzle. Router issues are common, and you can restart it to resolve the issues. You can either use the dedicated reboot button, which is typically located on the back panel, or unplug your router, wait 30 seconds, and then plug it back in.
Learn: How to get Public IP address of Computer using PowerShell
Conclusion
To fix Windows Update error 0x8024a206, check your Internet connection and restart your router. Then, run the Windows Update troubleshooter, and reset the Windows Update components. The error 0x8024a206 prevents the downloading of Windows update, and it is important to resolve this error. If you managed to resolve error code 0x8024a206, which of the solutions above worked for you? Please let us know in the comments below.
