5 Fixes For Windows Updates Error 0x8024401c

The error 0x8024401c is caused when Windows cannot download and install any Windows updates as it cannot connect to Microsoft’s Windows update servers. Causes for it can be internet connection issues or server timed-out waiting.

The issue was encountered by many users when Microsoft launched Windows 10 technical preview and allowed users to test it. However, the problem wasn’t exclusive to the technical preview and has been encountered by Windows 10 users and users for earlier versions of Windows.

Sometimes the cause for the error 0x8024401c is on the user’s side when they do not have a stable internet connection to download the Windows update. The error can also occur due to missing system files and problematic drivers.

How do I resolve Windows 10 update error with code 0x8024401c?

No doubt, the error 0x8024401c is a significant issue, and Microsoft has released several bug fixes and improvements to fix it. However, if you are facing a Windows update on your computer and want to fix it, this article could be of great help to you.

Methods to fix the Windows update error 0x8024401c

  1. Check the network settings
  2. Update drivers
  3. Modify the setting in Registry Editor
  4. Run the SFC Scan
  5. Perform a clean boot

Method 1: Check your network settings to fix 0x8024401c

The most common cause behind the windows update error is the unstable network connection. So, first, let us check that and fix it using the two settings:

1. Switch the network connection in your computer

2. Uncheck IPv6 network

1. Switch the network connection in your computer

Switching between Wi-Fi and ethernet connection could be the key to fixing Windows update errors. Before that, turn the Wi-Fi off on your computer and then turn it on again. If it doesn’t work, then try switching.

If you are using Wi-Fi, try to reconnect to your internet connection using an ethernet cable. In case you are using an ethernet cable, then try to connect your computer using Wi-Fi.

After switching between the network, try to update to Windows 10. Hopefully, the error would have been fixed.

2. Uncheck IPv6 network

Two types of IP addresses are available for any system: IPv4 and IPv6. These addresses are used to identify your system on the network, similar to your house address.

Sometimes, the IPv6 address can cause issues and restrict Windows from connecting to the Windows update server. Unchecking the IPv6 network can help you fix the error.

Step 1. Right-click on the Internet icon given on the bottom right corner of your screen.

Fix Windows update error

Step 2. Click on the Open Network & Internet Settings option.

Step 3. Move to the Network and Sharing Center option in the Status panel.

Step 4. In the Network and Sharing Center window, click on Change adapter settings on the left side.

Step 5. Right-click on the type of connection you are currently using, e.g., Wi-Fi, LAN, or Ethernet. Click on Properties.

Step 6. Scroll down and navigate to Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) in the Properties window and uncheck the box.

Step 7. Click OK button.

Step 8. Restart your computer. Once the system restarts, check for windows updates.

Method 2: Update drivers

The Windows update error 0x8024401c can occur if the drivers installed in your computer aren’t compatible or are problematic.

Drivers for peripheral devices such as printers, ethernet cards, etc., can obstruct Windows updates if they are problematic.

1. Manual Update

You should always install generic drivers available on the original driver manufacturers’ website. Here is how you can do it:

Step 1. Press Windows + X keys together.

Device manager Windows 10 error

Step 2. Navigate to the Device Manager.

Step 3. Right-click on the driver that isn’t working correctly.

Step 4. Uninstall the driver.

Step 5. Go to the driver manufacturer’s website and download the driver using the information of your operating system and processor.

Step 6. Install the driver and restart your computer. Check for updates.

2. Automatic update

Manually downloading each driver after checking its compatibility is a cumbersome task. Also, if you install the wrong one, then there is a strong chance of failure.

Using third parties such as DriverFix and Driver Easy can automatically install and update compatible drivers on your PC, thereby freeing you of the complex decision process.

You won’t have to constantly check every driver for an update as this software can automatically do that for your PC.

DriverFix

Download software to fix 0x8024401c error

Step 1. Go to the DriverFix website and download and install it.

Step 2. Run the software and wait for it to check your computer requirements and faulty drivers.

Step 3. After the system scanning is done, you can see a list of problematic drivers.

Step 4. You can choose the drivers you wish to update. The software will do the update for you.

Step 5. Restart your computer. Check if you can update Windows 10.

Driver Easy

Fix Windows update error 0x8024401c

Step 1. Go to the Driver Easy website and download and install the software.

Step 2. Run the Driver easy application and click on Scan Now to begin scanning your PC for all possible driver fixes.

Step 3. You can see a list of drivers that require an update. Click on the Update button next to each driver to update them individually. Alternatively, you can also click on the Update All button to update all the drivers at once.

Step 4. Restart your computer once the process completes and check if the Windows update error 0x8024401c is fixed.

Method 3: Modify the system’s setting in Registry Editor to fix 0x8024401c

Missing or defective system files can also cause the Windows update error 0x8024401c. You can modify these files in the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> Software -> Policies -> Microsoft -> Windows -> WindowsUpdate -> AU folder and fix them using the Registry Editor.

Step 1. Press Windows and R keys together to open the Run dialog box.

type regedit

Step 2. In the box next to the Open: label, type regedit, and press enter.

Step 3. Navigate the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> Software -> Policies -> Microsoft -> Windows -> WindowsUpdate -> AU

Step 4. Look for UseWUServer on the right side of the window.

Step 5. Right-click the file and replace the registry value data given on the far-right with 0 (zero).

Step 6. Click OK to save the changes.

Step 7. Restart the computer and check if the Windows Update now works.

Method 4: Run SFC Scan to fix 0x8024401c error

Windows comes with a System File Checker (SFC) Utility tool to automatically check and repair any missing, corrupt, or incomplete system files using the sfc/ scannow command.

Use the System File Checker utility tool to fix the system files and hopefully fix Windows Update 0x8024401c error. Follow these steps given to run the System File Checker utility tool scan:

Step 1. Press Windows key icon and type cmd in the search box of Windows to open the command prompt.

Step 2. For the command prompt, select Run as Administrator from the right side. Or, right-click on the command prompt and select Run as Administrator option.

Step 3. Type in the command line of cmd, sfc /scannow and press Enter key.

scan to fix error 0x8024401c

Step 4. Allow the OS to complete the sfc /scannow process and repair the system files. Plugin the computer into a charger so that it doesn’t shut down in the middle of the process.

Step 5. Once the process is 100% complete, restart your computer and try to update Windows again.

Method 5: Perform a clean system boot to fix 0x8024401c

We hope that you can fix Windows update 0x8024401c error by now and that the above fixes were helpful. However, if you are stuck with it, here’s another method: a clean boot to help you fix the error.

Step 1. Press the Windows key + R key together to open the run dialog box.

Step 2. Next to the Open: label, type msconfig, and press enter.

fix the windows update error 0x8024401c

Step 3. In the open System Configuration window, navigate to the Services tab and scroll down to the bottom of the window.

Step 4. Check the Hide all Microsoft Services checkbox.

Step 5. Click on the Disable all button to disable all other services and then click OK.

System Configuration window

Step 6. Restart your computer. Check if the Windows update works correctly.