How To Fix Windows Defender Error Code 0x80240029

The “0x80240029” error is a common issue that’s caused when you try and update Windows Defender on your system. This error is caused by problems with the update files / folders which Windows will be trying to use to help it update the Windows Defender application on your PC. In order to resolve the problems you’re seeing, you first need to ensure that you have the correct update for Windows Defender, as well as being able to then repair any potentially damaged folders that Windows may have.

What Causes The 0x80240029 Error?

This error will typically show in this format:

Error found: Code 0x80240029

The error you’re seeing is basically caused by the way in which your PC will not be able to correctly update various important settings that it requires to run. Most people don’t know this, but there’s actually a series of small problems inside the Windows system which will be leading this error to surface; these errors including the likes of having corrupted settings files & other problems.

How To Fix The 0x80240029 Error On Your PC

Step 1 – Manually Download Windows Defender Updates

The first step to fix the problem you’re seeing is to manually download the updates you require. To do this, you need to follow the steps here:

1. Visit the Security Portal. To do this, visit this Microsoft web page.
2. Follow the appropriate steps.
3. If you still receive “Windows Defender Definitions haven’t been updated” warning messages, you might want to ask someone for help or contact support. For information about how to do this, visit this Microsoft website.

Step 2 – Rename The “Software Distribution” Folder Of Your PC

The “Software Distribution” folder is a central folder on the Windows system, which is continually being used when you try and “update” a piece of software on your PC. In order to ensure that the 0x80240029 error is fixed, you need to rename this folder. Here’s how:

Exit all open programs.

Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.

At the command prompt, type the following command to rename the SoftwareDistribution folder:

net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
ren %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
net start wuauserv
net start bits

Step 3 – Clean Out The Registry Of Windows

• Download This Registry Cleaner

The “registry” of Windows is the central database your computer uses to store all the important settings that it will need to run. Most people don’t know about the registry, but it’s actually one of the most vital parts of your computer which will continually be helping your system to run as smoothly as possible. One of the big causes of the 0x80240029 error is actually down to the registry of your system becoming corrupted & damaged, which is why it’s recommended you fix its errors by using a reliable registry cleaner application.