How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80246008

Windows Update Error Code 0x80246008 can appear when Windows has trouble downloading or installing an update. The problem may involve the Windows Update service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, corrupted update files, network issues, or security software.

This error can occur on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. Fortunately, several troubleshooting steps can help restore the update process without resetting Windows.

What Causes Windows Update Error Code 0x80246008?

Several issues can contribute to error 0x80246008, including:

• Unstable internet connections
• Problems with Windows Update services
• Issues with Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
• Corrupted or incomplete update files
• Antivirus or firewall interference
• A damaged Windows Update cache
• Conflicts with third-party software

Start with the simplest solutions first. If the error remains, continue with the advanced troubleshooting steps below.

How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x80246008

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Windows needs a reliable internet connection to download update files. First, open a few websites and make sure your connection works normally.

Restart your router if the connection seems unstable. You can also try another network to determine whether the problem comes from your current connection.

If the problem appears to be related to Windows Update connectivity, see our guide to Error Code 0x80240438 for additional troubleshooting.

2. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

Some third-party antivirus programs can interfere with Windows Update. Temporarily disabling the software can help determine whether it is causing the problem.

If you use Windows Security, you can check its protection settings by following these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Privacy & security.
3. Click Windows Security.
4. Select Virus & threat protection.
5. Click Manage settings.
6. Temporarily turn off Real-time protection.

After testing Windows Update, turn real-time protection back on.

If you use a third-party antivirus program, follow its own instructions to temporarily pause protection.

3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter for common update problems. The steps are slightly different on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Windows 11:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Windows Update and select Run.

Windows 10:

1. Open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
3. Choose Additional troubleshooters.
4. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.

After the troubleshooting process finishes, restart your computer. Then, check Windows Update again.

4. Restart the Windows Update Service

A Windows Update service that is stopped or temporarily unresponsive can prevent updates from installing.

Follow these steps to restart the service:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type services.msc.
3. Press Enter.
4. Find Windows Update.
5. Right-click the service.
6. Select Restart.

If the service is not running, select Start instead.

Restart your computer and try checking for updates again.

5. Check the Background Intelligent Transfer Service

BITS helps Windows transfer files in the background. Windows Update relies on this service to download some update data.

To check BITS:

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

Restart your computer after making the change.

6. Run System File Checker

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

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 reports that it could not repair some files, run the DISM commands in the next section.

7. Run DISM to Repair Windows

DISM can repair the Windows image when system components have become damaged.

Open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands separately:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Then run:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Finally, run:

DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

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

If you continue to experience Windows Update problems related to damaged system files, see our guide to Error Code 0x8007025D.

8. Reset the Windows Update Cache

A corrupted Windows Update cache can prevent update files from downloading or installing correctly.

To reset the cache, open Command Prompt as administrator and run these commands one at a time:

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

Now restart the required services:

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

Restart your computer after running the commands. Then, check Windows Update again.

If Windows Update continues to report missing or corrupted update files, you can also read our guide to Error Code 80073712.

9. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This can help identify whether another application is interfering with Windows Update.

Follow these steps:

1. Press Windows + R.
2. Type msconfig.
3. Press Enter.
4. Open the Services tab.
5. Select Hide all Microsoft services.
6. Click Disable all.
7. Open the Startup tab.
8. Click Open Task Manager.
9. Disable the unnecessary startup applications.
10. Close Task Manager.
11. Click OK in System Configuration.
12. Restart your computer.

After restarting, try Windows Update again.

If the update works after a clean boot, a background application may be interfering with the update process.

10. Check for Windows Updates Again

After completing the troubleshooting steps, check for updates again.

Windows 11

Go to:

Settings > Windows Update

Then select Check for updates.

Windows 10

Go to:

Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update

Then select Check for updates.

Allow Windows time to download and install the update.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Windows Update Error Code 0x80246008 mean?

Error 0x80246008 can occur when Windows has trouble downloading or processing update files. Problems with Windows Update services, BITS, corrupted files, or security software can contribute to the error.

Can restarting BITS fix error 0x80246008?

Restarting BITS can help when the service is stopped or not responding correctly. Check the service through the Windows Services application and make sure it can run normally.

Can antivirus software cause error 0x80246008?

Yes. Some third-party security programs can interfere with Windows Update. Temporarily disabling protection can help identify whether the software is involved.

Should I reset Windows to fix error 0x80246008?

A Windows reset should not be the first solution. Try the Windows Update troubleshooter, service checks, SFC, DISM, and cache reset before considering more drastic options.

Conclusion

Windows Update Error Code 0x80246008 can result from problems with Windows Update services, BITS, corrupted files, security software, or the update cache.

Start by checking your internet connection and running the Windows Update troubleshooter. If the problem continues, restart the required services, repair system files with SFC and DISM, and reset the Windows Update cache.

These steps can often resolve the problem without requiring a Windows reset or reinstall.