How to fix Windows Update error code 0x80240fff in Windows 10

What is error 0x80240fff? Error 0x80240fff in Windows 10 is related to Windows Update. You'll see it in the Windows Update menu (located in Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update ) when you check for updates manually or after Windows doesn't automatically check for updates.

The error message usually looks like this:

There were some problems installing updates, but we'll try again later. If you keeping seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help (0x80240fff)

How to fix Windows Update error 0x80240fff in Windows 10

Here's what to do when Windows Update isn't working due to this error.

1. Reboot your PC

Like in all other troubleshooting cases it's important to start with simple things. Before moving on to the advanced procedures, simply restart your PC to resolve any temporary glitches that might be causing this error.

After rebooting, you should also make sure that your computer is online and there are no connection problems. Visit a number of different websites to make sure that your computer is not having network problems, which will prevent your computer from downloading Windows updates. If so, see the troubleshooting guide network Macworld to help.

2. Delay Windows updates

Curiously, the most common fix for Windows Update error 0x80240fff is to postpone the updates for a few days. If you haven't already, this feature lets you pause Windows Update - useful when you don't want your computer to restart automatically or make any changes in important tasks.

In previous versions, this feature was only available to Windows 10 Pro users, but now Windows 10 Home users can use it as well. Go to Settings> Update & Security> Windows Update , then click on Advanced options .

At the bottom of this page, you will see the title Pause updates . Use the drop-down box to select a date and Windows won't install any updates until then.

How to fix Windows Update error code 0x80240fff in Windows 10 Picture 1 Delayed updates

Many people have reported that deferring the update fixes the 0x80240fff error. This could be because it changes the server on which you received the update, so if the server has a problem you can try to install the update from another server later.

However, don't delay security updates for too long. Try procrastinating for 3-5 days, then see if Windows Update works again after that.

3. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a number of built-in troubleshooting tools that can help you solve common problems in many areas. While they don't always work, they're worth a try when you run into problems.

To use the Windows Update Troubleshooting tool, go to Settings> Update & Security> Troubleshoot . On this page, click the Additional troubleshooters link at the bottom. Then, on the resulting screen, click Windows Update> Run the troubleshooter under the Get up and running section to check for problems with the service.

How to fix Windows Update error code 0x80240fff in Windows 10 Picture 2

If this tool finds anything, it will try to fix the problem automatically. Try checking for updates again after the troubleshooter has finished its job.

4. Turn off all VPN connections and the antivirus application

Since turning on the VPN on your computer affects all its connections, it's possible that your VPN is interfering with checking for Windows updates. If nothing fixes your problem and you use a VPN, turn it off before checking again for updates.

If this doesn't work, try disabling the anti-virus application temporarily. It's likely this is preventing Windows Update from doing its job.

5. Restart the Windows Update services

Windows Update relies on a lot of background services, so it will fail if one of those services crashes. If you still see error 0x80240fff, next you should try restarting some services that might have failed.

Type services into the Start menu to search for the add-on, then open the Services menu from the results. This will open up a complete list of services.

For each service listed below, if you see it in the Running state , right click on it and select Restart. In case the service doesn't run, right-click on it and select Start.

How to fix Windows Update error code 0x80240fff in Windows 10 Picture 3

1. Application Identity
2. Background Intelligent Transfer Service
3. Cryptographic Services
4. Windows Update

Then, try running Windows Update again.

6. Run System File Checker

When you're having problems with any of the core Windows components, the SFC (System File Checker) tool is an important troubleshooting step.

This will check for corrupt Windows system files and attempt to fix them.

To run the SFC, right-click the Start button (or press Windows + X ) and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the list. Once there, enter the following:

sfc /scannow

This will scan and display the results when finished. Note that this may take some time.

7. Manually install the latest version of Windows

In case you get error 0x80240fff while trying to download the latest feature update for Windows 10, you can try to install the latest version of Windows 10 through other means.

Instead of relying on Windows Update, you should try downloading Windows 10 from Microsoft's official site. This will download the installer, attempting to get the latest version onto your system with an upgrade in place.

How to fix Windows Update error code 0x80240fff in Windows 10 Picture 4

If this doesn't work, you can use the Media Creation Tool to create Windows 10 installation media from the USB. This requires you to boot into the USB and install the latest revision manually.

Either way will work fine if your problem is a temporary glitch with Windows Update itself and you just want to update the latest feature.

Kareem Winters

Update 16 November 2020