SOLVED: How To Fix Download Error 0x80248007

Managing and maintaining an operating system like Windows can occasionally lead to encountering certain errors, one such being the “Download Error 0x80248007.” This error primarily surfaces during the download phase of a Windows update and disrupts the smooth functioning of your system. 

Key Takeaways

• The Download Error 0x80248007 can arise from missing files or unidentified software license terms.
• This error can be resolved through various techniques, including the use of Command Prompt and troubleshooters.
• Regular system maintenance and checks for updates can prevent such errors, ensuring a seamless computing experience.

Causes Of Error 0x80248007

The download error can happen for many reasons and causes, which include:

1. Missing Files
2. Bug/Error in the Update 
3. Unidentified and Unknown Microsoft Software License Terms

The following message appears when users face the error:

Solutions Of Error 0x80248007

Following are the tried and tested solutions for the error.

Also Read: How To Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0922

Manually Starting The Windows Installer Service

The download error is frequently fixed by manually launching the Windows Installer Service. A crucial element that controls software installation and removal is the Windows Installer Service.

The capability of your system to acquire and install updates from Microsoft is essential. However, this problem can frequently be resolved by manually initiating the service.

Here is how to do it: 

1. Initiate the Run dialog box by pressing the combination of Windows key + R on your keyboard.
2. Next, key in “services.msc” into the available text box, then press Enter or click OK. Doing so prompts the Services console to open.

   

3. From the list of services presented, navigate your way through until you locate the Windows Installer service.

   

4. Once you find it, perform a right-click action on the Windows Installer service. A drop-down menu will appear where you can select ‘Start.’ Bear in mind that if the service is currently running, you’ll notice the ‘Start’ option greyed out.
5. Now that you’ve finished, you can close the Services console and check if the error has been resolved. 

Reboot The Windows Update Service

The download error code can frequently be easily fixed by restarting the Windows Update Service. Any changes to this service, whether from system changes or software conflicts, can lead to errors. Rebooting this service resets it, potentially fixing any issues.

Here are the steps:

1. Open the Run dialog box, which you can access by pressing the Windows key + R simultaneously on your keyboard.
2. In the text box that appears, enter “services.msc” before either hitting Enter or clicking OK. This action will bring up the Services console on your screen.

   

3. After locating the Windows Update service, right-click on it. A context menu will appear, offering a list of possible actions.
4. You need to click on “Restart.” This action will restart the service, effectively rebooting it.

Close the Services console and try running Windows Update again after the service has restarted.

Related: How To Fix Windows Update Error 0xc1900204

From Command Prompt

Utilizing an Elevated Command Prompt is a straightforward method to tackle the download error. This strategy involves manually activating the Windows Installer service, which can help bypass the error and ensure smooth update downloads.

Here’s what you need to do:  

1. Begin by pressing the Windows key on your keyboard and typing “Command Prompt” into the search bar that appears.
2. In the search results, you’ll see the Command Prompt application. Right-click on this and choose “Run as administrator.” This action launches an Elevated Command Prompt, which is a command prompt with administrative rights.
3. When the Elevated Command Prompt window appears, you must enter a specific command. To run the command, type “net start msiserver” without the quotations, then press Enter. This line starts the Windows Installer service manually.
4. After executing the command, you can close the Command Prompt window. This can be done either by clicking the ‘X’ at the top right corner of the window or by typing “Exit” and pressing Enter.

Run The Windows Update Troubleshooter

The Windows Update Troubleshooter is an inbuilt tool that Microsoft provides to diagnose and repair issues with your system’s updates. The tool scans your system, identifies the issues, and often auto-corrects them, allowing your updates to proceed as normal.

Here’s how to use the Windows Update Troubleshooter:

1. Begin by navigating to your system’s settings. You can achieve this by pressing the Windows key and the letter I at the same time.
2. Go to the “Update & Security” subsection. Once there, select “Troubleshoot.”

   

3. You will see an option for “Additional troubleshooters.” Click on it.
4. A list of all available troubleshooters will be displayed. From there, select “Windows Update” and click on “Run the troubleshooter.”

