How to Fix Windows 10 Update Error 0x80240fff

Windows 10 update errors have been causing a lot of trouble in the past and continue to make things difficult for PC users. The update problem that displays error code 0x80240fff is particularly nasty because it stops the computer from finding available updates. This prevents the user to have the latest security patches and other important fixes, which jeopardizes privacy and security.

In this article, we’ll show you what you can do to fix Windows 10 update error 0x80240fff.

Why Am I Getting Error Code 0x80240fff?

Microsoft says that users experience this error when custom content uses a name that matches a category name that already exists. That confuses the OS when it evaluates the categories because it sees duplicate entries and prevents Windows from searching for updates successfully.

How to Fix Windows 10 Update Error Code 0x80240fff

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

The first thing you should do when you get any update errors including this one is to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Here’s how:

1. Open “Settings” and go to “Update and security”
2. Find the Troubleshooter and run it

There is also an online Windows Update Troubleshooter on Microsoft’s website.

Fix 2: Clean Up the Software Distribution Folder

Another way to fix error code 0x80240fff is to delete all the files from your Software Distribution folder and download the update again. To do that, head to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution and delete everything from that folder (don’t delete the folder, though). This is particularly effective in case of faulty updates because it will force Windows to re-download them.

Fix 3: Install the Update Manually

If you’re still having trouble after running the Troubleshooter and cleaning the Software Distribution folder, you can try downloading and installing the update manually. To do that, identify which update you’re trying to install, go to the Microsoft website and download the update. When the download has finished, run the update and follow the prompts to install it.

Fix 4: Reset Windows Update Components

Go to Start and type cmd in the search bar. Select Command Prompt (Admin) and click Yes when asked for permissions. Enter the following commands and hit the Enter key after each:

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptSvc
• net stop bits
• net stop msiserver

Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folder by typing the commands below in the Command Prompt (as always, press Enter after each command):

• Ren C:WindowssoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
• Ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old

Now you need to restart the services you’ve just stopped. To do that, type the following commands in Command prompt and press Enter after each one:

• net stop wuauserv
• net stop cryptSvc
• net stop bits
• net stop msiserver

Close Command Prompt and see if the problem is fixed.

Fix 5: Disable Your Antivirus and VPN Software

If you use third-party antivirus or VPN software, try disabling them and trying checking for updates again. Third-party security software often interferes with downloads, including Windows Updates.