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Fix Error 0x80246019 Windows 10: 7 Ways

Guide 10-30157 · Updated · Step by step

Error 0x80246019 on Windows 10 stops Windows Update and Microsoft Store downloads, usually because a system file is corrupted or the update cache is damaged. You can fix it by running the built-in troubleshooters, clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder, and using DISM and SFC scans; in most cases one of these steps resolves the problem without a full system reset.

What Does Error 0x80246019 Mean?

Windows Update uses a background service called the Delivery Optimization or the Windows Update service to download and install updates. When that service cannot write to the temporary update folder, or when a required system file is missing or corrupted, Windows returns error code 0x80246019. The message usually appears as “There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later” with the code listed in the update history.

This error is not unique to Windows Update – it can also appear when you try to download apps from the Microsoft Store. The root cause is almost always the same: the update cache or the system files that manage downloads have become damaged. The good news is that you rarely need to reinstall Windows; the fixes below address the most common causes.

Why Does This Error Happen?

Several underlying issues can trigger error 0x80246019:

  • Corrupted update cache – The SoftwareDistribution folder stores temporary update files. If a download is interrupted or the folder is damaged, subsequent updates fail.
  • System file corruption – Essential Windows files may be missing or corrupted, often due to a failed update, a disk error, or a malware infection.
  • Windows Update service not running – The Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) and Windows Update service must be running for downloads to work.
  • Third-party security software – Antivirus or firewall programs can block Windows Update from accessing the internet or writing files.
  • Disk space or permissions – If the system drive is full or the update folder has incorrect permissions, downloads fail.

Knowing the cause helps you choose the most effective fix, but you can also run the fixes in order – most users find that the first two or three resolve the issue.

How to Fix Error 0x80246019

Try these steps in order. They are safe and require no special technical skills. Always restart your PC after each major step to see if the error clears.

1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows 10 includes a built-in troubleshooter that automatically detects and fixes common update problems. To run it:

  1. Open Settings (Windows key + I).
  2. Go to Update & Security → Troubleshoot → Additional troubleshooters.
  3. Select Windows Update and click Run the troubleshooter.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions. The tool may ask you to apply fixes as an administrator.

This tool often clears the update cache and restarts the services automatically. If it finds no issues, move to the next step.

2. Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

This folder holds temporary update files. Clearing it forces Windows to download everything fresh. Do not delete the entire folder – just its contents.

  1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Right-click Windows Update and select Stop. Also stop Background Intelligent Transfer Service.
  3. Open File Explorer and go to C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
  4. Select all files and folders inside, then press Shift + Delete to permanently remove them. If some files are in use, skip them – they will be cleared later.
  5. Go back to the Services window, right-click Windows Update and BITS, and select Start.
  6. Restart your PC and try updating again.

3. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM

These tools repair corrupted system files. Run them in an elevated Command Prompt:

  1. Right-click the Start button and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. This scans protected system files and repairs them. It may take 15-20 minutes.
  3. If SFC finds issues but cannot fix them, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. This repairs the Windows image itself.
  4. Restart your PC after the scans complete.

These commands are safe – they only replace damaged files with healthy ones from Windows’ own cache or from Windows Update.

4. Reset Windows Update Components Manually

If the above steps fail, you can reset all update-related services and folders in one go. This is a more thorough version of step 2. It involves stopping services, renaming the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders, and restarting services.

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Run these commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    net stop wuauserv
    net stop cryptSvc
    net stop bits
    net stop msiserver
  3. Rename the update folders:
    ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
    ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 catroot2.old
  4. Restart the services:
    net start wuauserv
    net start cryptSvc
    net start bits
    net start msiserver
  5. Close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

The .old folders are safe to delete later once you confirm updates work.

5. Check Disk Space and Permissions

Windows Update needs free space on your system drive (usually C:). Ensure you have at least 10-20 GB free, especially for feature updates. If space is low, use Disk Cleanup or delete temporary files.

Also verify that the C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution folder has proper permissions. Right-click it → Properties → Security → Advanced. The owner should be SYSTEM or Administrators. If not, take ownership and grant full control to SYSTEM.

6. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus

Some antivirus tools (especially those with real-time protection) interfere with Windows Update. Temporarily disable your third-party antivirus and firewall, then try updating. If the update succeeds, add an exception for Windows Update or consider switching to a less intrusive security suite. Re-enable your antivirus immediately after the update.

Do not disable Windows Defender’s real-time protection for long – it is your primary security layer. Also, never disable your firewall and connect to public networks.

7. Use the Media Creation Tool (Last Resort)

If none of the above works, you can perform an in-place repair upgrade using the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. This reinstalls Windows while keeping your files and installed programs. Download the tool from Microsoft’s official website, run it, and choose “Upgrade this PC now.” It will take about an hour and requires a stable internet connection. This fixes even deep system corruption without losing personal data.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many users make the error worse by doing the following:

  • Deleting the entire SoftwareDistribution folder – You only need to clear its contents, not the folder itself. Deleting the folder can cause update service errors.
  • Skipping the service stop step – If you clear the folder while Windows Update is running, files will be locked and the error may persist.
  • Running SFC and DISM in the wrong order – Always run SFC first, then DISM if needed. DISM repairs the image that SFC relies on.
  • Ignoring disk space – A full drive is a common cause. Even if you have 2 GB free, a large update may fail.

How to Prevent This Error in the Future

Once you fix the error, a few habits can reduce the chance of it recurring:

  • Keep your system drive clean – Regularly run Disk Cleanup and uninstall unused programs.
  • Install updates promptly – Don’t postpone updates for weeks, as larger cumulative updates are more likely to fail.
  • Use a reliable antivirus – Choose one that doesn’t conflict with Windows Update. Windows Defender is sufficient for most users.
  • Run SFC and DISM periodically – If you notice system slowdowns or frequent errors, running these scans every few months can catch corruption early.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I ignore error 0x80246019?

You can ignore it temporarily, but Windows will keep failing to install security updates, leaving your PC vulnerable. The error also blocks Microsoft Store downloads. It’s best to fix it within a few days.

Will I lose my files if I use the Media Creation Tool?

No. The in-place upgrade keeps your personal files, settings, and installed apps. However, it’s always wise to back up important data before any major repair.

Why does the error appear in the Microsoft Store too?

The Store uses the same update infrastructure as Windows Update. If the BITS service or the SoftwareDistribution folder is corrupted, both fail.

How long does the DISM scan take?

It typically takes 15-30 minutes, depending on your disk speed and the extent of corruption. Let it finish – do not close the Command Prompt.

Is this error a sign of a failing hard drive?

Not usually. The error is almost always software-related. However, if you experience other disk errors, check your drive’s health with chkdsk /f or a third-party tool.

What if none of these steps work?

If you’ve tried all steps and the error persists, consider performing a clean installation of Windows 10. This is the most thorough fix, but it will erase all data – back up everything first.

Related

General steps for current mainstream versions; menus can differ by device and version. See the disclaimer or report an error.

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