Solutions to fix Windows 10/11 Update Error Code 0x80240438

Causes for Error Code 0x80240438

Regular causes for this error include:

• Corrupted system files: System files can become corrupted due to malware, software installation issues, or hardware failures.
• Network issues: A poor or unstable internet connection can interfere with the Windows Update process.
• Antivirus interference: Third-party antivirus software can sometimes block Windows Update components.
• Conflicts with other software: Background applications may cause resource conflicts during the update process.

Solution 1: Restart Windows Update Components

Sometimes, restarting the Windows Update components can resolve this error. Use the following steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop cryptSvc
   • net stop bits
   • net stop msiserver
3. Rename the following folders:
   • C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution to SoftwareDistribution.old
   • C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 to catroot2.old
4. Restart the services using the following commands:
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start cryptSvc
   • net start bits
   • net start msiserver

Solution 2: Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure your internet connection is stable and working. Check your network settings and test by downloading a small file to verify functionality.

Solution 3: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software

Antivirus software can interfere with Windows Update. Temporarily disable it:

1. Open your antivirus application (e.g., McAfee, Norton, or AVG).
2. Go to Settings and turn off real-time protection.
3. Disable the antivirus firewall if applicable.

For Windows Defender:

1. Open Windows Security and go to Virus & Threat Protection.
2. Click Manage Settings under Virus & Threat Protection settings.
3. Turn off Real-time Protection.

Solution 4: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Use the built-in troubleshooter:

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
2. Select Additional Troubleshooters.
3. Choose Windows Update and run the troubleshooter.

Solution 5: Clear Windows Update Cache

Clear the cache to resolve potential issues:

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Stop the Background Intelligent Transfer Service and Windows Update service.
3. Navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, select all files, and delete them.
4. Restart the services stopped earlier.

Solution 6: Reset Windows Update Components

Reset the components with these commands:

net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\."
Rmdir /s /q "%SystemDrive%\Windows\SoftwareDistribution"
Rmdir /s /q "%SystemDrive%\Windows\System32\catroot2"
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc

In Conclusion

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