Fix: Windows 10 Update Error 0x8024a206

Some users have been receiving the error code 0x8024a206 when trying to update Windows 10 to a newer build via Windows Update. The issue does not seem to be specific to a certain build, but the frequency is much higher on Insider Builds than it is on stable Windows 10 releases.

The Windows Update error code 0x8024a206 is frequently caused by a badly downloaded Windows Update, corrupted Windows component or some kind interference from a third-party application.

How to Fix the Windows 10 Update Error 0x8024a206

If you’re currently struggling with the 0x8024a206 error code, this article will provide you with the necessary troubleshooting steps. Below you have a collection of methods that other users have used in order to bypass the 0x8024a206 error code and install the Windows Update successfully. For the best results, please follow the methods presented below in order until you find a fix that successfully resolves the problem in your particular scenario. Let’s begin!

Method 1: Re-registering DLLs via a Batch file

As per user reports, most of the time, this particular issue is caused by a series of DLLs (Dynamic Link Library) files that are become unregistered for some reason or another. A fix for this particular scenario is to create a batch file capable of registering them all at once.

Upon running the batch file with administrator privileges, Windows will register any unregistered DLL files thus resolving the problem. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this:

1. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run box. Then, type “notepad” and hit Enter to open the Notepad app.
   
2. Inside a new Notepad file, paste the following lines as they are:

   REGSVR32 WUPS2.DLL /S
   REGSVR32 WUPS.DLL /S
   REGSVR32 WUAUENG.DLL /S
   REGSVR32 WUAPI.DLL /S
   REGSVR32 WUCLTUX.DLL /S
   REGSVR32 WUWEBV.DLL /S
   REGSVR32 JSCRIPT.DLL /S
   REGSVR32 MSXML3.DLL /S
   

3. Using the ribbon menu, go to File > Save As, name the file register.bat and click the Save button.
4. Right-click on the file that you’ve just created and choose Run as Administrator to register the missing DLL files.
5. Restart your computer and see if the issue has been resolved by trying to apply the Windows Update again at the next startup.

If this method was not successful and you’re still encountering the 0x8024a206 error when trying to install a Windows update, move over to Method 2.

Method 2: Uninstall 3rd party antivirus

Some users have managed to resolve the issue after determining that their external security suite was interrupting the updating process. This is not standard behavior and is not likely to happen on stable Windows 10 releases, but it’s often reported with machines that are using insider previews.

Some affected users have managed to resolve the issue by uninstalling every trace of their 3rd party antivirus suites and performing the update while Windows Defender was the active guard.

Note: Keep in mind that disabling the real-time protection of your 3rd party antivirus is not enough to resolve the issue. You’ll most likely need to uninstall your external security suite in order to be able to install the Windows update without the 0x8024a206 error.

If you’re having trouble removing every trace of your 3rd party antivirus suite, feel free to follow our step-by-step guide (here) on completely uninstalling an external security program.

Once the 3rd party security suite is completely uninstalled, reboot your computer and see if the issue has been resolved at the next startup.

If you’re still encountering the 0x8024a206 error, continue down with the next method below.

Method 3: Deleting recently downloaded Windows Update files

Some users have managed to resolve this particular issue after deleting the files located in the Download folder (under SoftwareDistribution) and updating the wuaclt.exe file via an elevated Command Prompt. If a badly downloaded file or wuaclt.exe was responsible for the  0x8024a206 error, the issue should be resolved at the end of this method.

Here’s a quick guide on how to do this:

1. Using File Explorer, navigate to C:\ Windows \ SoftwareDistribution \ Download and delete all files there.
2. Press Windows key + R to open up a Run box. Next, type “cmd“, press Ctrl + Shift + Enter and click Yes at the UAC (User Account Control) prompt to open an elevated Command Prompt.
   
3. In the elevated Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter to update the wuaclt.exe file:
   wuauclt.exe /updatenow
4. Close the elevated command prompt and restart your computer.
5. At the next startup, open Windows Updated and attempt to apply the update again.

If the update is still failing with the 0x8024a206 error, continue down with the next method below.

Method 4: Performing a Repair Install

If the methods above have been unsuccessful in helping you bypass the 0x8024a206 error, you might be able to install the update after you perform a repair install. Some users have reported that the issue has been automatically resolved after they opted to replace those Windows components that might be causing the issue with fresh copies.

A repair install will replace all Windows-related files while allowing you to keep all your personal files and applications. Is a great alternative to a clean re-install since it won’t make you lose any files or applications.

If you decide to try a repair install, follow our guide (here) for explanatory steps through the whole procedure.

The post Fix: Windows 10 Update Error 0x8024a206 appeared first on Appuals.com.