How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x8024402C

What Causes This?

Windows Update error 0x8024402C usually points to a connection problem between your PC and Microsoft’s update servers. In many cases, the cause is a bad proxy setting, incorrect DNS configuration, a corrupted Windows Update cache, or security software blocking update traffic. It can also appear if your network is unstable or if Windows Update services are stuck.

Common Symptoms

• Windows Update fails while checking for or downloading updates
• You see error code 0x8024402C in Settings or the update history
• Updates stay at 0% or fail repeatedly after restarting
• Microsoft Store or other Microsoft services also have connection issues
• Windows says it can’t connect to the update service

How to Fix It Manually

1. Check your internet connection

   • Make sure your PC is online and websites load normally.
   • If you use Wi-Fi, restart your router and reconnect.
   • If possible, switch to a different network to rule out a local connection issue.

2. Turn off proxy settings

   • Open Settings with Windows + I.
   • Go to Network & Internet > Proxy.
   • Under Manual proxy setup, turn Use a proxy server Off.
   • Under Automatic proxy setup, leave Automatically detect settings On.
   • Try Windows Update again by going to Settings > Windows Update and clicking Check for updates.

3. Reset Windows Update components

   • Click Start, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
   • Run these commands one at a time:

     net stop wuauserv
     net stop bits
     net stop cryptsvc
     ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
     ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
     net start wuauserv
     net start bits
     net start cryptsvc

   • Restart your PC after the commands finish.

4. Flush DNS and reset network settings

   • Open Command Prompt as administrator again.
   • Run:

     ipconfig /flushdns
     netsh winsock reset
     netsh int ip reset

   • Restart your PC.
   • This clears cached network data and resets Windows networking components that may be interfering with updates.

5. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

   • Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   • Find Windows Update and click Run.
   • Let Windows apply any recommended fixes, then reboot if prompted.

6. Check DNS settings

   • Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center.
   • Click Change adapter settings on the left.
   • Right-click your active network adapter and choose Properties.
   • Double-click Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4).
   • Select Use the following DNS server addresses and enter:
     • Preferred DNS server: 8.8.8.8
     • Alternate DNS server: 8.8.4.4
   • Click OK, then try the update again.

7. Temporarily disable third-party antivirus or firewall

   • Some security tools block Windows Update connections.
   • Pause your antivirus or firewall briefly, then run Check for updates again.
   • If updates work, add Windows Update as an allowed service before turning security back on.

Fix It Automatically with Kudu

If you don’t want to reset services, clear update cache, and troubleshoot network settings manually, Kudu can handle the cleanup for you. It helps fix common Windows Update problems by removing broken temporary files, clearing update-related clutter, and optimizing Windows so updates run more reliably.

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