Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x80246007: How to Fix It

Medium 30-60 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0x80246007
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-60 minutes
Windows error code 0x80246007 means that a Windows Update failed to download, most commonly because the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) has stopped, become corrupted, or is blocked from running. BITS is the behind-the-scenes service Windows uses to queue and download updates without interrupting your work. This is a medium-severity issue — your PC will still function normally, but it will remain unpatched and potentially vulnerable until the update successfully downloads and installs.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x80246007

  1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

  2. Restart the BITS and Windows Update Services

    Do not disable these services permanently — they are required for Windows to function securely and receive updates.

  3. Reset Windows Update Components via Command Prompt

    Only run these commands in an Administrator Command Prompt. Typing them incorrectly can rename wrong folders — double-check each command before pressing Enter.

  4. Re-register BITS and Windows Update DLL Files

    Run this only in an Administrator Command Prompt. This process re-registers Windows Update-related DLL files and is safe to perform.

  5. Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tool

    Do not close the Command Prompt window while SFC or DISM is running. Interrupting these scans can cause additional system issues.

  6. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus or Firewall

    Only disable your antivirus briefly for testing purposes. Re-enable it immediately after testing. Never browse the internet or open unknown files while your antivirus is disabled.

  7. Download and Install the Update Manually

    Only download updates from the official Microsoft Update Catalog (catalog.update.microsoft.com). Avoid third-party sites offering Windows update files.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps above and Windows Update still fails with error 0x80246007, the issue may involve deep system file corruption, a failed Windows installation, or a domain Group Policy conflict (common in corporate environments). In a workplace setting, contact your IT department — a Group Policy or WSUS server configuration may be blocking updates. For home users, if SFC and DISM both report unrepairable corruption, consider contacting Microsoft Support at support.microsoft.com or, as a last resort, performing a Windows Reset (Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC), choosing to keep your personal files.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Windows error code 0x80246007?
Error 0x80246007 is caused by the Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) failing to download a Windows Update. Common causes include a stopped or corrupted BITS service, corrupted update cache files in the SoftwareDistribution folder, third-party antivirus or firewall software blocking the download, or corrupted Windows system files.
Is error 0x80246007 dangerous or urgent?
It is a medium-severity issue. Your PC will continue to work normally, but until the update downloads successfully, you may be missing important security patches. It is recommended to resolve it within a few days, especially if the blocked update is a security or critical update.
Will resetting the Windows Update components delete my files?
No. Running the commands to reset Windows Update components (Step 3) only renames the SoftwareDistribution and catroot2 folders — it does not delete your personal files, documents, or installed applications. Windows will create new, clean versions of those folders automatically.
Why does Windows error 0x80246007 keep coming back after I fix it?
If the error returns repeatedly, it usually points to a persistent cause such as a third-party antivirus or firewall consistently blocking BITS, a Group Policy setting in a corporate network disabling automatic updates, or ongoing system file corruption. Make sure to add Windows Update exceptions to your security software and run DISM to repair system files as described in Step 5.
Can I fix error 0x80246007 on Windows 11 the same way as Windows 10?
Yes. The BITS service, SoftwareDistribution folder, SFC, and DISM commands work the same way on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The location of some settings menus differs slightly (for example, the troubleshooter is found under Settings > System > Troubleshoot on Windows 11), but all the fix steps in this guide apply to both versions.

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