Fix Error 0x80246007 on Windows 11: Full Guide

Error 0x80246007 on Windows 11 stops Windows Update and Microsoft Store downloads, usually because the update cache is corrupted or a service is disabled. You can fix it by clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder, resetting Windows Update components, and checking that the Background Intelligent Transfer (BITS) service is running.

What Causes Error 0x80246007?

This error appears when Windows Update or the Store cannot download files. The most common triggers are:

• Corrupted update cache – files in C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution become damaged.
• Disabled or stopped services – BITS, Windows Update, or Cryptographic services are not running.
• Third-party antivirus interference – security software blocks update downloads.
• Insufficient disk space – Windows needs room to download and verify updates.
• Network or proxy problems – a VPN or misconfigured proxy can interrupt the connection.

Before You Start: Basic Checks

Try these quick steps first. They take less than a minute and often resolve the issue without deeper troubleshooting.

1. Restart your PC – this clears temporary glitches and restarts services.
2. Check your internet connection – open a website to confirm you are online.
3. Ensure you have at least 10 GB of free space on your system drive (Settings > System > Storage).
4. Disable any VPN or proxy temporarily – right-click the network icon, select Network & Internet settings, and turn off VPN if active.
5. Run the Windows Update troubleshooter: Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters > Windows Update > Run.

Fix 1: Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes a built-in troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes common update problems. To run it:

1. Open Settings (Win + I).
2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
3. Find Windows Update and click Run.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions. It will scan for issues and apply fixes if possible.

If the troubleshooter finds nothing, move to the next fix.

Fix 2: Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

This folder stores temporary update files. Clearing it forces Windows to download them fresh. You must stop the Windows Update service first.

1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Right-click Windows Update and select Stop.
3. Also stop Background Intelligent Transfer (BITS) the same way.
4. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
5. Delete everything inside the folder. If some files are in use, restart and try again.
6. Go back to Services and start both Windows Update and BITS again.

Now try checking for updates again (Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates).

Fix 3: Reset Windows Update Components with Commands

If clearing the cache doesn’t help, you can reset all update components using Command Prompt as administrator. This re-registers the update DLLs and resets the network stack.

1. Right-click the Start button and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:

net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver

This renames the old folders (so they are not deleted) and restarts the services. After running all commands, restart your PC and try updates again.

Fix 4: Repair System Files with SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files can also cause this error. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair them.

1. Open Terminal (Admin) as before.
2. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and wait for it to finish (may take several minutes).
3. Then run sfc /scannow and let it complete.
4. Restart your PC.

If SFC reports that it found corrupted files and repaired them, try updating again. If it says it cannot fix some files, the DISM command should have resolved the underlying issue.

Fix 5: Check Service Startup Types

Sometimes services are set to “Disabled” or “Manual” when they should be “Automatic”. Check the following services and set them correctly:

• Windows Update – Startup type: Automatic
• Background Intelligent Transfer (BITS) – Startup type: Automatic (Delayed Start is fine)
• Cryptographic Services – Startup type: Automatic
• Windows Installer – Startup type: Manual

To change a service, right-click it, select Properties, set the Startup type, and click OK. Then restart the service if it is not running.

Fix 6: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily

Antivirus programs like McAfee, Norton, or Bitdefender can block Windows Update from downloading files. Temporarily disable your antivirus (usually via its system tray icon) and try the update again. If it works, add an exception for Windows Update or switch to Windows Defender. Remember to re-enable your antivirus immediately after testing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I lose my files if I delete the SoftwareDistribution folder?

No. The folder only contains temporary update files. Deleting its contents does not affect your personal files or installed programs. Windows will recreate the folder when it next checks for updates.

Why does error 0x80246007 appear on Windows 11 but not on Windows 10?

Windows 11 has a different update pipeline and stricter security settings, but the error is not exclusive to it. It can happen on Windows 10 as well. On Windows 11, the most common cause is a corrupted update cache after a failed update or a third-party tool that modifies system services.

Can I use the Windows Update Assistant to bypass this error?

Yes, the Windows Update Assistant can install the latest feature update directly, bypassing Windows Update. Download it from Microsoft’s official website and run it. However, it only works for feature updates, not for monthly quality updates or driver updates.

Is it safe to use a third-party “Windows Update fix” tool?

It is safer to use built-in tools like the troubleshooter, SFC, and DISM. Many third-party tools are unnecessary or may make changes that are hard to undo. Stick to the official methods unless you are confident in the tool’s reputation.

What if none of these fixes work?

If the error persists, you can try a repair install using the Windows 11 ISO (keep files and apps), or use the “Reset this PC” feature with the “Keep my files” option. Back up important data before doing either. If the problem started after a specific update, you can also uninstall that update from Settings > Windows Update > Update history.

Does error 0x80246007 affect the Microsoft Store as well?

Yes, because the Store uses the same update services. If the error appears when downloading apps, the same fixes apply. You can also try resetting the Store cache with the wsreset.exe command.

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