Windows Update: Common Errors and Mitigation Steps

Overview

This article helps you quickly identify and fix common issues encountered during Windows Update operations. Each section below describes the error, the possible cause, and recommended mitigation steps.

Error 0x8024402F – WU_E_PT_ECP_SUCCEEDED_WITH_ERRORS

This error indicates that external .cab file processing completed with some errors. It is often caused by the Lightspeed Rocket web filtering software. To resolve this issue, add the IP addresses of devices that need to receive updates to the exception list in Lightspeed Rocket.

Error 0x80242006 – WU_E_UH_INVALIDMETADATA

This occurs when an update contains invalid metadata. To fix the issue, rename the Software Distribution and Catroot2 folders:

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Run the following commands one by one:

   Ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\DataStore DataStore.bak
   Ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution\Download Download.bak
   Ren %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 catroot2.bak
   

Then, retry downloading the updates.

Error 0x80070BC9 – ERROR_FAIL_REBOOT_REQUIRED

This error indicates that the requested operation failed and requires a system restart to roll back changes. Verify that there are no policies controlling the startup behavior of the Windows Installer service. It should be set to Manual and managed by the operating system.

Error 0x80200053 – BG_E_VALIDATION_FAILED

This occurs when Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) validation fails. Ensure no firewall or security software filters download traffic, as this can cause corrupted or incomplete responses to Windows Update.

Timeout Errors: 0x80072EFD, 0x80072EFE, or 0x80D02002

These timeout errors usually occur due to blocked connections or proxies. Make sure no firewall rules or proxies block Microsoft’s download URLs. Capturing a network monitor trace can help identify the specific cause.

Error 0x8007000D – ERROR_INVALID_DATA

This indicates invalid or corrupted data in the downloaded update. The recommended action is to delete and redownload the update before attempting installation again.

Error 0x8024A10A – USO_E_SERVICE_SHUTTING_DOWN

This occurs when the Windows Update service shuts down due to inactivity. Keep the system active and maintain an uninterrupted network connection to complete the update installation.

Error 0x80240020 – WU_E_NO_INTERACTIVE_USER

This error means that no user is currently signed in. Log in to the device to start and complete the installation process.

Error 0x80242014 – WU_E_UH_POSTREBOOTSTILLPENDING

Certain updates require a reboot to finish installation. Restart the device to complete the update process.

Error 0x80246017 – WU_E_DM_UNAUTHORIZED_LOCAL_USER

The update failed because the user lacked the necessary privileges. Ensure the logged-in user has Local Administrator rights before installing updates.

Error 0x8024000B – WU_E_CALL_CANCELLED

This indicates that the update operation was canceled either manually or due to a service interruption. Retry the update process.

Error 0x8024000E – WU_E_XML_INVALID

The Windows Update Agent found invalid XML metadata within the update. Install the latest version of the Windows Update Agent to resolve this issue.

Error 0x8024D009 – WU_E_SETUP_SKIP_UPDATE

This occurs when the Windows Update Agent’s self-update is skipped by directive in the Wuident.cab file, often due to WSUS not sending the self-update. See KB920659 for resolution details.

Error 0x80244007 – WU_E_PT_SOAPCLIENT_SOAPFAULT

This error occurs when Windows cannot renew update cookies. Refer to Microsoft documentation for resolving 0x80244007 SOAP errors during WSUS scans.

Error 0x80070422 – ERROR_SERVICE_DISABLED

This error means that the Windows Update service is stopped or disabled. Ensure that the Windows Update service is running.

Error 0x800f0821 – CBS_E_ABORT

A CBS transaction timeout has occurred. Increase system resources (CPU and memory) or install KB4493473 or later to extend the timeout limit.

Error 0x800f0825 – CBS_E_CANNOT_UNINSTALL

This typically happens due to corruption in the component store. From an elevated Command Prompt, run:

Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
Sfc.exe /Scannow

Restart the device afterward.

Error 0x800F0920 – CBS_E_HANG_DETECTED

This error appears after CBS_E_ABORT and indicates a system hang. Increase resources, install KB4493473, and retry the operation.

Error 0x800f081f – CBS_E_SOURCE_MISSING

Windows cannot find the source files needed for updates. Run:

Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
Sfc.exe /Scannow

Then, restart the system.

