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Windows Update Error 0x8024a105 – Complete Fix Guide (2026)

Table of Contents

Hub: Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub

Quick Answer
Windows Update Error 0x8024a105 is a Windows Update error that occurs when the Windows Update service encounters a problem during the update installation process. To fix it, restart your PC, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, restart Windows Update services, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, and run SFC and DISM scans. If the error persists, free up disk space, reset Windows Update components manually, and temporarily disable third-party antivirus software. For more Windows troubleshooting, visit our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

Why Windows Update Error 0x8024a105 Happens

Windows Update Error 0x8024a105 is a Windows Update error that occurs when the Windows Update service encounters a problem during the update installation process. This error code is often associated with the WU_E_AU_UNEXPECTED or WU_E_AU_NOT_INITIALIZED status, indicating that the Automatic Update service is not properly initialized or has encountered an unexpected condition. This error is commonly encountered when there are issues with the Windows Update services, corrupted update cache, or conflicts with third-party software. For official Microsoft documentation, refer to the Microsoft Update Error Reference.

When Windows Update Error 0x8024a105 appears, it typically indicates that the Automatic Updates service cannot complete the installation of a specific update. This error is similar to other update errors like Windows Update Error 0x80070643 and Windows Update Error 0x80240020, but it specifically points to issues with the Automatic Update service initialization. Common triggers include corrupted Windows Update service configurations, corrupted update cache, insufficient disk space, outdated drivers, and conflicts with third-party security software.

Before diving into fixes, ensure you have a stable internet connection and are logged in with an administrator account. If Windows Update Error 0x8024a105 persists, the issue is likely service-related. For a broader overview of Windows update issues, see our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub.

⚠️ Warning: Windows Update Error 0x8024a105 is related to the Automatic Update service. Do not disable critical Windows services without proper knowledge, as this can cause system instability.

1. Restart Your PC and Check Internet Connection

A simple restart can resolve temporary service glitches causing Windows Update Error 0x8024a105. Before restarting, verify your internet connectivity.

  1. Restart your PC and wait for it to fully boot.
  2. Open your browser and try visiting a website to confirm internet connectivity.
  3. If using a VPN or proxy, disconnect it temporarily and try updating.
  4. After restart, try checking for updates again.

✅ Expected Result: The error may be resolved immediately. If not, proceed to the next method to fix Windows Update Error 0x8024a105.

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows includes a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix common causes of Windows Update Error 0x8024a105.

  1. Open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  2. Find Windows Update and click Run.
  3. Allow the tool to scan for issues and apply fixes.
  4. Restart your PC after the troubleshooter completes.

💡 Quick Tip: If the troubleshooter is not available, you can run it from Command Prompt: msdt.exe -id WindowsUpdateDiagnostic.

3. Restart Windows Update Services

Restarting the Windows Update services can resolve temporary service issues that cause Windows Update Error 0x8024a105. This refreshes the service state and clears temporary glitches.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Locate Windows Update in the list. Right-click and select Restart.
  3. Also restart Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Cryptographic Services.
  4. If any service is stopped, right-click and select Start.
  5. After restarting, close the Services window and attempt to check for updates again.

✅ Expected Result: The error may be resolved immediately. If not, proceed to the next method to fix Windows Update Error 0x8024a105.

4. Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

Corrupted update cache in the SoftwareDistribution folder can cause Windows Update Error 0x8024a105. Clearing it forces Windows to download fresh update files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Stop update services:
    net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
net stop msiserver
  3. Delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder:
    del /f /s /q C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\*.*
  4. Also clear the Catroot2 folder:
    del /f /s /q C:\Windows\System32\catroot2\*.*
  5. Restart services:
    net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptSvc
net start msiserver
  6. Restart your PC and check for updates again.

⚠️ Warning: Deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder will erase your update history, but installed updates remain unaffected. This is a safe and effective method to fix Windows Update Error 0x8024a105.

5. Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted system files can interfere with the update process and cause Windows Update Error 0x8024a105. Running SFC and DISM repairs system files and the component store. For a complete guide, see our How to Use DISM Windows 11 article.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run DISM to repair the component store:
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Wait for the process to complete (15-20 minutes).
  4. Then run SFC:
    sfc /scannow
  5. After both scans finish, restart your PC and try updating again.

✅ Expected Result: SFC and DISM will repair corrupted files, which often resolves Windows Update Error 0x8024a105.

6. Free Up Sufficient Disk Space

Insufficient disk space on the system drive can prevent updates from installing and trigger Windows Update Error 0x8024a105. Ensure you have adequate free space.

  1. Open Settings > System > Storage.
  2. Check the available space on your system drive. If it’s below 10 GB, free up space.
  3. Use the built-in Storage Sense to clean temporary files.
  4. Delete unnecessary large files, uninstall unused applications, and empty the Recycle Bin.
  5. After freeing space, restart and try updating again.

💡 Quick Tip: Use Disk Cleanup (run cleanmgr) to remove system files, including Windows Update cleanup, which can free up gigabytes of space.

7. Reset Windows Update Components Manually

If the previous methods fail, a full reset of Windows Update components can resolve Windows Update Error 0x8024a105. This process stops services, renames folders, and re-registers DLL files.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run the following commands in sequence:
    net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
  3. Rename the update folders:
    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
  4. Re-register Windows Update DLL files:
    regsvr32 wups2.dll /s
regsvr32 wuapi.dll /s
regsvr32 wuaueng.dll /s
regsvr32 wucltui.dll /s
regsvr32 wups.dll /s
regsvr32 wuwebv.dll /s
  5. Restart the services:
    net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
  6. Restart your PC and attempt to run Windows Update.

