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Windows Update Error 0x80242ff: 9 Easy Fixes
Learn to solve this issue on a Windows 10 device
6 min. read
Updated onApril 11, 2024
updated onApril 11, 2024
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Key notes
Windows Update is an essential feature ofWindows 10ensuring that you always havethe latest security and stability updatesand the optimal Windows performance.
Nevertheless, there is an abundance of errors that may occur before or during the update process. In the long list of errors, you’ll also find error code0x80242ff.
This one mostly occurs afterupgrading from Windows 7/8.1to Windows 10. After the Windows 10 installation process is finished, the system updates just won’t finish downloading.
In case you encounter this problem as well, we offer you a few workarounds that should resolve the issue.
How do I fix the Windows Update Error 0x80242ff?
1. Scan your system for malware
The most common cause for update error 0x80242ff can be yourantivirus. Sometimes a third-party antivirus can interfere with your system and cause problems with Windows Update.
However, you can fix this problem simply by disabling certain antivirus features or by disabling the software altogether.
If disabling it doesn’t fix the problem, it’s advised that you remove yourantivirusand check if that solves the issue.
Additionally, it might be a good idea to switch to a differentantivirussolution.
There are many greatantivirustools on the market, but if you want anantivirusthat will provide maximum protection without interfering with your system, you should definitely considerESET HOME Security Essential.
It guarantees the ultimate protection, without hijacking processes running simultaneously with the real-time online security feature.
ESET HOME Security Essential
If you encounter theerror 0x80242ff on Windows 11, check out our dedicated article.
2. Check the Proxy status
While malware is the best-known culprit for this and similar errors, the proxy andVPNcan slow down or stop anupdate, as well. Make sure to disable them while updating.
Additionally, you can check your Proxy status viaCommand Prompt:
To disable your proxy, do the following:
After doing that, your proxy should be disabled and the update error 0x80242ff should be resolved.
3. Check the integrity of your system files
This process finds and fixes corrupt files, if any. Once the SFC scan is finished, check if the problem is still there.
If it is, you need to run aDISMscan. You can do that by following these steps:
After the DISM scan finishes, check if the problem is resolved. If you want, you can also repeat the SFC scan once again and check if that solves the problem.
4. Start system in Clean Boot
5. Reset Windows Update services
net stop wuauservnet stop cryptSvcnet stop bitsnet stop msiserverren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.oldren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 catroot2.oldnet start wuauservnet start cryptSvcnet start bitsnet start msiserverexit
After running these commands enable your Internet connection once again and restart yourPC. Once yourPCrestarts, check if the problem is resolved.
6. Turn off the Windows Firewall
Once you disable Windows Firewall, check if the problem is still there. If the issue is resolved, update Windows and then turn the firewall back on again.
7. Download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog
If you can’t download a specificupdatedue to update error 0x80242ff, you might be able to fix that problem by downloading theupdatedirectly from Microsoft’s online Update Catalog.
Before you can do that, go to the Windows Update section on your device and look for the update code of the update you’re trying to install.
Theupdatewill containKBplus an array of numbers. Once you find the update code, do the following:
After theupdateis installed, your Windows will be updated to the latest version.
Keep in mind that this method might not fix the core problem, but it will allow you to circumvent the error message and install theupdate.
8. Perform an in-place upgrade
Once you complete the in-place upgrade, you’ll have a fresh up-to-date version of Windows. Of course, all your files and applications will be preserved, so you can continue where you left off.
9. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter
Our last fix on the list is more of a basic one, but it should fix most Windows Update related issues within minutes. You can access this built-in troubleshooter via Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot.
These were possible workarounds for this update problem. We certainly hope you’ll find it useful and manage to resolve the0x80242fferror in no time.
For more Windows Update workarounds, seethese easy-to-use troubleshooting tools.
In addition, if you have any suggestions or questions related to the 0x80242fff error code, please tell us in the comments.
More about the topics:error,Windows Update
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
