Windows Update Error 0x8024a21e Fixed Within 5 Minutes

Straightforward solutions to fix this update error quickly

by Ola-Hassan Bolaji
Ola-Hassan Bolaji
Ola-Hassan Bolaji
Editor
A Computer Engineering graduate, he has spent most of his life reading and writing about computers. He finds joy in simplifying complex topics into simple solutions for PC... read more
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Reviewed by Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Alex Serban
Windows Server & Networking Expert
After moving away from the corporate work-style, Alex has found rewards in a lifestyle of constant analysis, team coordination and pestering his colleagues. Holding an MCSA Windows Server... read more
Affiliate Disclosure
  • If you are dealing with the update error 0x8024a21e, it might be due to disabled Windows components.
  • You can fix this by using the Windows Update Assistant.
  • Clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder is another effective solution to try.
0x8024a21e
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0x8024a21e is one of the many update error codes users come across on their PC. This error is made all the more frustrating as it prevents you from installing the affected update.

The error 0x8024a21e is usually caused by disabled Windows Update services or a corrupt cache. Fortunately, it is pretty easy to fix, and we will show you how to go about it, just like we have done with other error codes.

1. Use the Windows Update Assistant tool

  1. Visit the Windows 11 download page to download the Assistant tool.
    download now 0x8024a21e
  2. Click the Accept button on the license page.
  3. Tick the button for the Upgrade this PC now and click the Next button.
  4. Now, follow the onscreen instructions to complete the upgrade.

The Windows Update Assistant tool can force through your Windows update and eliminate the causes of the 0x8024a21e. It bypasses some of the glitches that might be causing the error and updates your PC automatically.

2. Restart some services

  1. Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and click OK.
    services
  2. Double-click the Background Intelligent Transfer Service to open its properties page.
    background
  3. Now, set its Startup type to Automatic and click the Start button if it is disabled.
    automatic 0x8024a21e
  4. Next, click Apply, followed by OK.
    apply ok
  5. Finally, repeat Steps 2 to 4 for the Windows Update service and restart your PC.

The Windows Update and Background Intelligence Transfer Service (BITS) are among the crucial services for effortlessly updating your system. So, you must ensure these services are enabled to prevent and fix the 0x8024a21e update error.

3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

  1. Press the Windows key + I and choose Troubleshoot in the right pane.
    troubleshoot 0x8024a21e
  2. Click the Other troubleshooters option on the new page.
    other trouble
  3. Finally, click the Run button before the Windows Update option and follow the onscreen instruction.
    run update

The Windows PC has a built-in troubleshooter for fixing update errors. This tool will help diagnose the potential cause of the error 0x8024a21e and offer a potential solution.

You can use additional troubleshooters but the built-in tool is extremely efficient.

4. Clear the Software Distribution folder

  1. Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer and follow the path below: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistributionsoftware distribute 0x8024a21e
  2. Select everything in the SoftwareDistribution folder by pressing the Windows key + A.
  3. Finally, select the Delete icon at the top and try to install the updates.

Sometimes, the error 0x8024a21e can be due to the accumulation of corrupt update files. You need to clear these files and restart the automatic update services to get past the error.

5. Reset Windows update components

  1. Press the Windows key, type cmd, and choose Run as administrator to open an elevated Command Prompt.
    cmd admin
  2. Type the commands below and press Enter after each: Net stop bits Net stop wuauserv Net stop appidsvc Net stop cryptsvc Del %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat /Q Del "%HOMEDRIVE%\Users\All Users\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat" /Q Del %WINDIR%\SoftwareDistribution\*.* /s /Q Net start bits Net start wuauserv Net start appidsvc Net start cryptsvc
  3. Finally, wait for the commands to finish running and restart your PC.

In some cases, you might be experiencing the Windows update error 0x8024a21e while trying to install a cumulative update because of issues with some update components. Resetting all the related components and processes should fix the issue quickly.

While it is true that the Windows Update error 0x8024a21e does not cause any lasting damage to your PC, you still need to fix it to get the latest features on your device.

Doing this should now be easy with the detailed solutions provided in this guide. To prevent a future occurrence, always keep the Windows Update Services running.

However, if you still can’t get rid of the error after applying all the solutions above, you might need to perform an in-place upgrade. This will help you bypass the error and force your PC to update.

On a final note, it is important to note that you can’t just apply the same solution to all Windows Update errors. This is because the potential causes differ.  So, if you are facing other issues like error 0x8024001e, check our guide on the topic to fix it.

Still experiencing issues?

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If the above suggestions have not solved your problem, your computer may experience more severe Windows troubles. We suggest choosing an all-in-one solution like Fortect to fix problems efficiently. After installation, just click the View&Fix button and then press Start Repair.

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