How to Fix Error 0X80244018 in Windows 10 and 11

Introduction: Error 0X80244018 is a common issue that Windows 10 and 11 users may encounter when trying to update their operating system. This error is related to Windows Update and can prevent users from downloading and installing important updates, potentially leaving their system vulnerable to security risks. In this article, we will explore the causes of Error 0X80244018 and provide step-by-step instructions on how to resolve it in the Windows environment.

Examples: Example 1: Clearing Windows Update cache using Command Prompt

1. Press the Windows key + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" to open an elevated Command Prompt.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: net stop wuauserv
3. Next, enter the command: net stop cryptSvc
4. Then, type: net stop bits
5. Finally, enter: net stop msiserver
6. After executing these commands, navigate to the following location on your computer: C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution
7. Delete all the files and folders within the SoftwareDistribution folder.
8. Restart your computer and try updating Windows again.

Example 2: Resetting Windows Update components using PowerShell

1. Open PowerShell as an administrator by right-clicking the Start button and selecting "Windows PowerShell (Admin)."
2. Type the following command and press Enter: Get-Service -Name wuauserv, cryptSvc, bits, msiserver | Stop-Service -Force
3. Next, enter: Remove-Item -Path C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution -Recurse -Force
4. Restart your computer and check if the error is resolved.

Conclusion: Error 0X80244018 can be frustrating, but with the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve it in Windows 10 and 11. By clearing the Windows Update cache and resetting the Windows Update components, you can overcome this error and ensure that your system stays up to date with the latest security patches and improvements. Remember to always keep your operating system updated to maintain a secure and reliable computing experience.