However, sometimes Windows Update may not work as expected and will instead throw an error saying “There were problems installing some updates.” If you encounter error code 0x80244018 when updating Windows, it means something is interfering with the process.
What Causes the Windows Update Error 0x80244018?
Windows Update Error 0x80244018 occurs when the update service can’t connect to the update server. This can be caused by a number of things, including:
The update server is down or unavailable. You’re not connected to the internet. There is a third-party antivirus on your computer that blocks Windows Update. There might be corrupt or missing files on your computer that prevents Windows Update from working properly.
You may also have this problem if your VPN or proxy blocks Windows Update, or if some type of communication interference is between the client and server.
As you now know what this error code is and why it occurs, let’s explore the solutions
How to Fix Windows Update Error 0x80244018
If you’ve been experiencing Windows Update Error 0x80244018, there are a few things you can do to resolve the issue. First, restart your computer, which is normally what users recommend when they are experiencing Windows Update errors.
If the problem persists after restarting your computer, it’s time to get a little more technical.
1. Run Windows Update Troubleshooter
Windows OS comes with a built-in feature called Windows Update Troubleshooter. It allows you to troubleshoot update problems during the installation process. This tool identifies the problem preventing Windows Updates and fixes it automatically.
Press the Win + I keys to open Windows Settings. Select the Update & Security category from the Settings menu. Choose Troubleshoot from the left navigation bar. Then go to the right pane and click on Additional troubleshooter. Scroll down and select Windows Update on the next page. Then click on Run the troubleshooter.
It may take some time to complete the troubleshooting, so don’t worry if the process seems to take a long time. When you have completed the above steps, go to Windows Update and see if it solves the error code.
2. Disable or Remove Any Third-Party Antivirus Programs
If you’re having trouble updating Windows, it might be because you have a third-party antivirus program installed. In this case, you may want to try uninstalling your antivirus program and then updating your Windows. Here is how to do this:
Open the Run Command dialog box. Type Control Panel in the text box and press Enter to launch the Control Panel. Select Large icons under View by drop-down menu in the Control Panel window. It will display a complete list of all items. On the next page, click the Programs and Features option. Right-click on the antivirus program you wish to remove in the pop-up. Next, select Uninstall from the context menu. If the UAC window pops up, select Yes to continue. You will then see a confirmation dialog; click the Uninstall button again.
When the process is complete, restart your computer and check Windows Update to make sure it solves the error code. If that doesn’t work, you can scan for viruses without buying antivirus software to remove any malicious programs that the tools find.
3. Restart Important Windows Services
Services like the Windows Update Service, Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and Cryptographic Services all play a crucial role in making updates run smoothly. When any of these services are stopped or disabled, updates may not work correctly. To restart a service, follow the below steps.
Click on the Start menu and type Services into the search box. The Services app will appear in the search results; select it. Scroll down to the Windows Update service in the Services window. Click twice on it to open its properties. Set the Startup type to Automatic in the Properties window. Now click Start under Service status. After you have made the changes, click Apply and then OK.
After completing the above steps, continue to perform the above steps with some other services on your computer. These services are:
Background Intelligent Transfer Service. Cryptographic Service. DCOM Server Process Launcher. RPC Endpoint Mapper. Windows Installer. Windows Update Medic Service.
4. Disable the Proxy Settings
If you’re still having trouble, it’s likely due to a problem with your proxy settings. In such a case, you can simply turn off the proxy server and run Windows Update again to see if the error is resolved. Here’s how it works:
Right-click on Start and select Settings from the menu list. Select Network and Internet on the next screen. From the left pane, click on Proxy. Under Automatic proxy setup, toggle off the option for Automatically detect settings. Go to Manual proxy setup and disable the toggle for User a proxy server.
5. Troubleshoot in a Clean Boot
In case Error 0x80244018 persists, you should perform a clean boot. This will help to rule out any third-party applications that may be causing the problem. Follow these steps to take.
Search for System Configuration and select it from the search result. In the dialog box, type msconfig and press Enter. Go to the General tab in the System Configuration window. Put a checkmark next to Selective startup. Uncheck the Load startup items box. Now go to the Services tab. Select Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all. To save the changes, click the Apply button. Switch to the Startup tab and select Open Task Manager. When you are on the Startup tab, right-click each service and disable it. Click OK to save the changes.
Once you have finished editing System Configuration, restart your computer and try updating Windows.
Resolving the Windows Update Error 0x80244018
It is likely that the information in this article has helped you resolve Windows Update Error 0x80244018. There are a few things that you can try to fix this error, such as disabling the proxy settings. You can also try removing all security software and the firewall, and running Windows Update Troubleshooter. In case none of these work, try restoring the system.
