How to fix 0x8024a21e Windows update error?

Microsoft releases updates for their Windows Operating Systems on regular basis. With these updates, it includes new features, bug fixes an security patches. These are important for the smooth functioning and safe from any vulnerability that brings cyber-infections.

Therefore, you should install Windows Update the moment it comes out. However, the experience of downloading an update is not good for all. In other words, there are certain users who find difficulties while trying to updating their device.

Quite recently, many users reported about 0x8024a21e Windows update error while trying to install updates. At current, we are not in the position to tell what exactly be the reason that lead to this issue. Most of the time, it occurs due to corrupted system files, mal-functioning Windows services and Update components.

Below, we have provided the best possible fixes for this issue for you. You will learn how you can use the Windows Update troubleshooter to automatically fix some minor OS issues. Unfortunately, the manual method is lengthy.

So,  we come up with an automatic maintenance tool for you namely PC Repair Tool. It can fix most system errors, BSODs, corrupted system files and registry issues whose direct download link is mentioned below. Otherwise, follow the step-by-step instructions.

Manual fixes for 0x8024a21e Windows update error

Fix 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

  • Press Win+ X to open Settings,
  • Go to Update & Security,
  • Click Troubleshoot> Additional Troubleshoot,
  • Run Update Troubleshooter,
  • Finally restart your device and try updating it again and check if the problem is resolved.

Fix 2: Repair Corrupted System files

  • Open Command Prompt as Admin,
  • In the Command line, type the below command and hit Enter:

Sfc / scannow

  • Restart your device,
  • If the SFC returns you an error, use the below command lines and hit Enter on each time:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Fix 3: Delete files in SoftwareDistribution folder

  • Press Win+ R, type in services.msc and hit Ok,
  • Locate Windows Update service,
  • Right-click on Windows Update and select Stop,
  • Now, open Windows Explorer and go to the C:\Windows folder,
  • Search for SoftwareDistribution folder and delete its contents,
  • Check with trying the update by next and see if 0x8024a21e Windows update error still appears.

Fix 4: Reset Windows updates related services

If the problem continues, you should reset Windows Update related issues and this should resolve the problem for you:

  • Press Win+ R, type in CMD and press Ctrl+ Shift+ Enter to open elevated Command Prompt,
  • In received UAC prompt, click Yes,
  • Type the below commands and hit Enter on each time:

SC config trustedinstaller start=auto

SC config bits start=auto

SC config cryptsvc start=auto

Fix 5: Manually update your device

If Windows fails to update automatically, you should prefer downloading the update manually:

  • Right-click on Start button and pick Settings,
  • From Update & Security, locate View Update history and click on it,
  • Note your KB number that shows you 0x8024a21e Windows update error
  • Now, go to the Microsoft Update Catalog page, type the KB number and press Search,
  • Download the update and install it manually.

Fix 6: Reset Windows Components

  • Open Command Prompt as Admin:
  • Type the below commands and hit Enter on each time:

net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
Del “%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*”
rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
netsh winsock reset
netsh winsock reset proxy
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc

Fix 7: Repair Install Windows

If nothing works and you still encounter 0x8024a21e Windows update error, you should prefer repair install Windows:

  • Download the Windows 10 ISO file and mount it,
  • Double-click on the setpup.exe file the repair and install from the mounted drive,
  • Accept the License Terms and then Windows 10 will check for the updates and will install the ones available,
  • Click on install and let the installation process to complete. Then, follow the on-screen instructions.
Conclusion

That’s all!  We have provided all possible fixes for 0x8024a21e Windows update error. Hope so, these methods are helpful for you in resolving the issue. Comment down below in case of any queries, queries or suggestions regarding the post.