Microsoft Windows Error Code 0x8024A105: How to Fix It

Medium 30-90 minutes Medium Severity Verified June 2026
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Error Code
0x8024A105
Brand
Microsoft Windows
Product Type
operating_system
Severity
Medium
DIY Difficulty
Medium
Estimated Fix Time
30-90 minutes
Windows error code 0x8024A105 means that Windows Update failed to automatically download an update, most commonly seen on Windows 10 version 1803 and nearby builds. This happens when the Windows Update service encounters a corrupted cache, a stuck download session, or a conflict with background services that prevents the update file from completing its download. The good news is that this error is almost always fixable without any hardware changes — a few targeted software steps will resolve it in most cases.
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Tools You'll Need

How to Fix Error Code 0x8024A105

  1. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

  2. Restart the Windows Update Services

  3. Clear the Windows Update Cache

    Do not delete the SoftwareDistribution folder — renaming it is safer. Windows will recreate a fresh folder automatically.

  4. Run DISM and SFC to Repair System Files

    Do not close the Command Prompt window while DISM or SFC are running, even if they appear frozen. Interrupting these tools can cause additional system issues.

  5. Manually Download the Failed Update

  6. Check Your Disk Space

  7. Temporarily Disable Third-Party Antivirus or VPN

    Only disable antivirus protection briefly and only while connected to a trusted private network. Re-enable it immediately after the update completes.

  8. Reset Windows Update Components Using the Reset Script

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When to Call a Professional

Contact a professional technician or Microsoft Support if you have completed all steps and the error persists, if DISM reports it cannot repair component store corruption and requires installation media, if multiple Windows system services refuse to start even after repair attempts, or if your PC is a managed corporate device where IT policy controls Windows Update settings. You should also seek help if a previous failed update has left Windows partially broken or unbootable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Windows error code 0x8024A105?
Error 0x8024A105 is caused by a failure in the Windows Update automatic download process. The most common triggers are a corrupted Windows Update cache in the SoftwareDistribution folder, one or more Windows Update-related services that have crashed or stopped, corrupted system files that prevent update components from working, insufficient disk space on the C: drive, or third-party antivirus and VPN software blocking the update server connection.
Is error 0x8024A105 dangerous or will it harm my PC?
No, error 0x8024A105 is not dangerous to your hardware and will not corrupt your existing Windows installation. It simply means a pending update could not be downloaded. However, leaving it unresolved for a long time means your PC may miss important security patches, so it is worth fixing promptly even though the error itself is not harmful.
Does clearing the Windows Update cache delete my personal files?
No. The Windows Update cache (the SoftwareDistribution folder) only contains temporary update download files, not your personal documents, photos, or installed applications. Renaming or clearing this folder is completely safe and only removes previously downloaded update packages that Windows will simply re-download as needed.
How long does the DISM repair tool take to finish?
The DISM /RestoreHealth command typically takes between 10 and 30 minutes depending on your internet connection speed and the condition of your system files. It may appear to pause or freeze at certain percentage points — this is normal. Do not close the Command Prompt window. If it genuinely stalls for more than 60 minutes without any change, you may need to run it using Windows installation media as the source.
Why does Windows 10 version 1803 get this error more often than other versions?
Windows 10 version 1803 (April 2018 Update) was released during a period when Microsoft was transitioning update delivery mechanisms. Some update packages for that era had compatibility issues with certain hardware configurations and network environments, making download failures more frequent. If your system is still running version 1803, consider upgrading to a more current Windows 10 or Windows 11 version, as 1803 is no longer supported by Microsoft and receives no security updates.

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