Windows 0x8024402C: Fixing Windows Update Errors and Missing Updates
The 0x8024402C error in Windows is often encountered during Windows Update and indicates that the system is unable to connect to the update servers, either because of network issues or problems with the Windows Update service.
This error can prevent important security updates, patches, and feature upgrades from being installed, which can leave the system vulnerable.
To resolve the 0x8024402C error, start by checking your internet connection.
Ensure that your computer is properly connected to the internet and that there are no issues with your network.
If you are using a proxy server or firewall, check whether they are blocking access to Windows Update servers.
Temporarily disabling any active firewall or VPN and ensuring that the system is able to connect to the update servers may resolve the issue.
If the error persists, try restarting the Windows Update service.
You can do this by opening the Services app, finding the Windows Update service, and selecting Restart from the context menu.
If this doesn’t work, running the Windows Update Troubleshooter can help automatically detect and fix common issues related to the update process.
Another potential cause of this error is corruption in the Windows Update cache.
To clear the cache, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands: net stop wuauserv and del %windir%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore\* /f /s /q to delete the update cache.
Then, restart the update service by running net start wuauserv.
After clearing the cache, try running Windows Update again.
In some cases, the issue may be due to problems with your system’s DNS settings or incorrect date and time settings.
Check your computer's date and time, as incorrect settings can cause authentication issues with Windows Update servers.
Finally, if the error persists, consider performing a system restore to revert your computer to a state before the issue started or use the Media Creation Tool to perform an in-place upgrade, which will reinstall Windows without affecting your files.
By troubleshooting network connectivity, clearing the update cache, and performing a system restore, users can successfully resolve the 0x8024402C error and continue installing updates.
