If you are encountering the error code 0X80246017 while trying to update your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system, you are not alone. This error typically indicates that there is an issue with downloading or installing updates. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to resolve this issue. Below, we provide a comprehensive guide to help you fix this error.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Error 0X80246017

1. Check Your Internet Connection

Ensure that your internet connection is stable. A poor connection can interrupt the update process.

2. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Windows comes with a built-in troubleshooter that can help identify and fix common update issues.

Steps:

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Go to Update & Security.
3. Click on Troubleshoot in the left pane.
4. Select Additional troubleshooters.
5. Click on Windows Update and then Run the troubleshooter.

3. Reset Windows Update Components

Sometimes, resetting the Windows Update components can resolve the issue.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator. Press Win + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).

2. Stop the BITS, Windows Update, and Cryptographic services by entering the following commands:

   net stop bits
   net stop wuauserv
   net stop appidsvc
   net stop cryptsvc

3. Rename the SoftwareDistribution and Catroot2 folders. These folders store temporary update files and renaming them forces Windows to create new ones.

   ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
   ren C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 Catroot2.old

4. Restart the BITS, Windows Update, and Cryptographic services:

   net start bits
   net start wuauserv
   net start appidsvc
   net start cryptsvc

4. Manually Download and Install the Update

If the above steps do not work, you can manually download and install the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog.

Steps:

1. Go to the Microsoft Update Catalog.
2. Search for the update using the KB number provided in the error message.
3. Download the update that matches your system architecture (x86, x64, ARM64).
4. Install the downloaded update manually.

5. Check for System File Corruption

Corrupted system files can also cause update errors. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to repair them.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

2. Run the SFC scan:

   sfc /scannow

3. If the SFC scan finds and fixes issues, restart your computer. If not, run the following DISM commands:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4. Restart your computer after the DISM commands complete.

6. Check Disk Space

Ensure that you have enough disk space for the update. Sometimes, insufficient disk space can cause update failures.

Steps:

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Right-click on the C: drive and select Properties.
3. Check the available free space. If it's low, consider deleting unnecessary files or using the Disk Cleanup tool.

7. Disable Antivirus Temporarily

Sometimes, third-party antivirus software can interfere with the update process. Temporarily disable your antivirus and try updating again.

Steps:

1. Open your antivirus software.
2. Locate the option to disable it temporarily.
3. Disable it and try running the Windows Update again.

8. Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot can help you determine if background programs are causing the update issue.

Steps:

1. Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Services tab.
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
4. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
5. Disable all startup items.
6. Restart your computer and try updating again.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the error 0X80246017 and successfully update your Windows 10 or Windows 11 system. If you continue to experience issues, consider reaching out to Microsoft Support for further assistance.