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 11, and several troubleshooting steps can restore the update process without resetting Windows.
What Causes Windows Update Error Code 0x80246008?
Several issues can contribute to this error, including unstable internet connections, problems with Windows Update services, issues with BITS, corrupted or incomplete update files, antivirus or firewall interference, a damaged update cache, or conflicts with third-party software. Start with the simplest solutions first.
Here’s how to fix Error Code 0x80246008:
Check your internet connection
Open a few websites to confirm your connection works normally, restart your router if it seems unstable, or try another network. If the problem seems related to Windows Update connectivity specifically, see our guide to Error Code 0x80240438.
Temporarily disable third-party antivirus software
For Windows Security: Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Virus & threat protection → Manage settings → turn off Real-time protection temporarily. For a third-party antivirus, follow its own instructions to pause protection, test the update, then re-enable it afterward.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows 11: Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run.
Windows 10: Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run the troubleshooter.
Restart your computer once it finishes, then check for updates again.
Restart the Windows Update service
Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find “Windows Update,” right-click it, and select Restart (or Start if it’s not running). Restart your computer and check for updates again.
Check the Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Open services.msc, find “Background Intelligent Transfer Service,” right-click it and select Properties, check the service status, click Start if it’s stopped, set Startup type to Automatic, then Apply and OK. Restart your computer.
Run System File Checker
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. Wait for the scan to reach 100% and restart. If SFC can’t repair some files, continue with DISM.
Run DISM to repair Windows
In an elevated Command Prompt, run each command separately, letting each finish first:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your computer once complete. For a related issue with damaged system files, see our guide to Error Code 0x8007025D.
Reset the Windows Update cache
In an elevated Command Prompt, run:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Restart your computer and check for updates. If Windows continues to report missing or corrupted files, see our guide to Error Code 80073712.
Perform a clean boot
Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter. Go to the Services tab, check “Hide all Microsoft services,” and click “Disable all.” Go to the Startup tab, open Task Manager, disable unnecessary startup items, close Task Manager, click OK, and restart. If the update works after this, a background application was likely interfering.
Check for Windows updates again
Go to Settings → Windows Update (Windows 11) or Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update (Windows 10), and select “Check for updates.” Give Windows time to download and install it.
Still Not Resolved?
A Windows reset shouldn’t be your first solution — the troubleshooter, service checks, SFC, DISM, and cache reset resolve most cases of Error Code 0x80246008. Our experts are here to assist you — Chat with a specialist — for more technical support.
We are an independent technical support provider and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft.
FAQ
What does Windows Update Error Code 0x80246008 mean?
It occurs when Windows has trouble downloading or processing update files — problems with the update service, BITS, corrupted files, or security software can all contribute.
Can restarting BITS fix this error?
Yes, if the service is stopped or not responding correctly — checking it through the Services app and making sure it runs normally often resolves the issue.
Can antivirus software cause this error?
Yes. Some third-party security programs can interfere with Windows Update — temporarily disabling protection helps identify whether it’s involved.
Should I reset Windows to fix this error?
No, not as a first step. Try the troubleshooter, service checks, SFC, DISM, and cache reset before considering more drastic options.
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