Error 0x800f0831 – CBS_E_STORE_CORRUPTION

Corruption exists in the Component Store. Run DISM and SFC commands as above to repair, then restart the system.

Error 0x80070005 – E_ACCESSDENIED

This access-denied error means that permissions for certain files or registry keys have been modified. Check the CBS.log under %Windir%\Logs\CBS, locate the denied object, and adjust permissions accordingly.

Error 0x80070570 – ERROR_FILE_CORRUPT

Corruption in system files or directories causes this issue. Use DISM and SFC tools to repair the Component Store, then restart the device.

Error 0x80070003 – ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND

The servicing stack cannot access a specific path. Review the CBS.log to identify the missing or incorrect file path.

Error 0x80070020 – ERROR_SHARING_VIOLATION

This is caused by non-Microsoft filter drivers (e.g., antivirus).
Perform a clean boot, rerun the update, and if it fails, use Process Monitor to identify the file causing the sharing violation.

Error 0x80073701 – ERROR_SXS_ASSEMBLY_MISSING

A referenced assembly is missing due to partial component installation. Run:

Dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /Restorehealth
Sfc.exe /Scannow

Restart afterward.

Error 0x8007371B – ERROR_SXS_TRANSACTION_CLOSURE_INCOMPLETE

Component store corruption detected. Use DISM and SFC commands to restore system integrity and restart the device.

Error 0x80072EFE – WININET_E_CONNECTION_ABORTED

BITS failed to transfer the file. Run:

BITSADMIN /LIST /ALLUSERS /VERBOSE

Search for 0x80072EFE, identify the failing file, and try downloading it manually using your proxy settings. If the download fails, coordinate with your network or proxy administrator.

Error 0x80072F8F – WININET_E_DECODING_FAILED

This occurs when TLS 1.2 isn’t properly configured. Install and enable KB3140245 to support TLS 1.2.

Error 0x80072EE2 – WININET_E_TIMEOUT

Connectivity issues prevent the device from reaching update servers. Ensure that the device can access Microsoft update endpoints such as:

https://*.windowsupdate.microsoft.com
https://download.windowsupdate.com

If using WSUS or Configuration Manager, verify network connectivity and proxy settings.

Error 0x80240022 – WU_E_ALL_UPDATES_FAILED

This indicates multiple updates have failed, often due to antivirus software blocking folders like SoftwareDistribution. Analyze CBS.log to identify the cause.

Error 0x8024401B – WU_E_PT_HTTP_STATUS_PROXY_AUTH_REQ

This error occurs when the Windows Update Agent cannot authenticate through a proxy server. Ensure WinHTTP and WinInet proxy settings are configured properly, and that the proxy doesn’t require user authentication for the update source.

Error 0x80244022 – WU_E_PT_HTTP_STATUS_SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE

This error (HTTP 503) indicates the update service is temporarily unavailable. Coordinate with network or proxy teams to ensure stable connectivity and correct proxy behavior.

Error 0x80070490 – ERROR_NOT_FOUND

This issue often occurs during driver installation when architecture details are missing from the registry.
To fix:

1. Open Registry Editor.

2. Go to:
   HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\ComponentBasedServicing\DriverOperations\0\2(SequenceID)

3. Add the missing Arch value (e.g., amd64) as a REG_SZ key.

Error 0x800f0922 – CBS_E_INSTALLERS_FAILED

This occurs when the update fails due to missing write permissions in C:\Windows\System32\spp.
Add write permissions for User and Network Service accounts, then retry the update.

Error 0x80070BC9 (Duplicate) – ERROR_FAIL_REBOOT_REQUIRED

This variant occurs when the TrustedInstaller service startup type is set to Manual via Group Policy. Set the service to Automatic, restart the system, or revert pending actions using:

dism /Image:C:\ /Cleanup-Image /RevertPendingActions

Error 0x800706BE – Failed to Install Cumulative Updates

This typically affects Windows Server 2016 when a previous cumulative update is corrupted.
Navigate to the registry entry for the failed package and set the CurrentState value to:

• 0x20 (Resolved)

• 0x40 (Staged)

• 0x70 (Installed)

Then retry installation.

Conclusion:
If issues persist after following the relevant mitigation steps, review send WindowsUpdate.log and CBS.log and raise a support ticket with support@secpod.com for more assistance