How to Fix the 0x8024a204 Windows Update Error

Restart of critical services:

1. 1. Launch the command prompt with administrative privileges.

1. 2. Run the following commands to stop the relevant services:

net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver

1. 3. Rename the software distribution and Catroot2 folders to isolate possible corrupted files:

ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old ren C:\Windows\System32\Catroot2 Catroot2.old

1. 4. Restart previously stopped services to resume normal operations:

net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver

1. 5. Try installing Windows updates again. If the problem persists, proceed to the next step.

Running Windows Update Troubleshooter:

2. 1. Access the Windows Settings app.

2. 2. Navigate to “Update & Security” and select “Troubleshoot”.

2. 3. In the list of options, locate and run the "Windows Update Troubleshooter".

2. 4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the automated diagnostic and repair process.

Manual reset of Windows Update components:

3. 1. Open the command prompt as administrator.

3. 2. Stop crucial services for updating:

net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver

3. 3. Restart stopped services:

net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver

3. 4. Try installing Windows updates once again. If the error persists, continue.

System Integrity Verification:

4. 1. Open the command prompt with administrative privileges.

4. 2. Run the following command to scan and repair corrupted system files:

sfc /scannow

4. 3. Restart your computer and try installing the updates again after the scan is complete.

Manual update via media creation tool:

5. 1. Download Microsoft Media Creation Tool from the official website.

5. 2. Run the tool and select the “Create installation media for another computer” option.

5. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a bootable USB drive or ISO file.

5. 4. Boot your computer from the newly created installation media.

5. 5. Start setup and start the installation process, choosing the “Install now” or “In-place update” option.

Microsoft Technical Support:

If you have exhausted all the above solutions and error 0x8024a204 still appears, contact Microsoft Support for specialized assistance.