How to Fix Windows Update Error Code 0x8024a21e

This error typically occurs when Windows update services stop running in the background. This interruption can happen when third-party applications interfere with the Windows update component.

Moreover, you may encounter this error message if there is corruption in the Software Distribution folder. This folder stores the Windows Update files downloaded from the server. If these files become corrupted, you won’t be able to update your Windows until you clear the Software Distribution folder.

1. Configure the Windows Update Services to Start Automatically

As we know, this error arises due to stopped Windows update background services; a good start is configuring the Windows update services to start automatically.

1. Open the Start Menu using the Windows key.
2. Type CMD and right-click on Command Prompt.
3. Select Run as administrator to open it with administrator privileges.
4. Now enter the following commands to configure the Windows update services to start automatically.

   SC config wuauserv start= auto
   SC config bits start= auto
   SC config cryptsvc start= auto
   SC config trustedinstaller start= auto

   

5. Once complete, try updating Windows to verify if the error is resolved.

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

You can also run the Windows Update troubleshooter to fix the issue. Troubleshooters are designed to resolve problems automatically. Running the troubleshooter is a straightforward way to fix various issues, including Windows update errors. The Windows update troubleshooter helps to restore corrupted registry files, restart necessary services, and check for pending restarts.

1. Access Windows Settings by pressing the Win + I keys.
2. Go to Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
   
3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter and follow the simple instructions to resolve the issue.
   
4. Once done, check if the error is resolved.

3. Reset the Windows Update Component

Resetting the Windows update component includes clearing the Software Distribution and Catroot folders, restarting the Windows update services, and registering the Windows update DLL files.

The Software Distribution and Catroot folders store the Windows update files that are downloaded through the Windows update utility. When these files get corrupted, Windows displays various error messages, just like this one.

1. Download the batch file from Windows Update Reset using the link.
2. Once downloaded, right-click on it to run as administrator.
   
3. After completion, restart your computer and try updating Windows to see if the error is resolved.

4. Download the Update from Microsoft Catalog

If you are still facing the error, you can try downloading the update from the Microsoft Catalog. The Microsoft Catalog is essentially a store for all Windows updates released so far. You will find every update that has been released by Microsoft on this website.

Since we’ve tried every method that could potentially fix this error, it is possible that the issue is due to a problem with the Windows update. Therefore, we recommend downloading the update from Microsoft Catalog if nothing else works.

1. Visit the Microsoft Catalog website through the provided link.
2. Search for the update that triggered the error message.
3. Click the Download button and click the link that appears in the popup window to download the update.
   
4. Once downloaded, double-click on it to install the Windows update.

5. Update Windows Via Update Assistant or Media Creation Tool

You can also update your Windows to the latest version using the update assistant or the media creation tool. Both programs can update Windows to the latest version. If you have Windows 10 or an older version, download the Media Creation Tool. Otherwise, you can download the Windows Update Assistant.

1. Download the Media Creation Tool or Update Assistant using the provided link.
2. Run the utility after downloading it and keep the Upgrade this PC option selected.
   
3. Then, click Next to upgrade your Windows.

6. Ignore the Windows Update

It is not necessary to install every Windows update. You can skip the update by configuring Windows using the Microsoft Show or Hide Updates Troubleshooter, which you need to download to ignore the update.

1. Download the Microsoft Show or Hide Updates troubleshooter from the link.
2. After downloading, run the utility by double-clicking on it.
3. Click Next and select Hide updates.
   
4. Select the update you want to hide and click Next.
   
5. Once done, close the troubleshooter and check if Windows is installing the update or not.