Resolve Error 0x80246010: Troubleshoot and Fix

What is 0x80246010?

0x80246010 is a Windows error code indicating a problem related to the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS). This service facilitates the asynchronous transfer of files between a client and a server. When this error occurs, it typically signifies that the system cannot download updates or files properly due to issues with BITS.

Common Causes of 0x80246010

• BITS service not running.
• Corrupted BITS configuration.
• Network connectivity problems.
• Firewall or antivirus interference.
• Incomplete or failed Windows updates.

How to Diagnose 0x80246010

To confirm the nature of the error, follow these steps:

Check BITS Status:

• Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
• Locate “Background Intelligent Transfer Service” and verify if it’s running.

Review Event Viewer:

• Press Windows + R, type eventvwr, and press Enter.
• Navigate to Windows Logs > Application to find errors related to BITS.

Check Network Connection:

• Ensure an active internet connection by browsing a website.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix 0x80246010

Method 1: Restart BITS Service

1. Open the Run dialog (Windows + R), type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find “Background Intelligent Transfer Service.”
3. Right-click it and select “Restart.”

Method 2: Reset BITS Configuration

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Right-click the Start button and select “Windows Terminal (Admin) or search for ‘cmd’ in the start menu, right click and select ‘Run as administrator’.”
2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

• sc delete BITS
• sc create BITS binPath= "C:\Windows\System32\BITS.exe" start= demand
• Restart your computer.

Method 3: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

1. Search for ‘Settings’ in the start menu.
2. Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Update & Security’ > ‘Troubleshoot’.
3. Click on ‘Additional troubleshooters’.
4. Select ‘Windows Update’ and run the troubleshooter.

Method 4: Check Firewall Settings

1. Search for ‘Control Panel’ in the start menu.
2. Open Control Panel and select ‘System and Security’.
3. Click on ‘Windows Defender Firewall’.
4. Choose ‘Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall’ and ensure BITS is allowed.

Method 5: Use System File Checker

1. Search for ‘cmd’ in the start menu.
2. Open Command Prompt as an administrator by right clicking and choosing ‘Run as administrator’.
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. Wait for the scan to complete and restart your computer.

Advanced Troubleshooting

If the basic solutions do not resolve the issue, consider more technical steps:

Reinstall Windows Update Components:

• Search for ‘cmd’ in the start menu.
• Open Command Prompt as an administrator by right clicking and choosing ‘Run as administrator’.
• Run the following commands:
  • net stop wuauserv
  • net stop cryptSvc
  • net stop bits
  • net stop msiserver
  • net start wuauserv
  • net start cryptSvc
  • net start bits
  • net start msiserver

Manual Registry Edits:

• If comfortable, press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
• Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System and ensure the settings for BITS are correct.
• Warning: Editing the registry can cause serious issues if done improperly.

Seek professional assistance for significant system changes or if the problem persists after these steps.

Preventing Future 0x80246010 Issues

To reduce the likelihood of encountering this error again:

• Regularly update Windows and drivers.
• Ensure antivirus software does not block system services.
• Periodically check BITS status and perform system maintenance.
• Backup critical data and create restore points before major updates.