Windows Update error 0x8024401F occurs when your PC can't properly connect to Microsoft’s update servers—typically due to network issues, VPN/proxy/firewall blocks, or a corrupted update cache. This halts essential updates and leaves your system at risk. To fix it, restart your PC and temporarily disable any VPN, proxy, firewall, or antivirus that might be blocking Windows Update. Next, run the Windows Update Troubleshooter:
- Windows 10/11: Settings → Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters → Windows Update
- Windows 7/8/Vista: Control Panel → Troubleshooting → System and Security → Windows Update
Then, clear and reset the update cache: stop the Windows Update, BITS, and Cryptographic Services; delete all files in the
C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution and C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 folders; and restart those services. After that, open an elevated Command Prompt and run:sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
to repair system files and restore the Windows image. Finally, reset your network stack by running:
netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
reboot your PC, and rerun Windows Update—it should now connect and install updates successfully. For a full, step‑by‑step walkthrough including screenshots and extra tips, check out this complete guide.