Any Windows user knows how important it is to install system updates on time. But hundreds of people who are constantly working with Windows 10 have recently faced the annoying error 0x80240fff. It occurs just when trying to update the system. Moreover, this error not only prevents the installation of subsequent patches, but also prevents daily tasks from being performed.
Microsoft itself believes that Windows 10 update error 0x80240fff may be related to overlapping product and series names. For example, when a user in System Center Updates Publisher (SCUP) creates a product named "Tools," this can create a problem. This is confusing to the computer when evaluating categories, since you now have a product called Tools and an upgrade classification called Tools. As a result, Windows 10 gives the bewildered user error 0x80240fff.
Why does update error 0x80240fff occur in Windows 10?
There are several unclear reasons for this error at once. But the main sources of the problem are: poor internet connection, interference from the firewall, corrupted Windows update files, or an error in Windows system files.
Best ways to fix error 0x80240fff Windows 10
We suggest you use several methods to fix update error 0x80240fff in Windows 10.
Run Windows Troubleshooter
To resolve specific issues such as Internet connectivity, network adapter functionality, Windows update errors, run the System Update Troubleshooter.
1. Click the Start menu and go to Settings.
2. Under Update & Security, select Troubleshoot in the left pane.
3. In the right pane, click on " Windows Update " and then " Run the troubleshooter ".
4. If there are any problems with the system, the Windows tool will automatically detect and fix them.
This can help you solve general technical problems with the system, as well as problems with its updates.
Restart Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
Follow the instructions below to restart the service:
1. Launch the Run window by pressing Windows + R. Type services.msc and hit Enter.
2. Locate " Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) ", right click on it to access its properties.
3. On the General tab, note the Startup Type. Make sure the " Automatic (Delayed Start) " option is selected. If there is another option, change it to the required one and click on the " Apply " button.
4. On the services tab, check that this service is running. If it is stopped, then click the Start button.
Disable VPN software
Some Windows users were able to fix update error 0x80240fff simply by disabling the VPN solution. Therefore, if you are using any VPN software on your PC, try disabling it and checking for updates. There is a high chance that this will solve your problem without any hassle.
Reset Windows Update Service Settings
In most cases, it was resetting some Windows Update service settings that helped users solve similar system problems. Therefore, it is worth trying to fix this update error in the same way.
To check if this is the right solution for you, follow these steps. Perhaps this will help resolve update error 0x80240fff.
1. Run a command prompt on your system as an administrator.
2. Then stop the following processes one by one: MSI Installer, Windows Update Service, BITS, Cryptography. This can be done by running the commands below:
net stop msiserver
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptSvc
Remember to hit Enter after each line of command.
3. Next, you need to rename or delete the Catroot2 (C: \ Windows \ System32 \ catroot2) and Software Distribution (C: \ Windows \ SoftwareDistribution) folders.
This can be done manually or using the commands below:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
4. After that, run the MSI installer and other services again to see if these steps resolve the Windows 10 update error 0x80240fff. Now start the services again by running the following commands:
net start msiserver
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptSvc
Disable firewall
In some cases, security systems prevent Windows from updating, which leads to an error message with code 0x80240fff. Disabling security solutions or firewalls temporarily is not harmful in and of itself. It is likely that this is the simplest and at the same time the fastest way to solve your problem.
To disable Windows Firewall, open Settings and go to Update & Security.
Click the Windows Security tab in the left column. On the right side of the screen, select Firewall and Network Protection.
Open one by one the active Firewall settings (Domain Network, Private Network and Public Network) and disable them.
See also:
- iCloud on a computer, or how to upload photos, videos from the cloud to Windows and vice versa.
- 32- or 64-bit Windows: What's the Difference and Which System Should I Install?
- How to automatically switch the language (layout) on the keyboard in macOS or Windows.
