Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x80246017: How to Fix It

Medium 20-45 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0x80246017
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
20-45 minutes
Windows error code 0x80246017 means that Windows Update was unable to authorize the download for the currently logged-in user. This typically happens when your user account lacks the necessary permissions, your Windows Update service is misconfigured, or a background service has stalled or become corrupted. The good news is that this is a software-level issue with no hardware replacement required, and most users can resolve it in under 30 minutes by following the steps below.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x80246017

  1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter

    Save any open documents before running the troubleshooter, as it may prompt a system restart.

  2. Restart Windows Update-Related Services

  3. Reset Windows Update Components via Command Prompt

    You must run Command Prompt as an administrator or these commands will fail. Do not close the Command Prompt window mid-process.

  4. Check and Repair User Account Permissions

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

    Do not interrupt either scan. Your PC may appear slow during the scan — this is normal.

  6. Manually Download and Install the Update

    Only download updates directly from the official Microsoft Update Catalog website to avoid malware risks.

  7. Check Date, Time, and Regional Settings

  8. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus or VPN

    Re-enable your antivirus as soon as the update completes. Do not browse the internet with real-time protection turned off.
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When to Call a Professional

If you have completed all steps above and Windows Update still fails with error 0x80246017, contact Microsoft Support at support.microsoft.com or seek help from a qualified PC technician. Professional help is also recommended if: your Windows installation appears severely corrupted (SFC and DISM both report unfixable errors), your user account is managed by a corporate IT policy that restricts update permissions, or you are unable to access an administrator account on the device. In enterprise environments, your IT department may need to adjust Group Policy settings to resolve this error.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Windows error code 0x80246017 mean?
Error 0x80246017 means Windows Update could not authorize the download of an update for the current user. This is typically caused by insufficient account permissions, corrupted Windows Update service components, misconfigured system settings, or interference from third-party software such as antivirus programs or VPNs.
Why does 0x80246017 keep coming back after I fix it?
If the error returns repeatedly, the root cause may not have been fully resolved. Common recurring causes include a third-party antivirus or VPN that re-activates and blocks update authorization, corrupted Windows Update cache files that regenerate, or a deeper system file corruption that requires a full Windows repair install. Try adding Windows Update to your antivirus exclusions and ensuring your system clock stays synced automatically.
Can I fix 0x80246017 without being an administrator?
No — because this error is specifically about user authorization, you need an administrator account to apply most of the fixes. If your account is a Standard User, contact the administrator of the PC or, on a personal computer, log in with the built-in administrator account to change your account type to Administrator.
Will I lose data fixing Windows error 0x80246017?
No, none of the recommended fixes for this error delete personal files. The fixes involve restarting services, renaming temporary cache folders, and running system repair tools — none of which affect your documents, photos, or installed applications. As a general best practice, keeping regular backups of important files is always recommended before making any system changes.
Does error 0x80246017 affect Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes, error 0x80246017 can appear on both Windows 10 and Windows 11. The troubleshooting steps are nearly identical for both operating systems. The menus and settings app may look slightly different between versions, but the underlying services (Windows Update, BITS, Cryptographic Services) and command-line tools (SFC, DISM) work the same way on both.

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