How to Fix a “Download error – 0x8024a206” on Windows 11
You may have to run multiple methods
Are you running into a “Download error – 0x8024a206” error while trying to update a Windows 11 PC? Chances are your Windows Update feature is broken, causing your updates not to download. There are other reasons, like your update cache being corrupt, leading to the above error. You can apply a few tweaks to your PC to possibly resolve your issue and download your update. We’ll show you what those tweaks are.
Since an update error occurs for various reasons, you’ll likely have to follow multiple methods before your issue is resolved. Some possible reasons your update fails to download are that your third-party antivirus is interfering with the download, you don’t have enough disk space, your system files are corrupted, and more.
Try Downloading Windows 11 Update Again
When yourupdate fails to downloadin the first attempt, try to download the update again. It’s possible a minor glitch caused your update not to download in the first attempt, which you can possibly fix by retrying the update download.
You can select theRetryoption on the Windows Update screen to force your PC to download that particular update. If your update downloads successfully, install the update andreboot your PC.
Turn Off Third-Party Antivirus Programs
If you’ve installed a third-party antivirus program (one that isn’t Microsoft Defender Antivirus), your program may be blocking your Windows update download. Your program may have detected your update as a potential threat, causing the update not to download. This usually happens when your antivirus produces a false positive.
In this case, temporarily disable your program’s antivirus protection and see if that lets you download your update. If this solution fixes your issue, you may want to reach out to your antivirus maker to report your issue, or else your program will continueblocking future Windows updateson your PC.
Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows 11 includes a Windows Update troubleshooting tool that you can use tofight against any update problems. This tool automatically finds the issues with your updates and allows you to fix those issues.
The tool is easy to use and requires very little interaction from your end.
Clear Your Update Cache on Windows 11
Windows 11 stores all your downloaded update files in a specific folder. It’s possible this update cache has become corrupted, causing issues with your updates. This can lead to a “Download error – 0x8024a206” on your PC.
In this case, you can resolve the issue byclearing your update cache files. Doing so deletes all the faulty cache files and forces Windows to re-download working new files. Note that you don’t lose any personal files when you do this.
Free Up Disk Space to Resolve Your Windows Update Error
One reason your Windows 11 update fails to download is that your PC doesn’t have enough free storage space to accommodate the update files. You may have used up all your PC’s available storage space, leaving no room for system updates.
In this case,free up your PC’s storage spacebydeleting large files, removing unwanted photos and videos,uninstalling unwanted apps, andclearing duplicate files.
You can use the Disk Cleanup utility to find and remove many unnecessary files from your PC.
Check Your Disk for File System Errors
If your PC doesn’t download updates even after making room for those updates, your Windows installation disk may have a file system error. Such an error prevents you from adding new files to your disk.
In this case,use your PC’s built-in disk error checkerto find and resolve your disk’s file system problems.
Fix Windows 11’s Corrupted System Files
If your update continues to fail to download, it’s possible your system’s core files are corrupted. This breaks the built-in Windows Update feature, leading to a “Download error – 0x8024a206” error.
Luckily, you can use a built-in tool on your PC tofind and fix all your corrupted system files. You can run this tool from a Command Prompt window, locate all the broken core files, and replace those files with working ones.
Manually Download and Install Your Windows 11 Update
If all methods fail to resolve your “Download error – 0x8024a206” issue, your last option is tomanually download and install your specific updateon your PC. You can get the update from an official Microsoft website and run the update file to update your system. This bypasses your PC’s Windows Update feature, letting you update your computer even when that feature is broken.
Note that you’ll need your update’s name to download the update from the Microsoft site. You’ll find the update’s name (usually starting with KB) on your Windows Update screen.
Get Around a Download Error Code 0x8024a206 on Your Windows 11 PC
If yourWindows 11 system continues to fail to download an update, use the methods outlined above to resolve your problem. This is because your update feature may be broken, or your PC may have another issue. The methods above fix all the items that can possibly cause your update not to download, resolving your issue. Good luck!
Mahesh has been obsessed with technology since he got his first gadget a decade or so ago. Over the last few years, he’s written a number of tech articles on various online publications including but not limited to MakeTechEasier and Android AppStorm.Read Mahesh’s Full Bio
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