How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80244018

Windows Update Error Code 0x80244018 can appear when Windows cannot communicate properly with the update service. Network problems, proxy settings, Windows Update services, security software, and corrupted update files can all contribute to the problem.

The error can occur on Windows 10 and Windows 11 when you try to download or install an update. Fortunately, you can usually fix it without resetting your PC.

What Causes Windows Update Error Code 0x80244018?

Several problems can trigger error 0x80244018, including:

• Unstable internet connections
• Incorrect proxy settings
• Problems with the Windows Update service
• Issues with Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
• Corrupted Windows system files
• Damaged Windows Update cache
• Interference from third-party antivirus software

Start with the simpler solutions first. If the error continues, move on to the more advanced steps.

How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80244018

1. Check Your Internet Connection

A stable internet connection is important when Windows downloads update files. First, open a few websites and make sure your connection works normally.

If possible, restart your router. You can also try another network to rule out a connection problem.

For another Windows Update error related to update server connectivity, see our guide to Error Code 0x80240438.

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can identify common update problems. The steps vary slightly between Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Windows 11

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select System.
3. Click Troubleshoot.
4. Select Other troubleshooters.
5. Find Windows Update.
6. Click Run.
7. Follow the instructions on the screen.

Windows 10

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click Troubleshoot.
4. Select Additional troubleshooters.
5. Choose Windows Update.
6. Click Run the troubleshooter.

After the scan finishes, restart your computer. Then, check for updates again.

3. Check the BITS Service

Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) helps Windows transfer files in the background. If this service is stopped or not configured correctly, Windows Update may fail.

Follow these steps to check BITS:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Press Enter.
4. Find Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
5. Right-click the service and select Properties.
6. Set Startup type to Automatic.
7. If the service is stopped, click Start.
8. Click Apply and then OK.

Restart your computer and try Windows Update again.

4. Check the Windows Update Service

The Windows Update service must be running before Windows can download and install updates.

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Enter services.msc.
3. Press Enter.
4. Find Windows Update.
5. Right-click it and select Properties.
6. Check the service status.
7. Click Start if the service is stopped.
8. If it is already running, select Restart.

Afterward, open Windows Update and check for available updates.

5. Run SFC to Repair System Files

Corrupted system files can interfere with Windows Update. System File Checker can scan Windows and repair damaged protected files.

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Search for Command Prompt.
3. Right-click Command Prompt.
4. Select Run as administrator.
5. Enter:

sfc /scannow

6. Press Enter.
7. Wait for the scan to reach 100%.
8. Restart your computer.

If SFC finds damaged files that it cannot repair, continue with the DISM commands below.

6. Run DISM

DISM can repair the Windows image and help resolve deeper system corruption.

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands separately:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Next:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Finally:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for each command to finish before running the next one. Once the process is complete, restart your computer.

For another Windows Update problem associated with damaged system files, see our guide to Error Code 0x8007025D.

7. Check Your Proxy Settings

A proxy can sometimes prevent Windows from connecting to update servers correctly. Check your proxy configuration and turn off any proxy that you do not need.

Windows 11

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & internet.
3. Click Proxy.
4. Check the Manual proxy setup section.
5. Turn off Use a proxy server if you do not need one.

Windows 10

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Network & Internet.
3. Click Proxy.
4. Check the manual proxy settings.
5. Turn off the proxy if it is not required.

After changing the setting, restart your computer and try Windows Update again.

8. Temporarily Check Third-Party Antivirus Software

Third-party antivirus or firewall software can sometimes interfere with Windows Update.

If you recently installed or updated security software, temporarily disable its protection and test Windows Update again.

Do not leave your antivirus protection disabled after testing. Turn it back on as soon as you finish.

If the update works after disabling the software, check its settings for blocked Windows Update connections.

9. Reset the Windows Update Cache

A corrupted update cache can prevent Windows from downloading or installing updates correctly. You can reset the related services and folders from an elevated Command Prompt.

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver

Next, rename the update folders:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

Then restart the services:

net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

Restart your computer after running these commands.

Windows will create fresh update data when the services run again.

If Windows reports missing or damaged files after an update attempt, see our guide to Error Code 80073712 for another related Windows Update problem.

10. Check for Windows Updates Again

Once you complete the troubleshooting steps, check Windows Update again.

Windows 11

Go to:

Settings > Windows Update

Then click Check for updates.

Windows 10

Go to:

Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update

Then click Check for updates.

Allow Windows enough time to download and install the update.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Windows Update Error Code 0x80244018 mean?

Error 0x80244018 usually appears when Windows has trouble communicating with the update service. Network, proxy, service, security software, or update-file problems can contribute to the error.

Can a proxy cause error 0x80244018?

Yes. An incorrect proxy configuration can interfere with Windows Update connections. Checking the proxy settings is therefore a useful troubleshooting step.

Can SFC fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80244018?

SFC can help when damaged system files contribute to the update problem. Run sfc /scannow from an elevated Command Prompt and restart the computer after the scan.

Should I reset my PC to fix error 0x80244018?

No. A full PC reset should not be your first solution. Try the Windows Update troubleshooter, service checks, SFC, DISM, proxy settings, and update-cache reset first.

Conclusion

Windows Update Error Code 0x80244018 can usually be resolved by checking your internet connection, reviewing proxy settings, restarting Windows Update services, and repairing damaged system files.

If the basic fixes do not work, reset the Windows Update cache and run SFC and DISM. These steps can address many of the underlying problems that prevent Windows from downloading or installing updates successfully.