Alex Ruben
Resolve Windows Update Error 0x80246018 with These Simple Steps
This guide will walk you through the steps to resolve the Windows update error 0x80246018. This error can be frustrating, especially when you need to update your system. By following this tutorial, you will learn how to reset Windows Update components, which should help fix the issue and allow your updates to proceed without errors.
Step 1: Stop Windows Update Services
Begin by stopping the necessary Windows Update services. Open Command Prompt as an administrator, then enter the following commands:
net stop bits
net stop wuauserv
net stop appidsvc
net stop cryptsvc
This will stop the Background Intelligent Transfer, Windows Update, Application Identity, and Cryptographic services.
Step 2: Delete Temporary Files
Next, you will delete the files in the Network Downloader folder:
Del "%ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\Network\Downloader\*.*"
This command will clear out any residual files that might interfere with the update process.
Step 3: Remove SoftwareDistribution Folder
Now, you need to remove the SoftwareDistribution folder, which stores temporary files for Windows updates:
rmdir %systemroot%\SoftwareDistribution /S /Q
This command deletes the folder quietly without a confirmation prompt.
Step 4: Clear Catroot2 Folder
Next, clear the Catroot2 folder, which also contains temporary update files:
rmdir %systemroot%\system32\catroot2 /S /Q
This step further ensures that old update files are removed.
Step 5: Set Service Permissions
Adjust the permissions for the BITS and Windows Update services using the following commands:
sc.exe sdset bits D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
sc.exe sdset wuauserv D:(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;SY)(A;;CCDCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRSDRCWDWO;;;BA)(A;;CCLCSWLOCRRC;;;AU)(A;;CCLCSWRPWPDTLOCRRC;;;PU)
Step 6: Register Necessary DLL Files
In the Command Prompt, navigate to the Windows System32 directory and register essential DLL files by running the following commands:
cd /d %windir%\system32
regsvr32.exe /s atl.dll
regsvr32.exe /s urlmon.dll
regsvr32.exe /s mshtml.dll
regsvr32.exe /s shdocvw.dll
regsvr32.exe /s browseui.dll
regsvr32.exe /s jscript.dll
regsvr32.exe /s vbscript.dll
regsvr32.exe /s scrrun.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml3.dll
regsvr32.exe /s msxml6.dll
regsvr32.exe /s actxprxy.dll
regsvr32.exe /s softpub.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wintrust.dll
regsvr32.exe /s dssenh.dll
regsvr32.exe /s rsaenh.dll
regsvr32.exe /s gpkcsp.dll
regsvr32.exe /s sccbase.dll
regsvr32.exe /s slbcsp.dll
regsvr32.exe /s cryptdlg.dll
regsvr32.exe /s oleaut32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s ole32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s shell32.dll
regsvr32.exe /s initpki.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuapi.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuaueng1.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wucltui.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wups.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wups2.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuweb.dll
regsvr32.exe /s qmgr.dll
regsvr32.exe /s qmgrprxy.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wucltux.dll
regsvr32.exe /s muweb.dll
regsvr32.exe /s wuwebv.dll
These commands ensure that all essential components for Windows updates are properly registered.
Step 7: Reset Winsock and Restart Services
Reset the Winsock and proxy settings with the following commands:
netsh winsock reset
netsh winsock reset proxy
Finally, restart the Windows Update services that you stopped earlier:
net start bits
net start wuauserv
net start appidsvc
net start cryptsvc
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Make sure to run Command Prompt as an administrator to avoid permission issues. If you continue receiving the same error after following these steps, consider checking your internet connection or disabling any firewall or antivirus software temporarily, as they might interfere with the update process.
Conclusion
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to resolve the Windows update error 0x80246018 and successfully install updates. If issues persist, further diagnostics or support may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Windows Update Error 0x80246018?
This error usually indicates an issue with the Windows Update services or corrupted files preventing updates from downloading.
Can I fix this error manually?
Yes, the steps provided in this guide are manual methods to reset Windows Update components and fix the error.
What should I do if I still can’t update Windows?
If the error persists, try running the Windows Update Troubleshooter or consider reinstalling Windows as a last resort.
