What is Error Code 0x8024401f?

The Windows Update Error Code 0x8024401f is a non-specified error most of the time occurs because there is a difficulty with connecting to the Windows Update servers, or there is an obstruction in the process of installation. The error code usually comes along with a statement that looks as follows:

“Some updates could not be installed. 0x8024401f”

This error may occur when you attempt to turn on automatic updates after previous failures, manual installation and so on.

What Causes Error Code 0x8024401f

There are a number of factors that can lead to you experiencing such an error code. There are a number of frequent reasons as follows:

Internet Connectivity Problems: The update process is initiated and completed only when internet connection is available so that files can be downloaded from Microsoft bank. If this connection is poor or nonexistent for some time, the Windows might not able to download the related updating files.

Windows Server Executable File Issues: Causes of this error could sometimes also be the windows update executable server files hosted at Microsoft. For some reasons, the services may be unavailable for a for a short period or experiencing issues that inhibit the update from being downloaded or applied successfully.
Corrupted Windows Update Components: The Windows Update service relies on certain features of the operating system, such as specific files or Services, in order to perform the updates. If such features are broken, or are in other ways compromised, it can lead to an error in the updating.

Proxy And Firewall Settings: In case you have a proxy or are working behind a firewall, they may prevent you from connecting to the Windows Update servers which will cause errors while downloading the updates.

How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x8024401f

Now that we understand what might be causing this error, here are some practical solutions to resolve it:

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Since this error is often caused by network issues, the first step is to ensure your computer is properly connected to the internet. Try the following:

Restart your router and modem.
Connect your computer to a different network (e.g., use a mobile hotspot or connect via Ethernet if you’re on Wi-Fi).
Check if other websites or services are working to rule out network issues.

2. Perform a Check for Windows Updates Troubleshooting Wizard

Among the many features offered by Windows, one of them is a troubleshooter for problems when performing Windows updates. In this example, we see how to run the troubleshooter for Windows Update.

Press on the Windows key and the I key at the same time.
Click on Update & Security, then Troubleshoot in that order.
Scroll down to Additional Troubleshooters and click on it.
Go to the Windows Update option and click on Run the troubleshooter.
Wait for Windows to fix the problems with the update process by following the instructions on your screen.

3. Reset Windows Update Components

Updates could not be applied properly due to corrupt Windows Update components. You can reset these components manually by following these steps:

Open Command Prompt as Admin. (search for cmd, right-click on it and choose Run as Administrator).

Type the following commands one after the other without forgetting to press Enter after each.

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop bits
• net stop cryptsvc
• ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
• ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
• net start wuauserv
• net start bits
• net start cryptsvc

Finally, Restart your device and check for updates once again.

4. Turn Off Proxy or Firewall for brief period

In case you are on a proxy server or using a third-party firewall, windows update services may be barred due to those. Deactivate them momentarily and see if the error persists:

Disable Proxy:

Press Windows + R, type inetcpl.cpl and click Enter.
Select Connections and then click on LAN settings.
If the Use a proxy server for your LAN option is checked, please uncheck it.
Press Ok to apply the changes.

Disable Third Party Firewall: Disable your antivirus or firewall program temporarily and see whether the problem is fixed. Remember to turn it back on after still.

Interference From Antivirus Or Other Security Programs: There are various third party antivirus and firewall applications that may prevent Windows Update from working or may mark update files as harmful – which can lead to problems in successfully updating the system.

Updates That Are Blocking Each Other Or Updates That Are Under Installation: When many updates are queued for installation or when an earlier update installation is in progress, it may conflict with new updates thus creating a problem in the installation process.

5. Verify If There Are Any Manually Withdrawn Updates

From time to time, several pending updates can interfere with each other. To do this, you can perform the update process manually by:

Pressing Windows + I to display the Settings application.
Select Update & Security from the options available and then click Windows Update.
Select Check for updates.
Make sure to install any pending updates and restart the system.

6. Restore the System to an Earlier Point in Time

In case the problem remains after each of the methods stated above, think of System Restore to reset the computer to a working state in terms of updates:

While holding down on both the Windows key and the R key on the keyboard, type the letters rstrui and hit enter.
As per the instructions on the screen, perform the steps for restoring your computer to an earlier functional state.