Windows Update Error Code 0x80244018 can appear when Windows can’t communicate properly with the update service. Network problems, proxy settings, Windows Update services, security software, and corrupted update files can all contribute to the problem.
The error can occur on both Windows 10 and 11, and you can usually fix it without resetting your PC.
What Causes Windows Update Error Code 0x80244018?
Several issues can trigger this error, including unstable internet connections, incorrect proxy settings, problems with the Windows Update service, issues with Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS), corrupted system files, a damaged update cache, or interference from third-party antivirus software. Start with the simpler solutions first.
Here’s how to fix Error Code 0x80244018:
Check your internet connection
Open a few websites to confirm your connection works normally, restart your router if needed, or try another network to rule out a connection issue. For another update-server connectivity error, see our guide to Error Code 0x80240438.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows 11: Settings → System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run.
Windows 10: Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Windows Update → Run the troubleshooter.
Restart your computer once it finishes, then check for updates again.
Check the BITS service
Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter. Find “Background Intelligent Transfer Service,” right-click it, select Properties, set Startup type to Automatic, click Start if it’s stopped, then Apply and OK. Restart your computer and try the update again.
Check the Windows Update service
Open services.msc, find “Windows Update,” right-click it and select Properties, and check its status. Click Start if it’s stopped, or Restart if it’s already running. Then check for updates again.
Run System File Checker
Open Command Prompt as administrator and run sfc /scannow. Wait for the scan to reach 100% and restart. If SFC finds damage it can’t repair, continue with DISM.
Run DISM
In an elevated Command Prompt, run each command separately, letting each finish first:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your computer once complete. For a related issue with damaged system files, see our guide to Error Code 0x8007025D.
Check your proxy settings
On both Windows 10 and 11: Settings → Network & Internet → Proxy, check the Manual proxy setup section, and turn off “Use a proxy server” if you don’t need one. Restart and try the update again.
Temporarily check third-party antivirus software
If you recently installed or updated security software, temporarily disable its protection and test the update — turn it back on right after testing. If the update works with it off, check its settings for blocked Windows Update connections.
Reset the Windows Update cache
In an elevated Command Prompt, run:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
Restart your computer — Windows will create fresh update data. If Windows reports missing or damaged files afterward, see our guide to Error Code 80073712.
Check for Windows updates again
Go to Settings → Windows Update (Windows 11) or Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update (Windows 10), and click “Check for updates.” Give Windows enough time to download and install it.
Still Not Resolved?
Windows Update Error Code 0x80244018 can usually be resolved by checking your connection, reviewing proxy settings, restarting update services, and repairing system files. A full PC reset shouldn’t be your first solution — try these steps first. Our experts are here to assist you — Chat with a specialist — for more technical support.
We are an independent technical support provider and are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Microsoft.
FAQ
What does Windows Update
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