How to Fix “Error: 0x80244018” When Updating Windows?

0x80244018 Windows Update Error usually occurs when users try to install new updates on Windows. The server receives the update request, but often, if the server is busy or there are issues with your system, the update files can’t reach the server.

This error can be caused by corrupted update files, active antivirus software, VPN or proxy settings, or incorrect system configurations. Now that you know the causes, let’s discuss the solutions.

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 11 has a built-in troubleshooter that can automatically detect and fix update problems.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run window. Type Control Panel and click OK.
2. In the Control Panel, use the search box (top right) to type troubleshooting.
3. Click on the View all option on the left side of the window.

   

4. Scroll down and click on Windows Update.

   

5. A window will open. Press Next.
6. Wait while the troubleshooter checks for issues and applies any fixes it finds.
7. After troubleshooting is complete, restart your computer.

2. Run SFC and DISM Scans

If essential update files have become corrupted or damaged, you can use the built-in SFC and DISM tools to scan and repair your system files.

2.1 SFC Scan

1. Open the Start menu and type CMD in the search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. Type the following command and press Enter:

   SFC /scannow

4. The scan will take some time. When it finishes, close the window.

   

2.2. DISM Scan

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type each command below, pressing Enter after each one:

   Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

3. The scan may take several minutes, so please wait.

   

4. Type Exit and press Enter to close the window.

3. Automate the Windows Update Services

If Windows updates aren’t installing automatically and you see error 0x80244018, you may need to automate Windows Update services using the Command Prompt.

1. Open the Start Menu and type CMD in the search bar.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
3. Type the commands below, pressing Enter after each one:

SC CONFIG WUAUSERV START=AUTO
SC CONFIG BITS START=AUTO
SC CONFIG CRYPTSVC START=AUTO
SC CONFIG TRUSTEDINSTALLER START=AUTO
Exit

4. After entering the commands, press the Enter key and then restart your computer.

   

4. Restart Update Services and Rename the SoftwareDistribution Folder

The SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders store temporary files used by the system to manage updates. Over time, these folders can become corrupted or hold incomplete downloads, which may interfere with successful update installations.

Renaming these folders doesn’t remove essential components—instead, it prompts the system to generate new, clean versions the next time updates are checked. This refresh helps eliminate issues caused by damaged or stuck files.

1. Click the Start Menu. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:

   NET STOP WUAUSERV
   NET STOP CRYPTSVC
   NET STOP BITS
   NET STOP MSISERVER
   REN C:\WINDOWS\SOFTWAREDISTRIBUTION SOFTWAREDISTRIBUTION.OLD
   REN C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\CATROOT2 CATROOT2.OLD
   NET START WUAUSERV
   NET START CRYPTSVC
   NET START BITS
   NET START MSISERVER
   EXIT

3. Press Enter when finished and close Command Prompt.

5. Turn Off Proxy Settings

Microsoft regularly releases updates to keep Windows secure. However, if a proxy server is turned on, you might encounter the 0x80244018 error. Disabling the proxy server can help you install updates.

1. Press Windows key + I to open Settings.
2. Click on Network & Internet. (You can also open the Run window, type ms-settings:network-proxy, and press Enter.)

   

3. Go to Manual Proxy Setup and click on Setup.
4. Turn off the option that says Use a proxy server. Then close the window and restart your computer.

   

6. Remove the ThresholdOptedIn Registry Entry

The Windows Registry holds important data about your installed applications and settings. Sometimes, if specific registry entries are corrupted, you can experience update issues.

1. Press Windows key + R to open the Run dialog.

   

2. Type regedit and press OK. Then navigate to the following path:

   Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsSelfHost\Applicability

3. Check if the ThresholdOptedIn entry appears. If you see it, delete the entry.