Share this article

Improve this guide

Windows Update Error 0x80240fff: 8 Quick Fixes

Restart your PC before trying out more complicated fixes

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Thousands of Windows users who tried to update theirWindows 10OS lately have encountered the annoying 0x80240ffferrorcode.

Both Insiders and non-Insiders are plagued by thiserrorthat prevents their system from finding the available updates.

Here’s how one userdescribes the problem:

I just got a new laptop and was trying to make sure mywindows 10was up to date but every time i try to have it search for updates I get Error code 0x80240fff. I dont even think its failing to download its just acting like it cant even search for new updates?

Users have also tried to update during a clean boot without success.

What causes the0x80240fffWindows Update error?

According to Microsoft, thiserrorcan occur if custom content uses a Product name that matches an existing Category name. For example, you create a product within SCUP named Tools.

This confuses the system when evaluating the categories since you now have a product named Tools and an update classification called Tools.

How can I fix the error 0x80240fff?

Before you try out more complicated solutions, make sure you perform a quick PC restart. This could easily fix the issue in no time.

1. Defer updates

This solution is available for Windows 10 Pro users.Go toWindows Update Settings> Click onAdvanced Options at the bottom of the page > SelectDefer Upgrades.

This changes your Windows update server and the problem should be solved. However, updates will be postponed.

2. Use the Media Creation Tool

Use theMedia Creation Toolto download the latestWindows 10updates on your machine. You can choose to upgrade your PC immediately, and Windows should do that automatically for you.

This solution can also be used byWindows 10Home users. As you all know, there is no Defer Upgrades option available forWindows 10Home.

These are the solutions provided by Insiders. Microsoft’s Support engineers have also offered additional solutions, so you may want to try them as well.

3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter

Windows 10 features a series of built-introubleshootersthat can help you fix general technical issues, including update problems such as 0x80240fff.

You may go toSettings>Update & Security>Troubleshootand run theWindows Update Troubleshooter.

4. Restart the Background Intelligent Transfer Services

5. Reset Windows Update components

6. Turn off antivirus/antimalware/firewall protection

Sometimes your security software (firewall, antivirus, and antimalware tools), mayblock Windows Update. The quickest and simplest solution to fix this issue is to temporarily disable these programs.

Then try to install the latest Windows updates again to check if this solution fixed your problem.

Don’t forget to turn these programs back on as soon as you’re done to ensure that your system is protected against cyber attacks.

7. Disable your VPN software

Some users confirmed that turning off VPN software helped them fix error 0x80240fff. So, if you do use a VPN software, disable it and then check for updates.

Let us know if this solution worked for you.

8. Download the latest Servicing Stack Update

Microsoft regularly rolls out Servicing Stack Updates to improve Windows Update. Make sure that you’re running the latest Servicing Stack Update available for yourWindows 10version.

You can also download the update fromMicrosoft’s Update Catalog website.

There you go, we hope that the solutions listed in this article helped you fix the Windows Update error 0x80240fff.

No less important, users complain about a similar message that states:There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information.

When encountering this issue, don’t hesitate to run the Windows Update troubleshooter or try out our previously mentioned solutions.

If you’ve got additional tips and suggestions on how to fix the 0x80240fff error, list them in the comments below.

Windows Update Error 0x80240fff: 8 Quick Fixes#

What causes the0x80240fffWindows Update error?#

How can I fix the error 0x80240fff?#

1. Defer updates#

2. Use the Media Creation Tool#

3. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter#

4. Restart the Background Intelligent Transfer Services#

5. Reset Windows Update components#

6. Turn off antivirus/antimalware/firewall protection#

7. Disable your VPN software#

8. Download the latest Servicing Stack Update#