0x80244011 Windows Update Error (How to Fix)

Keeping your Windows operating system up-to-date is very important because it helps with security, speed, and how well your computer works. But sometimes, updating doesn’t go smoothly. You might see an error called 0x80244011 error code when you try to check for updates or during the update installation. This can happen with both Windows 11 and Windows 10. In this guide, we’ll talk about what the 0x80244011 error code is, why it might happen, and how you can fix it.

Also see: How to Restart Windows Update Service on Windows 11

Why you might see the 0x80244011 error code in Windows Update

Knowing why an error happens can make it easier to fix it and stop it from happening again. The 0x80244011 Windows Update error code can come up for several reasons:

1. Downloaded update files might be corrupted because of unexpected shutdowns, conflicts with other software, or malware attacks. Learn more: How to Delete Temporary Windows Update Files in Windows 11.
2. If the parts of Windows that manage updates aren’t working right, you might see this error.
3. Network problems, like bad internet connections, issues with a proxy server, or firewall restrictions, can also cause this error. These issues might mess up the update files if the download keeps stopping and starting.
4. Not having enough space on your computer can stop Windows Update from working, causing this error. See also: Windows 11/10 Needs More Space for Windows Update.
5. Sometimes, other software on your computer can get in the way of Windows Update.

How to fix the 0x80244011 Windows Update error

Getting rid of this annoying error means trying out different solutions. You might need to use more than one method to totally fix the problem.

1. Reset Windows Update components

Windows Update needs several services and folders to work right. If these parts have problems, you might see errors like 0x80244011. Resetting these parts can often help. Here’s how you can do it yourself:

1. Start Command Prompt as an administrator:
   • Press the Windows key, type “cmd” to look for Command Prompt. Right-click on it and choose “Run as administrator”.
2. Stop the Windows Update services:
   • First, you need to stop the services that are related to Windows Update. Type these commands one by one into Command Prompt, hitting Enter after each:

     net stop wuauserv
     net stop cryptSvc
     net stop bits
     net stop msiserver

     Wait for a message after each command that tells you the service has stopped.

3. Rename SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders:
   • Next, you need to change the names of two important folders that store update files. Type these commands:

     ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
     ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old

     This adds “.old” to the end of the folder names. If Windows Update has trouble with the current folders, it will make new ones the next time it tries to update.

4. Start the Windows Update services again:
   • Now, you need to turn the services you stopped back on. Type these commands:

     net start wuauserv
     net start cryptSvc
     net start bits
     net start msiserver

     Wait for a message after each command that tells you the service has started again.

5. Close Command Prompt and restart your computer:
   • After you’ve done all the commands, close Command Prompt or PowerShell.
   • Restart your computer to make the changes work.

Useful tip: How to Change Windows 11/10 Update Download Location

Additional notes:

• This method means you’re doing a manual reset, which is a bit more involved than other solutions. Make sure to follow each step closely.
• After you rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders, Windows will make new ones when it tries to update again. If you don’t have any more problems with updates, you can delete the “.old” folders to save space.

After you do these steps and restart your computer, try Windows Update again. The 0x80244011 error should hopefully be gone.

Related issue: Windows 11 Update Stuck at 0% or 100% (How to Fix)

2. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows has some built-in tools that can automatically find and fix different problems, including Windows Update issues. The Windows Update Troubleshooter can be very helpful because it often finds what’s wrong and fixes it without you needing to do much.

1. Click “Start” and type “Troubleshoot” in the search bar.
2. From the results, click “Troubleshoot settings”.
3. In the right pane, select “Other troubleshooters”.
4. Then, scroll down to “Windows Update” and click on “Run the troubleshooter”.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions and let the troubleshooter detect and fix any issues related to Windows Update.

After the troubleshooter finishes, it’s a good idea to restart your computer. Then try to update Windows again to see if the 0x80244011 error is still there.

Linked issue: Windows Update Troubleshooter Not Working Windows 10/11

Additional notes:

• The Windows Update Troubleshooter is good at solving problems with corrupted system files, wrong update settings, or issues with update services. But if the error keeps happening, there might be more complex problems that need a different way to fix them.
• If the troubleshooter gives you specific suggestions but you’re not sure about them, write them down or take a screenshot. This information could be helpful later or if you need to ask for expert advice.

3. Check your internet connection

Downloading and installing updates needs a stable and strong internet connection. A bad connection can slow down the update or mess up the update files, causing errors like 0x80244011. Here’s how to make sure your internet isn’t the problem:

1. Test connection stability: First, try visiting a few websites to see if they load okay. You can also use online tools like Speedtest.net to check your internet speed and stability.
2. Switch to a wired connection: If you’re on Wi-Fi and having trouble, try using an Ethernet cable to connect your computer directly to your router or modem. Wired connections are usually more reliable and faster.
3. Bypass VPNs and proxy servers: If you’re using a VPN or proxy server, it might be causing problems with Windows Update. Try turning it off and updating again.
4. Check for ISP outages: Sometimes, the problem is with your Internet Service Provider. Check if they’re having an outage or doing maintenance that could affect your connection.
5. Restart your modem and router: Turning off your modem and router for a minute and then turning them back on can fix many internet problems. Wait for all the lights to come back on and then try updating again.

4. Free up some disk space

Windows updates need a lot of space to download and install. If your main drive (usually the C: drive) is full, it can stop the update and cause errors like 0x80244011.

Recommended read: How to Clean C: Drive in Windows 11

5. Perform a System File Check (SFC)

Corrupted or missing system files can cause lots of problems, including with Windows Update. The System File Checker (SFC) is a tool in Windows that checks for and fixes these files, helping your system run smoothly. Here’s how to do an SFC scan:

1. Open “Command Prompt (Admin)”.
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Let it finish and follow any instructions to fix corrupted files.

Even if it doesn’t find or fix anything, restart your computer after the scan to make sure all changes are applied.

If SFC can’t fix some files, the DISM tool might help repair the system image, which can then let SFC finish its repairs. To use DISM, type this command:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

6. Temporarily disable third-party software

Software from other companies, especially antivirus and system tools, can sometimes mess with Windows Update. Turning these programs off for a bit can help figure out if they’re causing the problem.

Ending notes

The 0x80244011 Windows Update error often happens because update files get corrupted. This can be due to interruptions during download or installation. Many things could cause these interruptions, from bad internet connections to Windows Update sessions ending unexpectedly.

The good news is that most of these issues can be fixed by resetting Windows Update services and cleaning out temporary update files, as we talked about in the first solution. This should fix the 0x80244011 error for most people. But if the problem is still there, try all the solutions we mentioned until you find the one that works.