Resolve Error 0x8024200B: Troubleshoot and Fix

Concerned looking man in front of a computer.

What is 0x8024200B?

0x8024200B is an error code you might encounter on Windows-operated devices, particularly during update installation. This error suggests that a specific update could not be installed due to the system’s inability to locate or process a required file. For a layperson, it means the update process was interrupted or incomplete, potentially because Windows Update can’t apply the update as it doesn’t match the system’s requirements or the update information is incorrect.

Common Causes of 0x8024200B

Corrupted Windows Update components.
Inconsistent or incomplete update files.
Conflicts with existing system files or settings.
Discrepancies in system registry values, especially related to updates.
Interruptions during the update download or installation process, possibly due to network issues.

How to Diagnose 0x8024200B

To diagnose this error, consider these initial steps:

Inspect your internet connection to ensure stable connectivity.
Access the Windows Update history through ‘Settings’ > ‘Update & Security’ > ‘View your Update history’ to check for failed updates.
Utilize the Event Viewer by typing ‘eventvwr.msc’ in the Start menu search bar and hitting Enter; then look under Windows Logs > System for related error messages.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter by going to ‘Settings’ > ‘Update & Security’ > ‘Troubleshoot’.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix 0x8024200B

Method 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Navigate to ‘Settings’ > ‘Update & Security’ > ‘Troubleshoot’.
Select ‘Windows Update’ and click ‘Run the troubleshooter’.
Apply any recommended fixes.

Method 2: Clear the Windows Update Cache

To stop the Windows Update service, press Win + R, type ‘services.msc’, and hit Enter. Find ‘Windows Update’ in the list, right-click it, and select ‘Stop’.
Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution\Download. Delete all contents inside this folder.
Restart the Windows Update service using the earlier ‘services.msc’ window.

Method 3: Reset Windows Update Components Manually

Open Command Prompt as an administrator by typing ‘cmd’ in the Start menu search bar, right-clicking on the Command Prompt, and selecting ‘Run as administrator’.
Stop the BITS, Windows Update, Cryptographic, and MSI Installer services by typing the following commands and pressing Enter after each:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
Delete the qmgr*.dat files by typing Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\qmgr*.dat" and hitting Enter.
Reset the BITS service and the Windows Update service to the default security descriptor. Type these commands and press Enter after each:
sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;SY)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;PU)
sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU) (A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;SY)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;PU)
Re-register the BITS files and the Windows Update files. To do this, type the following commands and press Enter after each:
cd /d %windir%\system32
cd /d %windir%\system32
regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
regsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dll
regsvr32.exe /s browseui.dll
regsvr32.exe /s jscript.dll
regsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dll
regsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dll
regsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dll
regsvr32.exe /s softpub.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dll
regsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dll
regsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dll
regsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dll
regsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dll
regsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dll
regsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s ole32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s shell32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s initpki.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wups.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wups2.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dll
regsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dll
regsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dll
regsvr32.exe /s muweb.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll
Reset Winsock by typing netsh winsock reset and pressing Enter.
Restart the BITS service, Windows Update service, and Cryptographic service with these commands:
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc
Restart your device.

Advanced Troubleshooting Should the error persist, it’s advisable to:

Seek updates for device drivers, which may involve visiting the manufacturer’s website or using a dedicated utility.
Execute a DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scan by opening Command Prompt as an administrator and typing DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth.
If confident, delve into the Registry Editor to verify update paths and keys. Create a backup of the registry before making changes. To open the Registry Editor, type ‘regedit’ in the Start menu search bar and press Enter. Navigate cautiously to the paths related to Windows Update.

Professional assistance is recommended for:

Troubleshooting complex conflicts between software and system files.
Dealing with deep system errors that resist standard fixes.

Preventing Future 0x8024200B Issues

Preventative measures include:

Regularly performing Windows and driver updates.
Running reliable antivirus programs to ward off corruption.
Backing up your system regularly, especially before making significant changes or updates.
Keeping an eye on the health of your system and addressing anomalies as soon as they arise.