GuidesError FixesWe Solved the Windows 10 Update Error 80240020

We Solved the Windows 10 Update Error 80240020

Modify System Registry, disable antivirus and Firewall, and delete components from Downloads folder to solve the error.

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The Windows 10 Update error 80240020 appears when a driver or program already installed is incompatible with the feature upgrade or Windows 10 installation files are not properly downloaded. You might see the error on your computer for various reasons, such as a corrupt or faulty system, installation files, or Windows update components. Some third-party software can also conflict with the system processes.

When met with the error, you’ll see the following message on the screen:

Error Message: Some updates were not installed. Error(s) found: Code 80240020. Windows update ran into a problem.
Windows 10 Update Error 80240020
Windows 10 Update Error 80240020 (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Key Takeaways

  • The error 80240020 may arise when you accidentally download incomplete Windows files, or there are compatibility issues with the drivers after installation.
  • The causes behind the error could be corrupted installation files or Windows update components, low space on the disk, or conflicts with other software.
  • First, try editing the System Registry, deleting components from the download folder, or resetting your PC.
TipAlthough, Microsoft claims to have fixed this issue, if your issue is still unresolved, you can test out the following methods to eliminate this error.

Disable Antivirus

Pause all the antivirus protection enabled on your computer before the Windows updates. Third-party antivirus software, like Avast or McAfee, might prevent your computer from updating smoothly. Therefore, stop the protection. However, resume it after a successful Windows update to prevent malware and viruses from affecting your system.

WARNING: Make sure to turn Antivirus back on after a successful Windows update to prevent malware and virus from affecting your system.

Edit System Registry

Make sure to carry out this process if you have enough knowledge regarding the process; otherwise, consult an expert. Also, create a backup of essential data just to be safe. However, this method was successful when I attempted it and was also suggested on the Microsoft forum.

Use these steps to modify the System Registry:

  1. Press Windows+R > Run > Type regeditYes to grant relevant permissions.
  2. Copy and paste the following address and Enter
    Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\OSUpgrade
    Type the address or copy/paste: Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\WindowsUpdate\OSUpgrade and hit Enter.
    Address (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. However, if the OSUpgrade folder is not available in the System Registry, you can go to the WindowsUpdate section from the left pane.
  4. Once there, Right-click screen > New > Choose DWORD (32-bit) Value > Folder name AllowOSUpgrade.
    Name this folder as AllowOSUpgrade.
    Name The Folder (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  5. Now, keep the value as 0x00000001 > Exit Registry > Restart PC.
  6. Check if you can install the updates.

Delete Contents In The Downloads Folder

Reinstall the Windows Update components to eliminate corrupt data or glitches. This method worked for the Reddit user, as you can find in the thread, and other users also found it helpful.

 Important: Remember only to delete the contents within the Downloads folder and not the folder itself. 

Access and delete the files with this method:

  1. Search Bar > cmd > Command Prompt > Run as administrator.
  2. Enter the command:
    net stop wuauserv
    Type the command net stop wuauserv and Enter.
    Stop Service (Image By Tech4Gamers)
  3. Go to Desktop > This PC > Local Disk: C > Windows folder > Software Distribution > Downloads.
  4. Next, select all the files in this folder and delete them.
  5. Return to Software Distribution > DataStore.
  6. Delete everything in this folder as well.
  7. Again, open Command Prompt and run the code:
    net start wuauserv
    Open Command Prompt and run the code net start wuauserv.
    Start Service (Image By Tech4Gamers)

Use Command Prompt

Continuing from the method above, you need to run an update command in the Command Prompt after deleting files from the Downloads folder to start the Windows update, as shown by the YouTuber Mr. RemoveVirus.

Here’s how:

  1. Go to Windows search > Type cmdEnter.
  2. Open Command Prompt > Run as administrator.
  3. Open Control PanelWindows update.
  4. Copy and paste the following code into cmd and Enter:
    wuauclt.exe /updatenow
  5. The update process starts automatically on the Control Panel window as soon as the above command runs.

Disable Windows Defender Firewall

Another option is to disable the Windows Firewall on the connected network so that nothing interrupts the update process. However, make sure to turn it back on as soon as you’ve tested the method. 

Windows Media Creation Tool

A wizard for installing the Windows operating system is called the Windows Media Creation Tool. You may also use it to update your current version of Windows. I’ll walk you through upgrading Windows successfully using MCT and beating the Windows update error.

This strategy addressed the problem and was also suggested by MDTechVideos on YouTube.

Following are the steps to update Windows:

  1. Click on the link to download the Windows Media CreationTool.
  2. Select Download Now > Yes when prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
  3. Choose Accept for the Terms & Conditions > Upgrade This PC Now > Next.
  4. A Window will appear to select an option from installing Windows from scratch or upgrading the existing version.
  5. Click Next without making any changes.
  6. Watch for the updates to install as the problem will be fixed.

Reset PC

Resetting the computer will undo all the customizations and delete the installed apps and media to restore the system to its factory default state. Once you restart the PC after the reset, it will automatically install the Windows. 

WARNING: Make sure to create a backup of all important files before performing a reset.

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