   

5. The troubleshooter will now start running. It checks for issues and tries to fix them automatically. Once the troubleshooter completes the process, it’s recommended to restart your system.

Remove The Software Distribution Folder

The Software Distribution folder is a default Windows directory where the system stores temporary files required for installing Windows updates. Sometimes, certain files within this folder might get corrupted or misconfigured, leading to the notorious 0x80248007 error.

By deleting the contents of this folder, you essentially provide a clean slate for Windows Update to download fresh, uncorrupted update files. 

Here is how to remove it: 

1. Start by opening ‘My Computer’ or ‘This PC’ on your desktop.
2. Navigate to the drive where Windows is installed, which is typically the C drive.
3. Locate and open the ‘Windows’ folder.
4. Locate the ‘SoftwareDistribution’ folder within.

   

5. Within the Software Distribution folder, find and open the ‘Download’ and ‘DataStore’ folders.
6. Select all the files and folders within the ‘Download‘ and ‘DataStore’ folders.

   

7. Right-click on the selected items, then choose ‘Delete’ from the dropdown menu to remove all the files.

Also Check: Windows Error 0X80072F8F-0X20000

Run SFC and DISM Scan

System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) are two strong tools for scanning and repairing any issues with your Windows system files. Running these tools can help solve the error by identifying and rectifying the corrupted or missing files that are causing issues with the Windows Update process.

Follow these steps: 

1. Initiate by pressing the Start button, typing “cmd” into the search bar, right-clicking on the matching result, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
2. Once the Command Prompt is open, type in the command `sfc /scannow` and hit Enter. This will commence the System File Checker scan, which will scan for and attempt to fix corruption in system files.

   

3. Be patient and let the scan complete. Depending on your system’s speed and the severity of file corruption, this process could take some time.
4. Following the completion of the SFC scan, it’s time to run the DISM tool. In the same Command Prompt window, type the command `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth,` and press Enter.

   

5. Again, let the process complete. The DISM tool is now scanning for damaged files in your system image and will automatically repair them.
6. Upon completion, reboot your system. This ensures that any changes made during the scan and repair process are correctly implemented.

Manually Installing Windows Update

Manually installing Windows Update serves as an alternative method to bypass various update errors. This process involves directly accessing the Microsoft Update Catalog and downloading the necessary files.

Here’s how you can manually install Windows updates:

1. Begin by visiting the Microsoft Update Catalog website at https://www.catalog.update.microsoft.com/.
2. Once there, identify the specific update you wish to install by typing its KB number into the search box. The KB number is a unique identifier associated with each update.
3. From the search results, locate the update that matches your system configuration (for instance, a 32-bit or 64-bit system) and click on “Download.”
4. A new window will open with a link to the modified file. To begin the download, click on this link.
5. Find the .msu file in your downloads folder and double-click it to launch the installer. To finish the installation, simply follow the on-screen instructions.
6. For the changes to take effect, you may be requested to restart your system. Before rebooting, make a backup of any work you’ve done.
7. To confirm successful installation, navigate to “Settings,” then “Update & Security,” and finally click on “View update history.” The installed update should appear in this list with a status of “Successful.”

Use Windows 11 Setup to Install Updates

Using the Windows 11 Setup to install updates is an effective workaround to bypass the error. The concept here is to directly use the system’s ISO setup file to facilitate the update, bypassing the need for traditional update methods that may be causing the error.

Here’s how you can do this:

1. Start by obtaining the ISO files for the public release builds of Windows 11. You can find these on the official Microsoft website or other reliable software sources.
2. Once you have downloaded the ISO file, you’ll need to select your setup language. Confirm your choice.
3. Now, double-click on the downloaded ISO file to run it. If a prompt appears, click ‘Open.’
4. Look for a file named setup.exe within the opened ISO file. Double-click it, and then select ‘Next.’
5. The setup will now start checking for available updates. This may take some time, so be patient.
6. The setup will restart as soon as the updates are found and implemented. Follow the directions on the screen.
7. During this process, make sure to choose ‘Keep personal files and apps‘ when prompted. This ensures that your personal data and installed applications remain untouched during the update.