Fix Windows Update Error 0x80246007 (Download Failure)
How to Fix Windows Update Download Failure Error 0x80246007
The 0x80246007 error is a Windows Update issue that commonly occurs when the system fails to download or install updates. This error code often points to a problem with the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), which is responsible for managing file downloads in the background. If BITS is not running or is corrupted, it can prevent Windows Update from working correctly.
This guide will provide a series of effective solutions to resolve this error, focusing on troubleshooting the BITS service and resetting update components.
Understanding the Error 0x80246007
This error code indicates a failure in the update download process. The most likely causes are:
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) Issues: The BITS service is disabled, not running, or its files are corrupted.
Corrupted Update Cache: The temporary files that Windows Update uses to store downloads are damaged.
System File Corruption: Essential Windows files are damaged, which can interfere with the update process.
Пошаговые решения
Solution 1: Check and Start the BITS Service
The most direct solution is to ensure the BITS service is running and configured correctly.
Press the Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
In the Services window, scroll down and find “Background Intelligent Transfer Service”.
Right-click on it and select “Properties”.
Change the “Startup type” to “Automatic”.
Click the “Start” button if the service is not currently running.
Click “Apply” and then “OK”.
Restart your computer and try running Windows Update again.
Solution 2: Manually Reset the Windows Update Components
If the BITS service is fine, the update cache might be the problem. You can reset the Windows Update components to clear any corrupted files.
Press the Windows key + R, type cmd, and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Stop the BITS and Windows Update services with these commands, pressing Enter after each:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
Rename the folders that store the corrupted cache files with these commands:
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
Restart the services with these commands:
net start bits
net start wuauserv
Close the Command Prompt and try to run Windows Update again.
Solution 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM
Corrupted system files can sometimes cause download failures. The SFC and DISM tools can help repair these.
Откройте командную строку от имени администратора.
Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete.
Next, run the DISM tool to repair the system image:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your computer after both scans are finished and try the update again.
Часто задаваемые вопросы
Q: Could a third-party antivirus cause this error?
A: Yes. An overzealous antivirus or firewall can block the download of update files. Try temporarily disabling your security software and running the update. Remember to re-enable it afterward.
Q: The error persists after trying all solutions. What’s next?
A: If the error continues, you may have a deeper issue. Consider performing a Repair Upgrade using the Windows Media Creation Tool. This process reinstalls Windows while keeping your personal files and applications.
Q: Do I need to be an administrator to perform these fixes?
A: Yes, all of these solutions, especially those involving the Command Prompt and Services, require administrator privileges to modify system files and services.
Заключение
The 0x80246007 error is a common download failure issue that is most often fixed by troubleshooting the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS). By ensuring the service is running and by resetting the update components, you can resolve the problem in most cases. If the issue is persistent, checking for system file corruption with SFC and DISM or performing a repair upgrade are reliable next steps.
