How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80244018

Error 0x80244018 is an issue that occurs with the Windows Update component when an end user attempts to update their system. Typically, the Microsoft update server will receive the request for an update, however, the server becomes inundated (for whatever reason), this results in an inability (for Windows Update) to access the update files.

The general cause of this issue can be a multitude of things, all of which I intend to discuss further in this tutorial.

Windows Update is an integral component of all iterations of Microsoft’s operating systems. It’s this one components task to keep your system up-to-date with the latest fixes and security updates – which theoretically protects it from the latest security threats.

However, there are instances when this component fails, and instead of updating your system (as it should), it throws up an error message.

If you encounter error 0x80244018 for the first time, you’re immediate reaction should be to restart your system and re-try the update process. Maybe Microsoft’s update servers were busy at that particular time. However, if the same error reappears, only then should you consider a solution for it.

What Causes Windows Update Error 0x80244018?

When looking at error 0x80244018, we find that there are several factors involved when looking at potential causes. The most common of which are outlined below:

• Third-party internet security tool blocking Windows Update: The primary objective of any security tool is to protect your system from malicious attacks. However, there are instances when such tools can become, too intrusive, that is they block certain components and apps from working – as a security precaution. It’s possible that, that is what is happening here.
• BIT service has been disabled: BIT or Background Intelligent Transfer Service, is an integral component of Windows Update. Ultimately, it’s this components responsibility to download the files from Microsoft’s update servers to your system. Thus, if this service is disabled, then you’ll be unable to download the latest updates.
• Corrupted Windows system files: Your Windows operating system has a number of files that are integral to the operation of its various key components. In the event that one or more of these files have been corrupted – possibly due to the infiltration of a malicious file (virus); there’s a chance they could belong to the Windows Update component.
• Proxy or VPN problem: The purpose of a proxy is to mask your IP address while surfing the internet, VPNs on the other hand, secure your traffic. However, studies show that they have been known to increase your chances of spam, virus attacks, and the like. They can also prevent Windows update from working.

Other less common causes are as follows:

• Your system has no internet connection.
• The Windows Update server is down.

Now we’ve gotten a handle on the potential causes of error 0x80244018, let’s take a look at the various ways you can resolve it.

How to Fix It

For end users bogged down by Windows Update error 0x80244018, there are several things that you can to do resolve this problem. The first, being the most obvious, is to restart your system – this probably goes without saying, as it’s likely you already tried it.

If the error reappears after the restart, then it’s time to buckle down and look at various ways you can fix it.

The next solution I’d like to highlight, involves disabling or uninstalling your current third-party internet security tool.

If Windows Update is unable to make a connection to the outside updates server, it’s possible your security tool is the cause. To eliminate this, as a possible cause, you should consider disabling or uninstalling your security tool.

To do that, simply right-click on its icon, in the Taskbar. Typically situated in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen. Then select Disable.

Note: Exact instructions will vary, depending on the brand and version of your security tool. Some security tools have disable features, while others do not. In which case, you may be forced to remove the tool – at least temporarily, to check whether or not it is to blame.

Run Windows Repair Tool to Fix Update Error 0x80244018

If error 0x80244018 continues to persists, even after disabling your security tool, then I’d recommend you gave the repair tool Advanced System Repair Pro a try.

This tool is designed to identify the possible causes preventing Windows Update from working, and fixing them.

Additionally, it’s also highly adept at maintaining your system, and fixing a plethora of other errors on your computer, such as:

• Runtime errors
• Game errors
• Virus infections

And much more…

All in all, this tool is designed to maintenance, repair and optimise your system. All you need to do is download, and run it – and it’ll do the rest.

With all of that said, you can learn more about this powerful tool, from the link below:

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ADVANCED SYSTEM REPAIR PRO

The solution(s) below are for ADVANCED level computer users. If you are a beginner to intermediate computer user, I highly recommend you use the automated tool(s) above!

Automate Windows Update

If error 0x80244018 continues to appear (after attempting all the solutions above. Then you may want to consider setting Windows Update to run automatically, in the background.

To do that, follow the instructions below:

1. Boot into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then press + R, type cmd and press CTRL + Shift + Enter.

3. When Command Prompt loads up, type the follow commands below, pressing Enter after each line.

SC CONFIG WUAUSERV START= AUTO
SC CONFIG BITS START= AUTO
SC CONFIG CRYPTSVC START= AUTO
SC CONFIG TRUSTEDINSTALLER START= AUTO

4. Now close Command Prompt and restart your system.

Retry Windows Update after your system finishes rebooting.

Disable Proxy Server

Error 0x80244018 indicates an inability to access Microsoft’s update servers, which could be as a result of a proxy server you have setup. Thus, to get around this issue, you should definitely consider disabling or removing your proxy server. If you need help on how to disable your proxy, check out my post on fixing Windows update error 0x8024401f.

Another potentially cause is a VPN. You’d know if you have one or not. So if you do, then consider disabling or removing it. As it could be what’s blocking the Windows Update component.

You can disable your VPN from within its GUI or you can simply uninstall it. For help on how to remove it, my post on update error 0x8024401f has you covered.

Remove ThresholdOptedIn

Your Windows registry contains data on all the various components and apps tied to your system. However, given the importance of this component, it is highly susceptible to corruption. In the event that data within the registry is corrupted, it can, and typically does cause Windows components to stop working.

However, for this fix, we’re assuming the registry is intact, and instead, we’re making alterations to the registry, as a possible fix for error 0x80244018.

You execute this fix, please check out my post titled fixing service registration is missing or corrupt errors.

Run SFC & DISM

When crucial system files are corrupted or inadvertently removed, this can lead to a multitude of things. Including error 0x80244018. As a workaround, it’s possible to restore the integrity of your operating system, by using the following tools SFC and DISM.

For help on how to use both DISM and SFC, I recommend you check out my post fixing D3dx9_43.dll is missing errors.

Restart Windows Services

There are certain services, such as Cryptographic Service and Background Intelligent Transfer Service that are crucial to the functionality of Microsoft’s Windows Update. Thus, if any of these crucial services are set to Disabled, this could prevent the Update component from working. Fortunately it’s possible to reconfigure a service by doing the following:

1. First, boot into your system as a full administrator.

2. Then press + R, type Services.msc and click on OK.

3. When Services loads up, scroll down and double-click on Windows Update.

4. This will bring up the Windows Update Properties applet, from here, set Startup type to Automatic, then click on Start, and lastly, click on OK.

5. After you have successfully carried out the above step, continue the same steps above, for the following Services:

Background Intelligent Transfer Service
Cryptographic Service
DCOM Server Process Launcher
RPC Endpoint Mapper
Windows Installer
Windows Update Medic Service

6. Once complete, retry Windows Update to verify whether or not it has fixed error 0x80244018.

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