⚠️ Warning: The Catroot2 folder is critical for cryptographic services. Renaming it is safe, but do not delete it outright as it will be recreated.

8. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Third-party antivirus or security software can block update processes and trigger Windows Update Error 0x8024a105. Temporarily disabling it can help identify if it is the cause.

  1. Open your antivirus application.
  2. Turn off real-time protection or pause protection temporarily.
  3. Also disable any firewall or VPN that may interfere.
  4. Attempt to check for updates again.
  5. If the error is resolved, add Windows Update to the exclusion list.
  6. Remember to re-enable your security software after testing.

❌ Common Mistake: Forgetting to re-enable antivirus after testing. Always turn it back on to maintain system security.

9. Advanced Troubleshooting

If none of the above methods resolve Windows Update Error 0x8024a105, consider these advanced solutions.

Check the Automatic Updates Service

Open Services.msc and ensure the Windows Update service is set to Automatic (not Manual or Disabled). Also check that Automatic Updates (if present) is running.

Use the Windows Update Medic Service

Windows 11 includes a Windows Update Medic Service that can repair the update service itself. Enable it by running in Command Prompt as Admin:

sc config wuauserv start=auto
sc config wuauserv depend= "RpcSs/Winmgmt"
sc start wuauserv

Perform a System Restore

If the error started after a system change, use System Restore to revert to a previous state. See How to Use System Restore Windows 11.

Use the Microsoft Update Catalog

Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog, search for the failed update, download it manually, and install it.

Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Repair Install)

An in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows while preserving your files and apps. Download the Windows 11 ISO, mount it, and run setup.exe. Choose “Keep personal files and apps.” This often resolves persistent Windows Update Error 0x8024a105. This method is also effective for Windows Installation Failed in Safe_OS Phase and Cumulative Update Failure 0x80073701.

Check for Malware

Malware can corrupt system files and block updates. Run a full scan with Windows Defender Offline. For detailed steps, see How to Scan Malware Windows 11.

If you continue to experience issues, consult the Microsoft Windows Update Resources for additional guidance or contact Microsoft Support.

Conclusion

Encountering Windows Update Error 0x8024a105 can be frustrating, but the vast majority of cases are resolved with the methods outlined above. Start with the simplest fixes—restarting your PC, running the troubleshooter, and restarting Windows Update services—before moving to more advanced solutions like clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder, running SFC and DISM, and resetting update components. If the error persists, temporarily disabling third-party antivirus or performing an in-place upgrade will usually resolve the issue.

Regular system maintenance, such as keeping your system updated and periodically checking system files, can prevent Windows Update Error 0x8024a105 from recurring. For additional Windows troubleshooting, visit our Windows 11 Troubleshooting Hub, where you’ll find comprehensive guides for Windows Update Error 0x80070643, Windows Update Error 0x80240020, and Windows 11 Update Stuck.

Related Guides

FAQ

What causes Windows Update Error 0x8024a105?

Windows Update Error 0x8024a105 is caused by issues with the Automatic Update service, corrupted update cache, insufficient disk space, corrupted system files, or conflicts with third-party antivirus software.

How do I fix Windows Update Error 0x8024a105?

Restart your PC, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter, restart Windows Update services, clear the SoftwareDistribution folder, run SFC and DISM scans, free up disk space, and reset Windows Update components manually.

Can antivirus cause Windows Update Error 0x8024a105?

Yes, third-party antivirus or security software can block update processes and trigger Windows Update Error 0x8024a105. Temporarily disabling it can help identify the cause.

How do I clear the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Open Command Prompt as Administrator, stop the update services, delete the contents of C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, and restart the services.

Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Yes, it is safe. Windows will recreate it automatically. Deleting it forces Windows to download fresh update files and can resolve Windows Update Error 0x8024a105.

What is the difference between Error 0x8024a105 and 0x80070643?

0x8024a105 is associated with Automatic Update service initialization issues, while 0x80070643 is a fatal installation error. Both are update errors but have different underlying causes.

Can insufficient disk space cause Error 0x8024a105?

Yes, insufficient disk space on the system drive can trigger Windows Update Error 0x8024a105. Free up at least 10 GB of space on the system drive.

How do I reset Windows Update components?

Open Command Prompt as Administrator, stop services, rename SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders, re-register DLL files, and restart services.

What should I do if the error persists after all fixes?

If the error continues, try a System Restore, perform an in-place upgrade to repair Windows without losing your files, or as a last resort, perform a clean installation of Windows.

Can a VPN cause Windows Update Error 0x8024a105?

Yes, VPNs can interfere with Windows Update requests. Disconnect your VPN temporarily to test if it resolves Windows Update Error 0x8024a105.

HowToFixPro Editorial Team

We’re a team of system administrators, technical writers, and platform specialists who genuinely enjoy solving the problems most users find frustrating. From persistent Windows errors and Android sync failures to browser crashes and network drops — we’ve seen it all, and we document every fix properly. Our guides are built on official documentation, direct testing, and real troubleshooting experience. No filler, no guesswork — just reliable, step-by-step solutions you can trust.

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