Fix: ‘0x8024a21e Windows Update Error’ issue

Many people wants to know how to Fix ‘0x8024a21e Windows Update Error’ issue? Keeping Windows OS up-to-date is really hard to do these days. This is because users get new kinds of bugs and errors on their computers from time to time. The 0x8024a21e error is one that can happen when system parts are broken or when the update services are not set to run automatically. This error message will also show up if there is a problem with the Software Distribution folder.

It is a folder where the files that were downloaded from the server for Windows Update are kept. So, if the files in this folder get corrupted, you won’t be able to update Windows until you delete the Software Distribution folder. No matter what caused this error in your case, you can get rid of it by following this guide. Sometimes, all you need to do to fix this error is restart the device, so give your PC a restart. If the problem still happens after you restart your computer, read the solutions to Fix ‘0x8024a21e Windows Update Error’ issue and try them.

What is the 0x8024a21e Windows Update error?

There are many things that could have caused the update error. Most of the time, it’s because Windows Update services have been turned off. You can easily turn them on, and the problem will go away. But that’s not the only reason. Corrupted files are another major cause of the update error. Either your system files or the files that you use to update them are broken.

The good news is that even they can be fixed, and we’ll show you how below. One of the update error codes that PC users might see is 0x8024a21e. This error is even more annoying because it stops you from installing the update in question. The error 0x8024a21e is usually caused by a cache that isn’t working right or by turning off Windows Update. Luckily, it’s not too hard to fix, and we’ll show you how, just like we’ve done with other error codes.

Causes of the ‘0x8024a21e Windows Update Error’

1. Network Connectivity Issues: One of the common reasons for this error is a poor or unstable internet connection. If the connection is lost during the update process, it can result in the error.
2. Software Conflicts: Certain third-party software, especially security programs or firewalls, can interfere with the Windows Update process. They might block necessary connections or modify system settings, leading to the error.
3. Corrupted System Files: If essential system files required for the update process are corrupted or missing, it can prevent updates from being installed properly, triggering the error.
4. Windows Update Service: Any disruption or misconfiguration of the Windows Update service can lead to update errors. This could be due to the service not running properly or not being able to communicate with the Microsoft servers.
5. Insufficient Disk Space: If your system drive doesn’t have enough free space to accommodate the updates, it can cause the error to occur.

Fix: ‘0x8024a21e Windows Update Error’ issue

Repair Corrupted System Files

1. Open the Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Use the command below and hit Enter:
   • /SCANNOW sfc
3. Restart your computer.
4. If SFC gave you an error, use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
   • DISM /Online /Clean-Image /CheckHealth
   • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /Health
   • DISM /Online /Clean-Image /RestoreHealth

Install the Update Manually

1. Right-click on the “Start” button and choose “Settings.”
2. Go to Security and Updates.
3. Find the View update history link on the right and click it.
4. Note the KB number that fails to install with the error code from the list.
5. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog page, type the KB number, and press the Search button.
6. Get the update and put it on your own.

Run the Update Troubleshooter

1. Press Windows + X to access Settings.
2. Navigate to Security and Updates.
3. Click on Troubleshooter.
4. Choose more troubleshooting steps.
5. Utilize the troubleshooter for Update.
6. Try again.

Reset Services used by Windows Updates

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
2. Type cmd and press Ctrl+Shift+Enter to open a Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
3. If the User Account Control (UAC) asks you, click Yes in the window.
4. Hit Enter after each of the following commands:
   • SC configuration trustedinstaller start=auto
   • SC configuration bits start=auto
   • SC cryptsvc start=auto
5. Restart the PC and see if the problem is still there.

Delete Files in the SoftwareDistribution Folder

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.
2. Type services.msc and click OK.
3. Find the Windows Update service in the Services control panel.
4. Right-click on the Windows Update service and choose Stop.
5. Start Windows Explorer and go to: The folder C:Windows.
6. Find the SoftwareDistribution folder and delete everything inside it.

Conclusion

The error code 0x8024a21e has to do with Windows Update. System files that aren’t working right can lead to the error code. How to fix the Windows update error (0x8024a21e)? If you do the things below, the error code should go away. Some people get the Windows Update Error 0x8024a21e when they try to update their Windows OS. We’ll talk about this problem and what you can do to fix it in this post. Here is the exact error message that people see. If you want to know more information about this issue so you can visit Microsoft Official Website.

Questions and Answers