How to Fix Windows 10 Update Error 0x80070424 [WORKING Method]

Windows 10 Update Error 0x80070424 popup if system files are not registered that’s why you will not be able to download windows 10 update.

So recently, I switched to Microsoft Surface a couple of months back from Apple MacBook Air. While I was working I realize that from many weeks I didn’t get any update notification from Windows. So I tried to update the Laptop manually. BUT WAIT! it gave me an error with error code: 0x80070424.

How to Fix Windows 10 Update Error 0x80070424

Method 1: Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

One of the first steps to resolve Error 0x80070424 is to utilize the built-in Windows Update Troubleshooter. This tool can automatically detect and fix common update-related issues.

1. Press Windows + I on your keyboard to open Settings.
2. Click on Update & Security, then select Troubleshoot from the left-hand menu.
3. Scroll down and click on Windows Update under Get up and running.
4. Click on Run the troubleshooter and follow the on-screen instructions.

Method 2: Check and Restart Windows Update Services

Often, the error is caused by issues with the Windows Update services. Here’s how you can check and restart these services:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and hit Enter to open the Services window.
3. Locate the following services and ensure they are running:
   • Windows Update
   • Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS)
   • Cryptographic Services
4. To restart a service, right-click on it, select Restart, and confirm if prompted.

Method 3: Reset Windows Update Components

If the Windows Update components are corrupted, resetting them can help fix the error. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Right-click on the Start button and choose Command Prompt (Admin).
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one and hit Enter after each:
   • net stop wuauserv
   • net stop cryptSvc
   • net stop bits
   • net stop msiserver
3. Now, rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. Type the following commands and press Enter after each:
   • ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   • ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
4. After renaming the folders, restart the services. Type the following commands and hit Enter after each:
   • net start wuauserv
   • net start cryptSvc
   • net start bits
   • net start msiserver

Method 4: Use Windows Update Troubleshooter Script

For more stubborn update issues, you can try using a dedicated script to reset the Windows Update components automatically.

1. Download the Windows Update Troubleshooter script from a trusted source.
2. Right-click the downloaded file and select Run as administrator.
3. Follow the on-screen prompts to run the troubleshooter script.

Method 5: Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes, third-party applications and services can interfere with the update process. Performing a clean boot can help identify and resolve such conflicts.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. In the General tab, select Selective startup and uncheck Load startup items.
4. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
5. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.
6. Restart your computer and try updating again.

Method 6: Update Windows Manually

If the error persists, you can try manually updating Windows using the Windows Update Catalog.

1. Open your preferred web browser and search for “Windows Update Catalog.”
2. Access the Microsoft Update Catalog website.
3. Enter the specific update KB number related to your Windows version and architecture.
4. Download the update and install it manually by double-clicking the downloaded file.

Method 7: Check for Disk Errors

Disk errors can also lead to update issues. To check for and repair these errors, use the built-in Check Disk (CHKDSK) tool.

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type chkdsk C: /f /r and hit Enter. (Replace “C” with the appropriate drive letter if Windows is installed on a different drive).
3. When prompted, press Y to schedule a disk check on the next system restart.
4. Restart your computer to begin the disk check.

Method 8: Disable Antivirus and Firewall Temporarily

Sometimes, your antivirus or firewall settings may interfere with the update process. Temporarily disabling them can help determine if they are the cause of the error.

1. Locate the antivirus software icon in the system tray.
2. Right-click on the icon and look for options to disable or pause protection.
3. Additionally, disable the Windows Firewall temporarily through the Control Panel.

Method 9: Run SFC and DISM Scans

System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) scans can help fix corrupted system files and resolve update errors.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Run the SFC scan by typing sfc /scannow and pressing Enter. Wait for the scan to complete.
3. Next, run the DISM scan by typing DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and hitting Enter.

Method 10: Use the Windows Update Troubleshooter

If all else fails, you can try using the official Windows Update Troubleshooter provided by Microsoft.

1. Go to the Microsoft Support website and search for “Windows Update Troubleshooter.”
2. Download the troubleshooter tool and run it as an administrator.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to diagnose and fix the update error.

Conclusion

Windows 10 Update Error 0x80070424 can be a frustrating issue to encounter, but with the right steps, it can be resolved. By checking the Windows Update service, restarting BITS, using the Windows Update Troubleshooter, scanning for malware, and resetting Windows Update components, you can effectively fix this error and keep your operating system up to date and secure.