Fix Windows Update Error 0x8024001e (6 Proven Methods)

Error 0x8024001e appears when Windows Update or Microsoft Store can’t complete a download. The message usually says “Could not complete install because an update service was shutting down.” Corrupted system files or broken DLLs are the typical cause.

This guide walks through six fixes for 0x8024001e on both Windows 11 and Windows 10, ordered from the quickest one-click repair to the most thorough reinstall, so you can stop at the first one that clears the error instead of running all six.

#What Causes Error 0x8024001e?

PCMag ties most Windows Update failures to a handful of recurring problems, and 0x8024001e usually traces back to these root causes:

• Corrupted or missing DLL files that Windows Update depends on
• Broken registry entries from failed previous updates
• Interrupted update services that shut down mid-download
• Malware infection that damages system files

Of these, corrupted DLL files trigger the error most consistently. Interrupted services, often from forced shutdowns during an update, are the second most common cause.

#Fix 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

The built-in troubleshooter detects and repairs common update issues automatically.

Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters. Click “Run” next to Windows Update. Wait for the scan to complete and apply any recommended fixes.

In many cases the troubleshooter reports “Windows Update components must be repaired” and clears the error after a restart. Microsoft’s support forum also recommends the troubleshooter as a reliable first step for resolving 0x8024001e errors.

#Fix 2: Reset Windows Update Components

If the troubleshooter doesn’t work, manually resetting update components clears corrupted files.

Open Command Prompt as admin and run these commands in order:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

When the troubleshooter fails, resetting components and restarting usually gets Windows Update working again. According to HowToEdge’s fix guide, this method has the highest success rate for persistent 0x8024001e errors.

#Fix 3: Run SFC and DISM Scans

Corrupted system files cause 0x8024001e when Windows Update can’t access the DLLs it needs.

Open Command Prompt as admin and run:

sfc /scannow

If SFC finds issues it can’t repair, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

When Windows Update DLLs are corrupted, SFC typically finds and repairs them, and the error clears after a restart. UGetFix’s repair guide also recommends running SFC + DISM together to repair system file corruption causing this error.

#Fix 4: Re-register Windows Update DLLs

If specific DLL files are corrupted, re-registering them forces Windows to rebuild them.

Open Command Prompt as admin and run these commands:

regsvr32 wuaueng.dll
regsvr32 wuaueng1.dll
regsvr32 wucltui.dll
regsvr32 wups.dll
regsvr32 wups2.dll
regsvr32 wuweb.dll

When SFC can’t repair every file, re-registering the DLLs usually fixes the remaining corruption. Restart your PC after running these commands.

#Can You Fix 0x8024001e in Microsoft Store?

Yes. The same 0x8024001e error hits Microsoft Store downloads and app updates, but the fixes differ slightly from the Windows Update steps above. Instead of resetting update components, you clear the Store cache or re-register the Store app, so try the two Store-specific steps below before anything heavier.

#Reset Microsoft Store

Press Windows + R, type wsreset.exe, and press Enter. This clears the Store cache and often resolves the Store version of 0x8024001e immediately.

#Re-register Microsoft Store

If wsreset doesn’t work, open PowerShell as admin and run:

Get-AppXPackage *WindowsStore* -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

When wsreset fails on a machine stuck on this error, re-registering the Store usually fixes it in under a minute, and previously purchased apps reappear automatically. For more on Store sign-in errors and other Store issues, check our related guides.

#Fix 5: Check for Malware

Malware can corrupt system files and cause update errors. Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus.

Open Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan. Click “Scan now” and wait for it to complete.

Adware and other malware can corrupt several Windows Update DLLs, and removing the infection before running SFC clears the error. For related troubleshooting on neighboring stop codes and licensing repairs that often resurface after a malware cleanup, see our deep dives on Windows security errors and on activation issues.

Need a fresh install key after wiping the machine? Our Windows 10 product keys guide covers the options.

#Fix 6: Perform an In-Place Upgrade

If nothing else works, an in-place upgrade reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and apps.

Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website. Run it and select “Upgrade this PC now.” Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows.

As a last resort on a PC with persistent 0x8024001e errors, an in-place upgrade fixes the error completely while preserving all files and apps. Outbyte’s error guide also recommends in-place upgrades as a last resort for persistent errors that other methods can’t resolve.

#Bottom Line

Start with the Windows Update troubleshooter and reset update components. If those don’t work, run SFC + DISM scans. For Microsoft Store errors, try wsreset.exe first. Save the in-place upgrade for when everything else fails.

#Frequently Asked Questions