Windows Update error 0x8024001E: Windows Update installation fails (several causes)
Updated
Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on .
What the code means
Operation did not complete because the service or system was being shut down. (WUA Success and Error Codes)
Code facts for 0x8024001E
| Code as Windows shows it | 0x8024001E |
|---|---|
| Type | HRESULT (Windows result code) |
| Symbolic name | WU_E_SERVICE_STOP |
| Hexadecimal, 8 digits | 0x8024001E |
| Decimal (unsigned) | 2149842974 |
| Decimal (signed 32-bit) | -2145124322 |
| Severity | failure |
| Facility | 36 FACILITY_WINDOWSUPDATE |
| Group | Windows Update errors |
Read with care
- The last four hex digits (0x001E = 30) are not a Win32 error here: the facility is 36, not 7 (FACILITY_WIN32). Reading them as ERROR_READ_FAULT would be wrong. ([MS-ERREF]: HRESULT, System Error Codes (0-499))
Code facts: WUA Success and Error Codes (Microsoft Learn, CC BY 4.0), checked Nov 14, 2026.
Where this error shows up
This code shows up while Windows Update or a Windows upgrade is downloading, installing or setting up.
Applies to
Windows client, Windows Server and Azure VMs (as listed at the top of the Microsoft page).
These steps come from a Microsoft page written for IT administrators.
6 steps to try, in order
Steps are grouped by the Microsoft page they come from. The page lists only what those pages give; other causes of 0x8024001E are not covered. 3 steps are flagged.
If this page and Microsoft's page differ, follow Microsoft's page.
From: Troubleshoot Windows Update error 0x8024001E
Source: Troubleshoot Windows Update error 0x8024001E (Microsoft Learn), checked Nov 14, 2026. © Microsoft, licensed under CC BY 4.0. Steps shortened and reworded by PC Driver Update.
Back up first
Written for IT administrators.
Before you troubleshoot, back up the operating system disk; the Microsoft page asks for this first.
Remove known disruptions
Written for IT administrators.
Changes services or policyIf you identify a scheduled task that disrupts the update, disable that scheduled task.
If you use WSUS, make sure WSUS is working correctly.
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Free disk space
Written for IT administrators.
Make sure drive C has at least 10 GB of free space.
Rename the software distribution folder
Written for IT administrators.
Changes services or policyRenames system files or foldersIn a Command Prompt run, in sequence:
net stop wuauserv
rename c:\windows\SoftwareDistribution softwaredistribution.old
net start wuauserv
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Microsoft advises: Only try this if you're comfortable working in the command line, and back up your personal files first. (Troubleshoot problems updating Windows)
Restart the update services
Written for IT administrators.
Changes services or policyRestart these services: Windows Update (wuauserv) if not already restarted, Update Orchestrator Service (UsoSvc), and Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).
Microsoft advises: Back up your personal files before you try these fixes. (Back up and restore with Windows Backup)
Try the update again
Written for IT administrators.
Either open Settings > Windows Update and follow the prompts, or manually download the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog and run, in sequence:
expand -f:*x64.cab c:\temp\filename.msu c:\temp
dism /online /add-package /packagepath:c:\temp\Windows10-KB***-x64.cab
Make sure the computer doesn't restart during the update unless the update requires it.
Stop and get help
If these steps do not fix the problem, or you are not sure about a step, stop and get help from Microsoft Support or from the maker of your PC. Stop at once if the data on this computer is at risk: back up your files first, or ask a professional before you go on.
Dates and review
| Automated checks | first check: ; second check: ; third check: ; fourth check: |
|---|---|
| Microsoft pages read |
|
| Review status | Cleared for publishing after the automated checks on . |