Fixes / Windows · Checked

Windows Update error 0x8024a105: what it means and how to fix it

Short answer

Error 0x8024a105 means Windows Update could not finish downloading an update, usually because the update cache (the SoftwareDistribution folder) holds a broken or partial download, or the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) got stuck. Restart the PC and try again. If it returns, stop the Windows Update and BITS services, rename C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution, restart the services and check for updates again.

What this message means

0x8024a105 comes from the Automatic Updates and Update Orchestrator part of Windows Update (the 0x8024A0xx and 0x8024A1xx range). Microsoft does not publish a description for this exact code, but it shows up with the message "There were problems downloading some updates, but we'll try again later." In practice it means the update engine started a download and could not complete it. The update itself is almost never the problem. The usual culprits are leftover or corrupted files in the local update cache, a stuck download service (BITS), a dropped connection, or damaged system files. It appears on both Windows 10 and Windows 11, and fixing it does not delete your files or apps.

Common causes

CauseHow to tell
Corrupted or partial files in the update cache (C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution)The same update fails every time at the same point, often stuck at 0% or a fixed percentage before showing 0x8024a105, even after a restart.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) or the Windows Update service is stuckThe download does not move at all. In services.msc, Background Intelligent Transfer Service or Windows Update shows as Stopping or does not respond to Stop or Restart.
Unstable or filtered internet connection (VPN, proxy, metered connection, or security software)The error comes and goes, other large downloads are also slow or fail, or the update works once you disconnect the VPN or switch networks.
The PC went to sleep or was idle while the update was downloadingThe error appears after the laptop was closed or left idle overnight, and pressing Retry right away often gets further.
Damaged Windows system files or component storeClearing the cache does not help, several different updates fail, or other update errors such as 0x800f081f or 0x80073712 appear in Update history.
A problem with updates for other Microsoft products (such as Office) offered through Windows UpdateUpdate history shows the failing item is for another Microsoft product rather than a Windows cumulative or security update.

How to fix it

1. Restart and try the update again

  1. Save your work and select Start > Power > Restart (use Restart, not Shut down, so Windows fully reloads its services).
  2. After signing back in, connect to a stable network and turn off any VPN.
  3. Open Settings > Windows Update (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update (Windows 10) and select Check for updates or Retry.
  4. Keep the PC plugged in and awake until the download finishes.

2. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Windows 11 and Windows 10 (menu paths differ)

  1. Windows 11: open Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters, then select Run next to Windows Update. On newer Windows 11 versions this opens the Get Help app, which runs the same checks.
  2. Windows 10: open Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, select Windows Update, then Run the troubleshooter.
  3. Apply any fixes it offers.
  4. Restart the PC and check for updates again.

3. Clear the Windows Update cache (SoftwareDistribution and catroot2)

  1. Select Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
  2. Stop the update services by running these one at a time: net stop wuauserv, then net stop bits, then net stop cryptsvc
  3. Rename the cache folders: ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old, then ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
  4. Start the services again: net start cryptsvc, then net start bits, then net start wuauserv
  5. Restart the PC and go back to Windows Update. The first check can take longer because Windows rebuilds the cache.
  6. If it says access is denied on the rename, run the net stop commands again (a service restarted itself) and retry.

4. Turn off updates for other Microsoft products, then retry

Windows 11 and Windows 10 (setting name differs)

  1. Windows 11: open Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options and turn off Receive updates for other Microsoft products.
  2. Windows 10: open Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Advanced options and turn off Give me updates for other Microsoft products when I update Windows.
  3. Restart the PC and select Check for updates.
  4. Once Windows updates install successfully, you can turn the setting back on.

5. Repair system files with DISM and SFC

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (Start, type cmd, right-click, Run as administrator).
  2. Run: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and wait for it to reach 100% (it can pause at 20% or 60% for several minutes).
  3. Then run: sfc /scannow
  4. Restart the PC and check for updates again.

6. Install the failing update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog

  1. Open Settings > Windows Update > Update history (Windows 11) or Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > View update history (Windows 10) and note the KB number of the failed update.
  2. Check your Windows version and system type under Settings > System > About.
  3. Go to catalog.update.microsoft.com, search the KB number, and download the file that matches your version (for example Windows 11 24H2, x64).
  4. Double-click the downloaded .msu file, follow the prompts, then restart.

Next time, skip the search

Crade is an AI assistant for Mac and Windows that sees your screen. When a message like this pops up, ask “what does this mean?” and it explains the exact error in front of you, step by step.

Download Crade

Still not fixed?

If every fix above fails, do a clean boot (disable non-Microsoft startup items and services in msconfig) to rule out antivirus or other software blocking the download, then try again. For a Windows version or feature update, the Installation Assistant or Media Creation Tool from microsoft.com/software-download can upgrade in place and keep your files and apps. On a work or school PC, updates may be managed by WSUS, Intune or Group Policy, so contact your IT department before changing services or policies. Otherwise, contact Microsoft Support through the Get Help app, and have the KB number and the output of DISM ready.

Questions people ask

Is it safe to delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?

Yes. It only holds temporary update downloads and update history data, and Windows recreates it automatically. Stop the Windows Update and BITS services first, and you may see an empty Update history afterwards.

Will error 0x8024a105 fix itself?

Sometimes. Windows retries automatically, and a temporary network drop or sleep during the download can clear up on the next attempt. If the same update keeps failing after a restart, the cache needs clearing.

Does 0x8024a105 mean my PC has a virus or a hardware problem?

No. It is a download problem inside Windows Update, not a sign of malware or failing hardware. Security software can block the download, though, so a clean boot is a useful test.

Is 0x8024a105 the same on Windows 10 and Windows 11?

Yes, the code and causes are the same. Only the Settings paths differ: Windows 11 uses Settings > Windows Update, Windows 10 uses Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

Do I lose files if I reset Windows Update components?

No. Renaming SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 and running DISM and SFC do not touch your documents, photos or installed apps.

Sources

Related errors