Meta Description:
Learn how to fix Windows Update Error 0x8024402C in Windows 10 and Windows 11. Step-by-step solutions to resolve proxy, DNS, and update server connection issues.
What Is Windows Update Error 0x8024402C?
Windows Update Error 0x8024402C typically appears when your PC cannot connect properly to Microsoft’s update servers.
This error is commonly caused by:
- Incorrect proxy settings
- DNS configuration problems
- Firewall blocking update servers
- Corrupted network configuration
Unlike errors such as 0x80070002 (missing update files) or 0x80070005 (permission issues), this error is primarily network-related.
If you’re experiencing different update codes, you may also want to check:
- How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070002 (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)
- How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070005 (Access Denied) – Complete Guide 2026
- How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80070057 (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)
- How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x800f0922 (Complete Guide 2026)
Quick Fix Checklist
Before diving into advanced steps:
✔ Restart your computer
✔ Restart your router
✔ Disable VPN temporarily
✔ Disable third-party antivirus
Then try Windows Update again.
If the error persists, continue below.
Method 1: Disable Proxy Settings
Incorrect proxy configuration is the #1 cause of 0x8024402C.
Step 1:
Press Windows + R
Step 2:
Type:
inetcpl.cpl
Press Enter.
Step 3:
Go to Connections → LAN Settings
Step 4:
Uncheck:
- “Use a proxy server for your LAN”
Click OK → Restart PC.
Try updating again.
Method 2: Reset Winsock and Network Settings
Step 1:
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
Step 2:
Run these commands one by one:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /flushdns
Step 3:
Restart your computer.
This clears corrupted network configurations.
Method 3: Change DNS Server
Sometimes your ISP DNS blocks Microsoft update servers.
Step 1:
Open Control Panel → Network and Internet → Network Connections
Step 2:
Right-click your active connection → Properties
Step 3:
Select Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)
Step 4:
Choose:
Use the following DNS server addresses:
Preferred DNS: 8.8.8.8
Alternate DNS: 8.8.4.4
Click OK → Restart.
Method 4: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows has a built-in diagnostic tool.
Windows 11:
Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update
Windows 10:
Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Windows Update
Let it complete and apply fixes.
Method 5: Reset Windows Update Components
If update services are corrupted, reset them manually.
Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
net stop msiserver
Then:
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
Restart services:
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
net start msiserver
Restart PC.
Can Error 0x8024402C Be Caused by Slow Performance?
Not directly. However, if your system is heavily overloaded, update services may fail.
If your PC feels sluggish, check our complete performance guide:
👉 Windows 11 Running Slow? 15 Ways to Speed It Up (2026 Complete Guide)
When to Consider Advanced Repair?
If none of the above fixes work:
- Run SFC and DISM scans
- Check router firewall settings
- Contact your ISP
If you’re encountering multiple update errors at once (like 0x80070002 or 0x800f0922), it may indicate deeper system corruption.
Final Thoughts
Windows Update Error 0x8024402C is usually a network configuration issue.
Most users fix it by:
✔ Disabling proxy
✔ Resetting Winsock
✔ Changing DNS
Start with simple solutions before performing advanced resets.